Small Electrocyclone Performance

Cyclone Separators and Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs) are both effective particle separators. The former are more efficient at removing the larger particles, while the latter more suited to removing the smaller size classes. We explore the performance of an "Electrocyclone", constructed by simply retrofitting an electrode coaxially to a small existing "Whitby" cyclone. Tests were performed with respect to particle size, resitivity, loading and various other operating parameters. Non-electrical separation efficiencies ranged from 71 to 75 % and with the application of additional electrical forces the increase in separation efficiency was between 17 and 21 % at a cyclone Reynolds number of 19000, with the most conductive particle most easily separated. Further parametric testing correlated the effects of dust loading, electrocyclone Reynolds Number and particle cut upon separation efficiency. In particular we show that the separation of the smallest size cuts (D < 38 μm) of the dust sample almost doubled upon application of the corona. We conclude, based on this initial study of small devices, the range of use of cyclones may be extended significantly by the application of additional electrophoretic separation.