Collection efficiency of cyclone separators

Based on terLinden's (A. J. terLinden, “Investigations into Cyclone Dust Collectors,” IME Proc., 160, 233, 1949) experimental observations, a three-region model is proposed for the fluid flow in a cyclone. Within each region, turbulence is assumed to promote mixing of the suspended particles. Incorporation of this mixing concept into the three-region model allows an analytic expression for the collection efficiency of the cyclone to be developed. The theoretical result is compared with data obtained in the high temperature, high pressure exhaust from a pressurized fluidized bed combustor.