Cyclone Separator Principle , Construction , working , Advantages

Principle :

in Cyclone separator the centrifugal force is used to separate particles . the separation depends on particle size as well as on density of the particles .

Therefore cyclone separator may be used to achieve separation on the basis of the particle size or on the particle density or both .

Depending upon the fluid velocity the cyclone separator can be used to separate all particles or to remove only coarser particles and allow fine particles to be carried through with the fluid .  

Construction :

It Consist of  a cylindrical vessel with a conical base  .

The Upper part of the vessel is fitted with a tangential inlet and a fluid outlet and at the base it is fitted with the solid outlet .

Workings:

The Suspension of solid and gas usually air is introduced tangentially into the separator at a very high velocity .

Air gets a rotatory movement in the vessel due to the vessels shape and its tangential entry .

A high speed rotating flow is established within the cyclone separator causes the particles to be acted on by centrifugal force .

the bigger particles are thrown out to the walls and then fall to the conical base and discharged out through a solid outlet .

the Fine particle are carried by air and passed out through the central outlet at the top .

A dust bag may be placed at the outlet to collect the fine particles . Air passes out of the bag and fine particles are retained  .

Advantages :

1. flow optimized design is possible.

2. Low maintenance charge  (no moving parts )

3. Handle liquid or dry material .

Disadvantages :

1. High operation cost .