Chapters authored
Particle Adhesion in Cyclone Particle Separators
Cyclone particle separators use centrifugal forces generated by swirling flow to separate particles from particle-laden flow. They are one of the key components of vacuum cleaners. However, fine particles tend to adhere on the internal wall of the cyclone and, in the worst case; this can cause severe blockage of the cyclone exit. Interactions between particles and a solid wall in cyclone are very complex and affected by many factors. Thus, the mechanism of particle adhesion is poorly understood. This book chapter will begin with a brief introduction of the working principle and common configurations of cyclone particle separators. The characteristics of particle adhesion patterns in a cyclone particle separator will then be presented and the mechanisms will be discussed based on our experimental results. After this, an experimental study supplemented by CFD simulations aiming to understand the effect of particle inlet positions on particle adhesion will be reported. Finally, a 2D numerical simulation which models interactions of particles with a solid wall and provides an insight of the key parameters that influence the particle adhesion process will be described. The finding from this work will benefit the design of cyclone particle separators for vacuum cleaners.
Part of the book: Swirling Flows and Flames