Computational investigation of flow parameters and efficiency of single and double inlet cyclone separators

Cyclone separators are one of the device used in power plant for long time; so many developments have been made in geometry, orientation and entry angle. In the present work an attempt is made with replacement of single inlet with double inlet. Computational analysis is done with Fluent 6.3.26 with Gambit 2.4.6 mesh generation using Cooper meshing facility. Eulerian-Lagrangian approach is adopted in the simulation with air as a working fluid and assumed to have continuous properties (Continuum). The collection efficiency of single and double inlet separator is studied using Lapple model, and it is found that there is an increase of 13.2% in collection efficiency for cyclone separator with double inlet. It is also found that higher inlet velocities are possible with double inlet separator without wall erosion when compared to single inlet separator.