Numerical simulation of fine particle separation in a rotational tube separator

This paper presents a numerical analysis of gas-solid separation in a rotational tube separator. This separator which collects fine particles from gas in laminar flow is effective for fine particle separation. The separation efficiency and critical particle diameter of the separator were simulated using CFD package (FLUENT 6.0). The simulation showed that separation efficiency can be significantly decreased due to the presence of turbulence. The simulation also showed that the Saffman lift force has little effect on the efficiency of this separator. The critical particle diameter of this tube separator was also calculated theoretically. Some experimental data were provided to validate the simulation results. Comparison between experimental results and simulation predictions on separation efficiency showed satisfactory agreement.