Reverse-Flow Cyclone Geometry Optimization for Fine Particle Agglomeration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reverse-flow cyclones have low efficiency for particles below 2-3 µm, requiring additional costly equipment to meet emission limits, and lack design consideration for inter-particle agglomeration, which affects collection efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The development of cyclone geometries optimized using global optimization techniques and numerical modeling of inter-particle agglomeration, specifically the HR_MK family, which includes geometrical ratios that maximize fine particle agglomeration and overall efficiency, addressing the limitations of existing cyclones by incorporating inter-particle agglomeration in design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional reverse-flow cyclone geometries are used, then the device complexity and operating cost are low, but the collection efficiency for particles below 2-3 µm is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollection efficiencyVSAvoidcyclone geometry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing seven key geometric parameters (a, b, s, De, h, H, Db) of the cyclone to maximize collection efficiency for fine particles. Global optimization techniques were used to determine specific ratio ranges for these parameters that enhance agglomeration and separation performance, directly resolving the contradiction between simplicity and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by designing the cyclone geometry to promote inter-particle agglomeration before the actual separation process. The optimized geometry creates conditions where fine particles agglomerate with larger particles in the descending helical flow, preparing them for more effective separation and thereby improving overall collection efficiency without adding complex post-treatment equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If additional costly equipment such as bag filters or electrostatic precipitators is added to meet emission limits, then the collection efficiency increases, but the investment and operating costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollection efficiencyVSAvoidequipment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves universality by designing a single cyclone device that performs multiple functions: particle agglomeration, particle separation, and emission control. The optimized geometry enables the cyclone to effectively handle particles below 2-3 µm that would otherwise require additional specialized equipment, thereby eliminating the need for bag filters or electrostatic precipitators while meeting emission limits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the agglomeration process and separation process into a single integrated cyclone device. By optimizing the geometry to promote inter-particle agglomeration within the cyclone itself, the system combines what would traditionally require separate equipment into one unit, reducing both capital investment and operating costs while achieving the required collection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If cyclone geometries are optimized for fine particle collection, then the collection efficiency for particles below 2-3 µm improves, but the design complexity and development time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollection efficiencyVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by breaking down the complex geometry optimization into seven distinct, manageable parameters (a, b, s, De, h, H, Db). This segmentation allows for systematic optimization using global techniques, making the complex design process more tractable and reducing development time compared to trial-and-error approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using global optimization techniques that iteratively adjust the geometric parameters based on collection efficiency performance. This systematic feedback mechanism allows for efficient convergence to optimal geometry configurations, significantly reducing the development time compared to conventional trial-and-error methods while achieving superior fine particle collection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The optimized cyclone geometries significantly increase collection efficiency for fine particles, reducing emissions by up to 70% compared to existing high-efficiency cyclones, and are specifically effective for particles with low densities and significant sub-micrometer fractions.

Implementation Method 1

the gas enters at section ab and has to describe a descending helical movement, until it reverses direction due to the pressure field... In their descending movement, solid particles are accelerated towards the walls and eventually end up in the cyclone bottom, thus being separated from the gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 2

solid particles are accelerated towards the walls

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 3

fine particles will agglomerate with larger particles as long as certain project conditions can be met... involving quite complex models of solid-solid interaction within turbulent flow fields

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInter-particle agglomeration: Coagulation

Implementation Method 4

involving quite complex models of solid-solid interaction within turbulent flow fields

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentEP3085454B1Agglomerating collector cyclone of the reverse-flow type, de-dusting method and their use
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 ADVANCED CYCLONE SYST
  • EP3085454B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3085454B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3085454B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A family of optimised cyclones has been surprisingly detected, when incorporating into cyclone calculation the interparticle agglomeration phenomenon, the main cause of the capture of submicrometric particles by greater particles preferably having diameters of 10-20 µm, the family of optimised cyclones having a geometry defined by the following non-dimensional parameters: a/D 0.110-0.170; b/D 0.110-0.170; s/D 0.500-0.540; De /D 0.100-0.170; h/D 2.200-2.700; H/D 3.900-4.300; Db /D 0.140-0.180, wherein a and b are the sides of the tangential cyclone entrance, which has a rectangular cross-section, and the first of these sides is parallel to the axis of the cyclone, which has a body of height H with a cylindrical upper section having an inner diameter D and a height h, and a lower section with an inverted truncated cone shape with a minor base having the diameter Db; and a cylindrical vortex tube of height s and diameter De (inner dimensions). Global efficiency is maximised in that the efficiency for finer and/or less dense particles, which are the most difficult to capture, is maximised.