Cyclone separator - Revision history

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2026-08-04T20:43:46Z

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energy>Jmdonev at 21:54, 3 July 2026

2026-07-03T21:54:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:54, 3 July 2026
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	[[Category:Done ~~2018~~-08-03]]		[[Category:Done 2026-08-01]]
	[[File:cycloneseparator.png\|300px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 1. A cyclone separator.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (July 16, 2015). ''Cyclone Separator'' [Online]. Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e3/Cyclone_separator.svg</ref>]]		[[File:cycloneseparator.png\|300px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 1. A cyclone separator.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (July 16, 2015). ''Cyclone Separator'' [Online]. Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e3/Cyclone_separator.svg</ref>]]
	<onlyinclude>'''Cyclone separators''' or simply '''cyclones''' are separation devices ~~([[dry scrubber]]s)~~ that use the principle of [[inertia]] to remove [[particulate matter]] from flue [[gas~~\|gases~~]].</onlyinclude><ref name="RE1">R. Wolfson. ''Energy, Environment and Climate'', 2nd ed. New York, U.S.A.: Norton, 2012</ref> Cyclone separators is one of many [[air pollution control devices]] known as '''precleaners''' since they generally remove larger pieces of particulate matter. This prevents finer filtration methods from having to deal with large, more abrasive particles later on. In addition, several cyclone separators can operate in parallel, and this system is known as a '''multicyclone'''.<ref name="RE2">US EPA. (July 16, 2015). ''Air Pollution Control Technology Fact Sheet'' [Online]. Available: http://www.epa.gov/ttncatc1/dir1/fcyclon.pdf</ref>		<onlyinclude>'''Cyclone separators''' or simply '''cyclones''' are separation devices that use the principle of [[inertia]] to remove [[particulate matter]] from flue [[gas]]es.</onlyinclude><ref name="RE1">R. Wolfson. ''Energy, Environment and Climate'', 2nd ed. New York, U.S.A.: Norton, 2012</ref> Cyclone separators is one of many [[air pollution control devices]] known as '''precleaners''' since they generally remove larger pieces of particulate matter. This prevents finer filtration methods from having to deal with large, more abrasive particles later on. In addition, several cyclone separators can operate in parallel, and this system is known as a '''multicyclone'''.<ref name="RE2">US EPA. (July 16, 2015). ''Air Pollution Control Technology Fact Sheet'' [Online]. Available: http://www.epa.gov/ttncatc1/dir1/fcyclon.pdf</ref>

	It is important to note that cyclones can vary drastically in their size. The size of the cyclone depends largely on how much flue gas must be filtered, thus larger operations tend to need larger cyclones. For example, several different models of one cyclone type can exist, and the sizes can range from a relatively small 1.2-1.5 [[meter]]s tall (about 4-5 feet) to around 9 meters (30 feet)—which is about as tall as a three story building!.<ref>Kice. (July 22, 2015). ''CK Cyclone Collectors'' [Online]. Available: http://www.kice.com/pdfs/CK_Cyclones.pdf</ref>		It is important to note that cyclones can vary drastically in their size. The size of the cyclone depends largely on how much flue gas must be filtered, thus larger operations tend to need larger cyclones. For example, several different models of one cyclone type can exist, and the sizes can range from a relatively small 1.2-1.5 [[meter]]s tall (about 4-5 feet) to around 9 meters (30 feet)—which is about as tall as a three story building!.<ref>Kice. (July 22, 2015). ''CK Cyclone Collectors'' [Online]. Available: http://www.kice.com/pdfs/CK_Cyclones.pdf</ref>

