Cyclone optimization including particle clustering

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

André Alves (Author) Other; Júlio Paiva (Author) FEUP; Romualdo Salcedo (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Powder Technology

Vol. 272

Pages: 14-22

ISSN: 0032-5910

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Science

Scopus

INSPEC

Associated Projects

LEPABE - Laboratório de Engenharia de Processos, Ambiente, Biotecnologia e Energia

Other information

DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2014.11.016

Abstract (EN): In this work, a new family of geometries of reverse-flow cyclones was obtained through numerical optimization, using a stochastic random search global optimizer coupled with the PACyc model. The objective was to optimize the geometry of a reverse-flow cyclone taking into account inter-particle agglomeration (clustering), since this phenomenon usually occurs to some degree in industrial cyclone operation, increasing the collection of fine particles. Experimental results for three kinds of particles and particle size distributions are shown using a pilot-scale unit. An industrial implementation of the new optimized cyclone is described and the results concerning the performance of the system are shown and compared with predictions from the PACyc model. The results show a highly improved global efficiency when compared to that of a cyclone geometry obtained by a similar optimization methodology while neglecting the agglomeration/clustering effect. This opens the possibility of using reverse-flow cyclones to capture very fine particles, complying with strict emission limits, such as those from biomass boiler exhausts.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9