Cyclone performance by velocity

Authors: Funk, Paul; Whitelock, Derek; Wanjura, John; Yeater, Kathleen; ELSAYED, KHAIRY - Helwan University

Submitted to: National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/7/2015
Publication Date: 1/7/2015
Citation: Funk, P.A., Whitelock, D.P., Wanjura, J.D., Yeater, K.M., Elsayed, K. 2015. Cyclone performance by velocity. Proceedings of the National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference, January 5-7, 2015, San Antonio, TX. p. 629-634.

Interpretive Summary: Reducing electricity consumption fulfills societal objectives of improving the environment, improving sustainability, and improving the economy. Currently, in some jurisdictions, regulations governing cotton gin emissions specify operating conditions by naming an inlet velocity or pressure drop range. This reported research indicated that the specified range may be too high, resulting in more emissions at the cotton ginning facility as well as increased electricity consumption. Legislators and regulators may use this science to justify increasing flexibility in existing rules, benefitting everyone.

Technical Abstract: Cyclones are used almost exclusively in the US cotton ginning industry for emission abatement on pneumatic conveying system exhausts because of their high efficiency, and low capital and operating cost.. Cyclone performance is improved by increasing collection effectiveness or decreasing energy consumption. The object of this study was to find the balance between saving energy and capturing emissions by quantifying the pressure drop and fine particulate (PM2.5) emissions of modified (fully enhanced) 1D3D cyclones at inlet velocities from 1600 to 3500 fpm using cotton gin trash as a test material. Cyclone pressure drop was recorded during test runs. Cyclone exhaust was passed through filters. Filters were weighed and particulate was removed in an ultrasonic bath. Laser diffraction particle size distribution analysis was used to estimate particle size distribution and calculate PM2.5 emissions. As predicted by algebraic and computer models and prior research, there was a strong correlation between inlet velocity and cyclone pressure loss; reducing inlet velocity by 25% reduced pressure loss by about 45%. Algebraic and computer models predict an inverse relationship between inlet velocity and emissions. These laboratory tests found that PM2.5 emissions decreased when operating 12 inch diameter cyclones with sealed dust outlets 25% below their design inlet velocity. Operating below the design inlet velocity to reduce pressure losses would reduce energy consumption. The simultaneous reduction in fine particulate emissions was unexpected.