CFD analysis of particle laden flow in a cyclone separator using RANS and LES methodologies

Abstract

In the present work, numerical study of a gas-solid flow inside reverse flow type of cyclones are carried out using Euler-Lagrange approach. All numerical simulations are carried out using ANSYS FLUENT having the same performance parameters. Reynolds Stress Model and Large Eddy Simulation are applied for fluid flow simulation, hence solid particles are simulated using Discrete Phase Model. The objective is to study the effect of the geometrical parameters on cyclone performance and to optimize the significant geometrical parameters. For that, the study of each single parameter like vortex finder diameter, cone length, vortex finder length, barrel height and con-tip diameter is done separately that is having different ranges for each parameter. The final optimum design having optimum pressure drop and optimum collection efficiency is identified from performance curves of individual parameters. A comparison of numerical simulation of the optimum new design and the Stairmand High-Efficiency design shows particle collection efficiency and total pressure drop has significantly improved on the new proposed design compared to the Stairmand High-Efficiency design.