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2018-09-03T22:23:37Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 22:23, 3 September 2018
(No difference)

energy>Jmdonev at 03:02, 13 August 2018

2018-08-13T03:02:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:02, 13 August 2018
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	[[Category:Done 2018-05-18]]		[[Category:Done 2018-08-03]]
	[[File:cycloneseparator.png\|300px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 1. A cyclone separator.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (July 16, 2015). ''Cyclone Separator'' [Online]. Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e3/Cyclone_separator.svg</ref>]]		[[File:cycloneseparator.png\|300px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 1. A cyclone separator.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (July 16, 2015). ''Cyclone Separator'' [Online]. Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e3/Cyclone_separator.svg</ref>]]
	<onlyinclude>'''Cyclone separators''' or simply '''cyclones''' are separation devices that use the principle of [[inertia]] to remove [[particulate matter]] from flue [[gas\|gases]].</onlyinclude><ref name="RE1">R. Wolfson. ''Energy, Environment and Climate'', 2nd ed. New York, U.S.A.: Norton, 2012</ref> Cyclone separators is one of many [[air pollution control devices]] known as '''precleaners''' since they generally remove larger pieces of particulate matter. This prevents finer filtration methods from having to deal with large, more abrasive particles later on. In addition, several cyclone separators can operate in parallel, and this system is known as a '''multicyclone'''.<ref name="RE2">US EPA. (July 16, 2015). ''Air Pollution Control Technology Fact Sheet'' [Online]. Available: http://www.epa.gov/ttncatc1/dir1/fcyclon.pdf</ref>		<onlyinclude>'''Cyclone separators''' or simply '''cyclones''' are separation devices ([[dry scrubber]]s) that use the principle of [[inertia]] to remove [[particulate matter]] from flue [[gas\|gases]].</onlyinclude><ref name="RE1">R. Wolfson. ''Energy, Environment and Climate'', 2nd ed. New York, U.S.A.: Norton, 2012</ref> Cyclone separators is one of many [[air pollution control devices]] known as '''precleaners''' since they generally remove larger pieces of particulate matter. This prevents finer filtration methods from having to deal with large, more abrasive particles later on. In addition, several cyclone separators can operate in parallel, and this system is known as a '''multicyclone'''.<ref name="RE2">US EPA. (July 16, 2015). ''Air Pollution Control Technology Fact Sheet'' [Online]. Available: http://www.epa.gov/ttncatc1/dir1/fcyclon.pdf</ref>

	It is important to note that cyclones can vary drastically in their size. The size of the cyclone depends largely on how much flue gas must be filtered, thus larger operations tend to need larger cyclones. For example, several different models of one cyclone type can exist, and the sizes can range from a relatively small 1.2-1.5 [[meter]]s tall (about 4-5 feet) to around 9 meters (30 feet)—which is about as tall as a three story building!.<ref>Kice. (July 22, 2015). ''CK Cyclone Collectors'' [Online]. Available: http://www.kice.com/pdfs/CK_Cyclones.pdf</ref>		It is important to note that cyclones can vary drastically in their size. The size of the cyclone depends largely on how much flue gas must be filtered, thus larger operations tend to need larger cyclones. For example, several different models of one cyclone type can exist, and the sizes can range from a relatively small 1.2-1.5 [[meter]]s tall (about 4-5 feet) to around 9 meters (30 feet)—which is about as tall as a three story building!.<ref>Kice. (July 22, 2015). ''CK Cyclone Collectors'' [Online]. Available: http://www.kice.com/pdfs/CK_Cyclones.pdf</ref>
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	There are several advantages and disadvantages in using cyclone separators. First, cyclone separators are beneficial because they are not expensive to install or maintain, and they have no moving parts. This keeps maintenance and operating costs low. Second, the removed particulate matter is collected when dry, which makes it easier to dispose of. Finally, these units take up very little space. Although effective, there are also disadvantages in using cyclone separators. Mainly because the standard models are not able to collect particulate matter that is smaller than 10 micrometers effectively and the machines are unable to handle sticky or tacky materials well.<ref name="RE2"/>		There are several advantages and disadvantages in using cyclone separators. First, cyclone separators are beneficial because they are not expensive to install or maintain, and they have no moving parts. This keeps maintenance and operating costs low. Second, the removed particulate matter is collected when dry, which makes it easier to dispose of. Finally, these units take up very little space. Although effective, there are also disadvantages in using cyclone separators. Mainly because the standard models are not able to collect particulate matter that is smaller than 10 micrometers effectively and the machines are unable to handle sticky or tacky materials well.<ref name="RE2"/>

