An experimental study on the effect of interstage inlet gas on separation performance of two-stage series cyclone separators

• Published in: Powder technology 2024-10, Vol.446, p.120147, Article 120147
• Main Authors: Meng, He, Chen, Jian-Yi, Cao, Ming-Qian, Hao, Yan-Cheng, Cui, Hao, Yang, Li-Xin, Wei, Yao-Dong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Interstage inlet gas; Particle grade efficiency; Particle run-off loss; Separation efficiency; Series cyclone separators
• ISSN: 0032-5910
• DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2024.120147

Cyclone separators generally operate in multi-stage series to improve gas-solid separation efficiency under high concentration condition. The two-stage series cyclone separators in Fluid Catalytic Cracking unit further require the interstage inlet gas. This paper experimentally studied the effect of the interstage inlet gas on separation performance of two-stage series cyclone separators. A ϕ130mm interstage inlet pipe was installed at the interstage connecting tube between industrial-sized two-stage series ϕ1000mm cyclone separators in the experimental setup. Experiments were conducted at inlet velocities of Vin = 10–20 m/s and concentration of Cin = 10 g/m3, with interstage inlet gas ratios of U = 0–20%. Silica powder with a median diameter of 10.1 μm was used. Results indicate that interstage inlet gas decreases separation efficiency and increases particle run-off loss due to the change of the optimized operation parameters, specifically inlet gas rate and inlet concentration. A prediction model was proposed to provide guidance for potential industrial applications. [Display omitted] •The interstage tributary inlet pipe was applied in cyclone for the first time.•Predicted efficiencies for cyclone separators applicable to the FCC process.•Adjusting the tributary ratio varies the content of fine particles in the reactor.