Global optimization of reverse-flow gas cyclones: Application to small-scale cyclone design

This paper addresses the optimum design of reverse-flow gas cyclones throug h the solution of 2 numerical nonlinear optimization problems that respecti vely maximize cyclone collection and an efficiency/cost ratio. The simulati on model was based on the predictive properties of the 1998 finite diffusiv ity model of Mothes and Loffler, in which the particle turbulent dispersion coefficient is estimated through an empirical correlation between the radi al Peclet and Reynolds numbers. The optimizations were formulated with cons traints on pressure drop, saltation velocity, and geometrical consideration s such that feasible cyclones could always be obtained. The two geometries, named RS_VHE and RS_K, are different from available high-efficiency design s and represent reverse-flow cyclones with a predicted, significantly impro ved performance. The geometry RS_VHE was built and tested on a laboratory s cale, providing experimental evidence of a significantly improved design.