Controlling Air Pollution Using Cyclones

Vocabulary flashcards covering definitions, designs, efficiencies, advantages, limitations, and industrial roles of cyclone separators in air pollution control.

Cyclone (Air Pollution Control)

A fundamental device that removes particulate matter from industrial gas streams using centrifugal and inertial forces.

Cyclone Separator

Equipment where contaminated gas spirals through a cylindrical–conical chamber to separate particles from the airstream.

Centrifugal Separation

The process in which rotating gas flow forces particles outward to the cyclone wall for collection.

Spiralling Gas Flow

Downward, circular motion of dirty gas inside a cyclone that initiates particle separation.

Particle Collection (Cyclone)

Stage where heavier particles hit chamber walls and slide by gravity into a hopper.

Clean Gas Exit

Upward flow of purified air through the central outlet after particle removal.

Tangential Inlet, Axial Dust Outlet Cyclone

Cyclone type with tangential gas entry and dust exiting along the axis at the bottom.

Tangential Inlet, Peripheral Dust Outlet Cyclone

Cyclone design in which gas enters tangentially and dust is discharged around the perimeter.

Axial Inlet, Axial Dust Outlet Cyclone

Cyclone where both gas entry and dust removal occur along the central axis.

Axial Inlet, Peripheral Dust Outlet Cyclone

Separator with central gas entry and dust discharged near the walls.

Multicyclone

Housing containing many small cyclones operating in parallel to treat large gas volumes.

Overall Control Efficiency

Typical particulate removal rate of 70–99 % for cyclones.

PM10 Control Efficiency

Typical cyclone removal rate of 30–95 % for particles ≤10 µm, design-dependent.

PM2.5 Capture (High-Efficiency Cyclone)

Up to 70 % removal of fine particulate matter ≤2.5 µm using specialized designs.

10 µm Particle Effectiveness

Size range where cyclones perform best, capturing most particles larger than 10 µm.

Industrial Applications of Cyclones

Used in many industries as pre-cleaners before fabric filters or ESPs to protect downstream equipment.

Pre-Cleaner Function

Role of removing large, abrasive particles to extend life of subsequent filtration systems.

Cyclone Size Range

Commercial units vary from ~1.5 m to ~9 m tall, tailored to process demands.

Simple & Robust Design

Characteristic of having no moving parts, leading to durability and easy construction.

Cost-Effectiveness

Low maintenance and operating expenses that make cyclones economical.

Easy Disposal (Dry Collection)

Dry particulate capture simplifies handling and waste management.

Compact Footprint

Small space requirement and low installation cost of cyclone systems.

Particle Size Limitation

Reduced efficiency for capturing very fine particles smaller than 2.5 µm.

Erosion Risk

Abrasive particles can wear cyclone interiors, necessitating inspection and maintenance.

Plugging Issues

Potential blockage of inlets or dust outlets, reducing performance.

Air Leakage

Unintended air entry diminishes collection efficiency in cyclone separators.

Pressure Drop & Energy Use

Higher efficiency often demands increased pressure drop, raising energy consumption.

Role in Air Pollution Control

Cyclones act as indispensable first-stage particulate removers, improving overall system efficiency and sustainability.