Development of a new method for evaluating cyclone efficiency

A new theoretical method for evaluating cyclone efficiency is developed based on the investigation of flow pattern, the critical particle size separation theory and the boundary layer separation theory. The radial particle concentration gradient, instead of the usually assumed uniforrn radial particle concentration within the cyclone, is considered in this mathematical model. The local particle concentration and the cyclone grade efficiency can be calculated on the base of a time-of-flight model in terms of the particle size distribution of the feed. The availability of the method is verified by comparison of the calculated grade efficiency with experimental data and theoretical counterparts in the literature. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.