SUBMICROMETER PARTICLE SEPARATION VIA HIGH-SPEED GAS CENTRIFUGES

The separation of submicrometre particulate matter from gases is a pro blem that has attracted much interest over the years. Filter systems r equire low face velocities and hence tend to be of large size, while a lso requiring sophisticated, bulky, regeneration systems. A high-speed centrifuge which can be linked with a turbocharger has been developed which can remove particulates well into the submicrometre range in di ameter. The centrifuge operates at speeds of up to 60 000 r/min, with the assistance of both axial thrust air bearings and radial foil beari ngs. Experimental analysis of the centrifuge using particle sizing tec hniques etc. has shown the effectiveness of the system operating at a range of different flowrates. This has been done by comparing the rela tive effectiveness of the system for the different flowrates. The pape r discusses the analysis of the separative efficiency (i.e. the abilit y to concentrate particles into a small proportion of the gas) of the present system and the predicted efficiencies of future systems.