The effect of particle agglomeration and attrition on the separation efficiency of a Stairmand cyclone

• Study of SAE fine and Kaolin particle attrition and agglomeration in a small cyclone
• Attrition is found to be dependent on inlet velocity and material properties.
• Inlet velocity of 15 m/s: fine particle agglomeration occurs mainly in cyclone body.
• Inlet velocities of 30 and 45 m/s: particle attrition occurs solely in cyclone body.
• Comparison of dust loading shows no appreciable improvement in separation efficiency.

The influence of material properties on the separation grade efficiency of cyclones has long been ignored by researchers. This experimental study investigates the behaviour of two powders of similar density, Kaolin and SAE, in a small scale Stairmand cyclone with inlet velocities of 15, 30 and 45 m s− 1. Initially evidence of agglomeration of fine particles occurring within the cyclone body is observed; however, as the inlet velocity increases, particle attrition dominates the behaviour of fine particles in the grade efficiency graphs. Both powders respond similarly to increased flow rates; however, Kaolin exhibits a greater tendency to agglomeration and attrition, which is manifested in the difference between the respective grade efficiency curves, thus demonstrating the complex effect of material properties on cyclone efficiency.

Separation grade efficiency for Kaolin and SAE with inlet velocity of 30 m s− 1.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide