A comparative analysis of filtration performance of tangential and axial
inlet reverse-flow cyclone separators and vortex tube separators is
presented. The study showed that vortex tube separators are
characterized by a quality factor q several time higher
than tangential inlet reverse-flow cyclone separators. The cyclone
separators yield low separation efficiency and low filtration
performance at low air flow rates at low air volumes aspired by the
engine at low speed. One of the well-known and not commonly used methods
to improve separation efficiency is to apply electric field. An original
design of a vortex tube separator with insulators generating electric
field in the area of aerosol flow is presented. High voltage was applied
to the cyclone separator housing and its swirl vane. A special method
and test conditions were developed for cyclone separators with electric
field. Separation efficiency, filtration performance and pressure drop
across the cyclone separator in two different variants were determined.
The tests were carried out at five inlet velocity of cyclones υ0
= 1.75; 3.5; 7.0; 10.5; 14 m/s at an extraction rate of m0
= 10%, and at an average dust concentration in the inlet air of
s
= 1 g/m3. Using the electric field in the area of
a swirling aerosol stream resulted in an increase (over 12% – φc
= 96.3%) in separation efficiency at inlet velocity of cyclone ranging
from 1.75 to 3.5 m/s. An increase in separation efficiency at other
inlet velocity of cyclone is minor and does not exceed 3‒4%.