Computer calculations of two-dimensional gas-particle flow through a separa
tor which consists of four rows of U-beam elements show that particles coar
ser than 100 mu m are fully separated in the first two rows, particles with
dimensions 30-80 mu m have better separation in the 3rd and 4th rows, but
with less total efficiency. The design of U-beam separators influences the
pressure drop more than the separation efficiency. The pressure drop increa
ses with an increase of particle concentration in the flow. Visual observat
ion using a liquid model confirms the general results of the calculations a
nd shows the swirl in the cavities of the U-beam elements (primarily in the
first two rows). (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.