Cyclone Separator.
Principle:
It uses centrifugal force to separate solids from fluids.
The separation process depends on particle size and particle density.
Construction:
It is made up of a short vertical, cylindrical vessel with a conical base.
The upper part of the vessel is fitted with a tangential inlet.
The solid outlet is at the base.
Fluid outlet is provided at the center of the top portion, which extends inwardly into the separator.
Such an arrangement prevents the air short-circuiting directly from the inlet to the outlet of the fluid.
Working:
The solids to be separated are suspended in a stream of fluid (usually air or water).
Such feed is introduced tangentially at a very high velocity, so that rotary movement takes place within the vessel.
The centrifugal force throws the particles to the wall of the vessel.
As the speed of the fluid (air) diminishes, the particles fall to the base and are collected at the solid outlet.
The fluid (air) can escape from the central outlet at the top.
Uses:
Cyclone separators are used to separate solid particles from gases.
It is also used for size separation of solids in liquids.
It is used to separate the heavy and coarse fraction from fine dust.
Variants :
Cyclone separators are also used for size separation of solids suspended in a liquid such as water.
Such separators are known as wet or liquid cyclones.
One such apparatus used for this purpose Is : dorrclone.
Commonly Asked Questions.
With a well labelled diagram describe construction and working of “Cyclone Separator”.
Write a short note on “Cyclone Separator”.