Electrostatic Recirculation Cyclone for Fine Particle Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cyclone systems and electrostatic precipitators face limitations in efficiently removing particles smaller than 10 µm and are costly, require complex ancillary systems for particle removal, and are restricted by particle resistivity, making them inefficient for a broad range of industrial applications, especially at high temperatures and for dry gas cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A cyclone system with electrostatically enhanced recirculation, where a reverse-flow cyclone is combined with a straight-through electrostatic recirculator, using a high-voltage dc power supply to create an ionizing field that concentrates particles without depositing them on the recirculator walls, allowing for significant improvement in collection efficiency by recycling a lower gas fraction back to the reverse-flow cyclone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a reverse-flow cyclone is used for particle removal, then particles can be separated from gaseous streams, but collection efficiency for particles smaller than 10 µm is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a reverse-flow cyclone (collector) with a straight-through cyclone (concentrator) in series, merging two cyclone types to achieve both initial particle separation and concentrated recirculation of fine particles, thereby improving overall collection efficiency for particles smaller than 10 µm
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a recirculation loop that returns a portion of the gas stream from the concentrator outlet back to the collector inlet, creating a feedback mechanism that allows multiple passes through the cyclone system, significantly enhancing the collection of fine particles that would otherwise escape in a single pass
2Productivity
If recirculation is added to increase cyclone efficiency, then global efficiency improves, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the concentrator and recirculation system into a single integrated straight-through cyclone unit, where the concentrator outlet directly connects to the recirculation inlet, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining improved global efficiency
3Manufacturing precision
If electrostatic precipitators are used for particle removal, then collection efficiency improves, but operational costs increase due to high-voltage power supply and complex particle removal systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrostatic field mechanism of ESPs with a mechanical recirculation system using cyclones, achieving comparable or superior particle collection efficiency through centrifugal separation and recirculation, thereby eliminating the need for high-voltage power supplies and associated operational costs
4Productivity
If high gas entry velocity is used in cyclones, then particle removal efficiency improves, but saltation occurs reducing collection efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics by recirculating a portion of the gas stream back to the collector inlet, creating multiple passes at lower velocities that accumulate particle capture over time, thereby achieving high overall efficiency without the saltation problems associated with single-pass high-velocity flow
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
This approach significantly increases the global efficiency of particle collection, particularly for fine particles, reduces operational costs, and allows for operation at high temperatures and varied particle resistivity ranges, making it suitable for diverse industrial applications without the need for complex particle removal systems.
Implementation Method 1
using a high-voltage dc power supply to create an ionizing field that concentrates particles without depositing them on the recirculator walls
Implementation Method 2
electrostatic recirculator, using a high-voltage dc power supply to create an ionizing field that concentrates particles
Implementation Method 3
reverse-flow cyclone is combined with a straight-through electrostatic recirculator
Implementation Method 4
reverse-flow cyclone...using a high-voltage dc power supply to create an ionizing field
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a system of cyclones with electrostatically enhanced recirculation, comprising a collector cyclone (Col) with diameter D1 and an entry for dirty gases (GS), located upstream from a recirculator (Con) with diameter D2 and a central channel for exhausting the cleaned gases (GL), these cyclones being placed in series and having a recirculation line, from the concentrator to the collector, to recirculate part of the gas stream. It is characterized in that there are means, in the recirculator, for applying a high voltage (AT, ) producing an ionizing electric field that drives the particles away from the central exhaust channel, without any significant particle deposition on the recirculator walls. The current density in the recirculator field is below 0.1 mA/m2 and the average electric field is below 2xl05 V/m. According to the process of the invention, the particles are driven away from the central exhaust channel, in the recirculator, by the joint action of mechanical and electrical forces, these latter deriving from the particles traversing the ionized field, concentrating them in the fraction of the gas stream that is recycled back to the collector cyclone, where a part is captured (P). It is used for dedusting and dry gas cleaning, especially for acid gases, and for capturing bacteria.