50-150mm Diameter Cyclones: Overview and Applications Cyclones within the 50-150mm diameter range are compact, highly efficient centrifugal separation devices widely used across industries for particle-laden gas or liquid stream separation. Their design leverages centrifugal force to remove particulates from fluids, making them ideal for applications requiring space efficiency, low maintenance, and reliable performance without filters or moving parts. Design and Working Principle These cyclones feature a tangential inlet, conical or cylindrical body, and an apex (underflow) and vortex finder (overflow). As the fluid enters tangentially, it spirals downward, creating a vortex. Heavier particles migrate outward due to centrifugal force, slide along the wall, and exit through the underflow, while cleaned fluid reverses direction and exits via the vortex finder. Key design parameters include: - Diameter: Smaller diameters (50-100mm) suit high-velocity, fine particle separation; larger ones (100-150mm) handle higher flow rates with moderate efficiency. - Inlet/Outlet Ratio: Optimized to balance pressure drop and separation efficiency. - Cone Angle: Affects particle retention time; steeper angles improve coarse particle separation. Performance Characteristics - Efficiency: Higher for larger or denser particles (>5µm). Efficiency drops for sub-micron particles unless multi-cyclone arrangements are used. - Pressure Drop: Typically 500–2000 Pa, depending on design and flow rate. Smaller cyclones have higher pressure drops due to increased velocity. - Cut Size (d₅₀): Ranges from 2–10µm for 50-150mm cyclones under optimal conditions. Applications 1. Dust Collection: Used in woodworking, metal grinding, or pharmaceutical industries to capture fine dust before exhaust. 2. Air Pollution Control: Pre-filters for stack emissions or indoor air purification. 3. Liquid-Solid Separation: In mining or food processing to recover solids from slurries. 4. HVAC Systems: Removes particulate matter from airstreams in compact spaces. Advantages - No Moving Parts: Minimal wear and maintenance. - Cost-Effective: Lower operational costs vs. baghouses or scrubbers. - Compactness: Fits into tight spaces, suitable for modular systems. Limitations - Fine Particle Challenge: Sub-micron particles may require secondary filtration. - Clogging Risk: Sticky or fibrous materials can block the apex. Conclusion 50-150mm cyclones offer a robust, scalable solution for particulate separation in diverse settings. Their efficiency, simplicity, and adaptability make them indispensable in both industrial and environmental applications, though proper sizing and operational conditions are critical for optimal performance.