Analysis and derivation of optimum operating conditions of Lapple cyclone separator by using CFD

Cyclones are one of the most extensively used gas cleaning equipment in the industry. Current empirical model based cyclone designs and performance prediction have many limitations due to complex nature of the gas-solid flow field. Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulation could be useful to predict cyclone performance as an alternative approach. This paper represents a CFD simulation of a Lapple cyclone separator using OpenFOAM software. The flow field of cyclone was obtained by using Reynolds averaged Navier-Stockes equations combine with k-e closure model. Flow field pressure and velocity distribution were obtained from the simulation and they were compared with the literature to evaluate the model validity. Multiphase Particle in Cell (MPPIC) method was used for the particle modeling, in which particle interactions with other particles were represented by models. Tangential gas velocity profile, pressure drop and particulate collection efficiency of cyclone obtained from the model were comparable to experimental results in the literature. Optimum values for inlet gas-solid velocity and particulate loading rate for the Lapple cyclone were obtained by this analysis. Pressure drop variation with gas-solid inlet velocity which has been obtained by this analysis could be useful to minimize the energy requirement while maintaining the required collection efficiency.