Cyclone optimization based on a new empirical model for pressure drop

An empirical model for predicting pressure drop across a cyclone, developed by Dirgo (1988), is presented. The model was developed through a statistical analysis of pressure drop data for 98 cyclone designs. The model is shown to perform better than the pressure drop models of Shepherd and Lapple (1940), Alexander (1949), First (1949), Stairmand (1949), and Barth (1956). This model is used with the efficiency model of Iozia and Leith (1990) to develop an optimization curve which predicts the minimum pressure drop and the dimension ratios of the optimized cyclone for a given aerodynamic cut diameter, d₅₀. The effect of variation in cyclone height, cyclone diameter, and flow on the optimization is determined. The optimization results are used to develop a design procedure for optimized cyclones.