Analysis of the nutation and precession of the vortex core and the influence of operating parameters in a cyclone separator

• Published in: Chinese journal of chemical engineering 2022-06, Vol.46 (6), p.1-10
• Main Authors: Zhang, Pan, Chen, Guanghui, Wang, Weiwen, Zhang, Guodong, Wang, Huaming
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cyclone separator; Fluid mechanics; Numerical simulation; Nutation motion; Precession vortex core; Separation efficiency
• ISSN: 1004-9541; 2210-321X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cjche.2021.05.016

[Display omitted] Vortices motion in the anisotropic turbulent flow of cyclones makes a vital impact on flow stability and collection performance. Nevertheless, there remains a lack of clarity in the overall feature of vortices motion. In this work, a numerical analysis was conducted to clarify the complex motion of the vortex core in a cyclone separator. The validity of the numerical model was demonstrated by comparing the computational results with experimental data in the literature. As revealed by the results, the vortex core not only has a precession motion about the geometrical center axis but also does a nutation motion in the axial direction. The frequencies of the precession motions show two main peaks. And the magnitudes of the precession and nutation motions have non-uniform distributions in the cyclone. Moreover, the precession-nutation motions of the vortex cores exhibit a similar fluctuant pattern to the dust ring on the separator wall. The inlet gas velocity and the inlet solid loading show vital effects on the magnitudes and frequencies of precession and nutation motion.