Performance evaluation of a centrifugal cyclone separator for construction dust under varying airflow rates, dust loading, and humidity conditions

Abstract The present study focuses on the design and fabrication of a centrifugal cyclone separator for dust removal in construction site applications. Experimental investigations were conducted by varying the inlet air velocity, moisture content, and dust mass concentration for four commonly encountered construction dust types: coal dust, cement dust, soil dust, and foundry sand. The investigated parameters were studied independently. The experimental results indicate that increasing the inlet air velocity and dust mass concentration reduces both the cut-off diameter and the mean particle diameter. Conversely, higher air velocity and dust loading significantly enhance the fractional efficiency, separation efficiency, and overall collection efficiency of the cyclone separator. The maximum cut-off diameter and particle diameter recorded were 5.7 μm and 6.75 μm, respectively, whereas the highest fractional efficiency, separation efficiency, and overall collection efficiency achieved were 74.7%, 83%, and 64.25%, respectively. Among the tested dust types, foundry sand exhibited the highest separation efficiency, while coal dust demonstrated the lowest collection performance. Furthermore, a moisture content of 12% yielded the optimum observed under the investigated experimental conditions separation efficiency, highlighting the beneficial effect of moderate humidity on particle capture. Flow pattern analysis further revealed that, with the current cyclone configuration, particles undergo approximately nine revolutions within the separator before being collected, thereby contributing to enhanced particle separation.