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ARS Home » Plains Area » Lubbock, Texas » Cropping Systems Research Laboratory » Cotton Production and Processing Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #140317
Title: EFFECT OF AIR DENSITY ON CYCLONE PERFORMANCE AND SYSTEM DESIGN

Author
item WANG, LINGJUAN - TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
item Buser, Michael
item PARNELL, CLAVIN - TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
item SHAW, BRYAN - TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Transactions of the ASAE
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/12/2003
Publication Date: 9/4/2003
Citation: Wang, L., Buser, M.D., Parnell, C.B., Shaw, B.W. 2003. Effect of air density on cyclone performance and system design. Transactions of the ASAE. 46(4):1193-1201.

Interpretive Summary: In the agricultural processing industry, 2D-2D and 1D-3D cyclones have been used for particulate matter control for years. Previous researchers have documented optimum inlet velocities for the 1D-3D, 2D-2D, and 1D-2D cyclones, but the literature does not specify whether the velocities are based on standard or actual air conditions. If the velocities are based on actual air conditions, then the assumption is that air density does not affect cyclone performance. In fact, most cyclones have been, and are being designed based on actual air conditions. This research was designed to evaluate 1D-3D and 2D-2D cyclones to determine whether or not air density affects cyclone performance. The tests showed that inlet velocities based on actual air conditions produced higher particulate matter exit concentrations than velocities based on standard air conditions. Further, the differences were enhanced as the size and concentration of the particulate matter increased. The experimental results indicated that air density does affect cyclone performance and that the industry standard optimum cyclone inlet velocities should correspond to standard air conditions.

Technical Abstract: 1D-3D and 2D-2D cyclones were evaluated to determine the effects of air density on cyclone performance. Two sets of inlet design velocities were used for the tests - one set based on actual airflow and the other set based on standard airflow. The experimental results indicated that air density does affect cyclone performance and that the industry standard optimum cyclone inlet velocities should correspond to standard air conditions. The cyclone inlet velocity reference guidelines for 1D-3D, 2D-2D, and 1D-2D cyclones should be 3200, 3000, and 2400 feet per minute of standard air. These design velocities, in terms of standard air, should be used in sizing cyclones and determining the pressure drop across cyclones. The recommended sizes for 1D-3D, 2D-2D, and 1D-2D cyclones, based on exhaust systems airflow rates, are presented in this manuscript.