Investigation of the effects of using ribs on cyclone’s vortex finder on its performance

Introduction: Generally, geometrical parameters of the cyclone have a profound effect on determining its performance. The air outlet (Vortex Finder) as one of the cyclone’s components has a significant impact on the cyclone’s internal flow pattern, pressure drop and even dust removal efficiency. Material and Methods: Two different air outlets were designed in order to be easily installed and removed. The ribs (both in the opposite and the same swirl direction with the air flow) were inserted at the inner wall of the vortex finder. The step length of the blades was calculated to be 1.5. The dust feeder was injected the silica particles with a concentration about of 2.1 gr/m3 into the inlet air. The results of dust removal efficiency of the cyclone were calculated and compared for three groups of total dust, PM10 and PM2.5 in different experimental conditions. Results: Installation of spiral blades in same swirl direction as the air flow inside the cyclone increased 7.75, 7.73 and 6.75 percent in total efficiency, PM10 and PM2.5, respectively. The dust removal efficiencies for total dust, PM10 and PM2.5 increased by 2.6%, 2.33% and 1.5%, respectively, when the swirl direction of ribs and air flow was the opposite. The effect of helical blades on pressure drop for the first experimental setup (same direction) decreased by (- 2.5%) and in the second one (opposite direction) increased by (+ 2.03%). The best quality factor was also calculated for the cyclone with the blade aligned with the air flow direction. Conclusion: Use of ribs in the inner wall of the cyclone vortex finder, especially when the rotation direction of the ribs and airflow are the same, leads to a decrease in pressure drop and increase in dust collection efficiency which finally leads to improvement of cyclone performance.