Effect of inlet area on the performance of a two-stage cyclone separator

The cyclone separator is an important separation device.This paper presents a new type of embedded two-stage cyclone,which includes a 2 nd-stage cyclone(internal traditional cyclone)with multiple inlets and a 1 st-stage cyclone(outer cylinder)that unifies the 2 nd-stage cyclone inlets into one inlet.The Taguchi experimental method was used to study the two-stage cyclone separator’s inlet area on its performance.Studies have shown that the increase of the 1 st-stage cyclone inlet area and the increase in the number of 2 nd-stage cyclone inlets(N)positively affect reducing the pressure drop and a negative effect on efficiency.It is recommended to use 2 S(the original 1 st-stage cyclone inlet area)of the 1 st-stage cyclone inlet area and 2 N of the 2 nd-stage cyclone inlets when separating fine particles.Compared with a traditional cyclone,the pressure drop is reduced by 1303 Pa,the mass separation efficiency(Eq)is increased by 0.56%,and the number separation efficiency(En)is increased by 2.05%.When separating larger particles,it is recommended to use 2 S of the 1 st-stage cyclone inlet area and 4 N of the 2 nd-stage cyclone inlets.Compared with a traditional cyclone,although Endecreases slightly,the pressure drop is reduced by 3055 Pa,and the Eqis increased by 0.56%.The research results provide new insight into the design of the cyclone.