Energy oriented study of industrial cyclone separators

This study was conducted to obtain data for an estimate of the current and anticipated energy demand for the operation of industrial cyclone separators. The information sources used were technical papers and texts on the subject and a survey of manufacturers of cyclone separators. Estimates of the nationwide energy consumption of single gas cyclones, multiple tube gas cyclones, and liquid cyclones were obtained separately. These were added to obtain the total consumption for the three types. To this total was added an energy consumption estimate for the wet cyclone scrubbers manufactured by a single company. The final estimate of the gross annual energy consumption of cyclone devices is 0.38 exajoule (0.37 quad). The total energy consumption of cyclone separators will probably grow at a pace commensurate with that of industry as a whole. Immediate energy conservation can be achieved by using cyclones in series with other solids-collecting unit operations in such a way as to minimize energy consumption. Many systems designers are doing this now, but a more imaginative examination of alternatives is urged. A breakthrough in designing cyclones for reduced energy consumption, while maintaining collection efficiency, seems possible. Research in this area is recommended.