Numerical investigation on the effect of feed operating parameters and inlet structure on a cyclone utilizing flow splitting for performance enhancement

The shunting technique is regarded as one of the most crucial approaches for suppressing localized secondary flow within a cyclone. This study employs the Reynolds stress model and discrete phase model to investigate the impact of inlet structure and feed operating parameters on the performance of enhanced cyclone with split flow (ECSF), aiming to further enhance its efficiency. The findings demonstrate that the optimum feed velocity of ECSF is 29 m/s, which surpasses that of Lapple cyclone at 23 m/s. In addition, both a contracting inlet and multiple inlets contribute to enhancing the separation efficiency of ECSF. Specifically, ECSF with a contracting inlet exhibits a total separation efficiency of 86.8% for 2.5 μm particles, representing an improvement of 12.3% compared to ECSF with a straight inlet configuration. The enhancement in separation efficiency achieved through the implementation of the four-inlet design is even more pronounced. The segregated particles are directed into the discharge pipe via either underflow or bypass flow, and the trajectory of particle entry into the discharge pipe is closely associated with their cross-sectional positioning prior to entering the cylinder. [Display omitted] •Optimal feed velocity of ECSF is 29 m/s, larger than the 23 m/s of the Lapple cyclone.•Location of feed particles will affect particle trajectories.•ECSF-CI exhibits a total separation efficiency of 86.8% for 2.5 μm particles, 12.3% higher than that of ECSF-SI.•Multiple straight inlets contribute to separation efficiency of ECSF.