Review of computational models for cyclone-type dust collectors

The problem of gas purification from aerosols and dust particles is relevant for a wide variety of industries. This review focuses on certain aspects of the operation of cyclone-type dust collectors, which are widely used for separating solid particles and gas. First, we describe some of the capabilities of computational fluid dynamics for analyzing the operation of dust collectors that generate swirling flows within the apparatus. This can ensure efficient separation of gas and dust due to centrifugal force. The results of numerical modeling of gas and dust component dynamics are discussed, depending on the internal geometry of the chamber, the characteristics of the gas inlet and outlet channels, the gas inflow velocity, and other factors. Computational experiments can form the basis for solving optimization problems in the design of various cyclone types. Cyclone operating conditions with inflow velocities of 5−30 m/sec generate developed turbulence with typical pulsation velocities of 0.3−1.5 m/sec. Thus, flow structure is largely determined by turbulence and the corresponding turbulent viscosity. Analysis of gas-dynamic simulation results using different turbulence models (TMs) reveals the strong sensitivity of flow structure and separation efficiency to the choice of TM. This poses the challenge of selecting a dust collector for a specific design and operating conditions for collecting dust particles. Computational fluid dynamics models enable effective optimization of dust collectors, selecting designs with higher gas and particle separation efficiency and limited pressure drop in the system.