			==For Further Reading==
			*[[Scrubber]]
			*[[Dry scrubber]]
			*[[Wet scrubber]]
			*[[Exhaust gas]]
			*[[Pollutant]]
			*[[Electrostatic precipitator]]
			*Or explore a [[Special:Random\|random page]]
	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}
	[[Category:Uploaded]]		[[Category:Uploaded]]

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2018-05-18T22:53:12Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 22:53, 18 May 2018
(No difference)

Jmdonev at 22:37, 11 May 2018

2018-05-11T22:37:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:37, 11 May 2018
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category:Done ~~2017~~-07-01]]		[[Category:Done 2018-05-18]]
	[[File:cycloneseparator.png\|300px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 1. A cyclone separator.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (July 16, 2015). ''Cyclone Separator'' [Online]. Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e3/Cyclone_separator.svg</ref>]]		[[File:cycloneseparator.png\|300px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 1. A cyclone separator.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (July 16, 2015). ''Cyclone Separator'' [Online]. Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e3/Cyclone_separator.svg</ref>]]
	<onlyinclude>'''Cyclone separators''' or simply '''cyclones''' are separation devices that use the principle of [[inertia]] to remove [[particulate matter]] from flue [[gas\|gases]].</onlyinclude><ref name="RE1">R. Wolfson. ''Energy, Environment and Climate'', 2nd ed. New York, U.S.A.: Norton, 2012</ref> Cyclone separators ~~are part of a group~~ of [[air pollution control devices]] known as '''precleaners''' as they ~~are~~ generally ~~used to roughly~~ remove larger pieces of particulate matter. This prevents ~~more fine~~ filtration methods from having to deal with large, more abrasive particles later ~~one~~. ~~As well~~, several cyclone separators can operate in parallel, and ~~when~~ this ~~is set up the~~ system is known as a '''multicyclone'''.<ref name="RE2">US EPA. (July 16, 2015). ''Air Pollution Control Technology Fact Sheet'' [Online]. Available: http://www.epa.gov/ttncatc1/dir1/fcyclon.pdf</ref>		<onlyinclude>'''Cyclone separators''' or simply '''cyclones''' are separation devices that use the principle of [[inertia]] to remove [[particulate matter]] from flue [[gas\|gases]].</onlyinclude><ref name="RE1">R. Wolfson. ''Energy, Environment and Climate'', 2nd ed. New York, U.S.A.: Norton, 2012</ref> Cyclone separators is one of many [[air pollution control devices]] known as '''precleaners''' since they generally remove larger pieces of particulate matter. This prevents finer filtration methods from having to deal with large, more abrasive particles later on. In addition, several cyclone separators can operate in parallel, and this system is known as a '''multicyclone'''.<ref name="RE2">US EPA. (July 16, 2015). ''Air Pollution Control Technology Fact Sheet'' [Online]. Available: http://www.epa.gov/ttncatc1/dir1/fcyclon.pdf</ref>

	It is important to note that cyclones can vary drastically in their size. The size of the cyclone depends largely on how much flue gas must be filtered, ~~and~~ thus larger operations tend to need larger cyclones. For example, several different models of one cyclone type can exist, and the sizes can range from a relatively small 1.2-1.5 [[meter]]s tall (about 4-5 feet) to around 9 meters ~~or about~~ 30 feet ~~(which~~ is about as tall as a three story building!).<ref>Kice. (July 22, 2015). ''CK Cyclone Collectors'' [Online]. Available: http://www.kice.com/pdfs/CK_Cyclones.pdf</ref>		It is important to note that cyclones can vary drastically in their size. The size of the cyclone depends largely on how much flue gas must be filtered, thus larger operations tend to need larger cyclones. For example, several different models of one cyclone type can exist, and the sizes can range from a relatively small 1.2-1.5 [[meter]]s tall (about 4-5 feet) to around 9 meters (30 feet)—which is about as tall as a three story building!.<ref>Kice. (July 22, 2015). ''CK Cyclone Collectors'' [Online]. Available: http://www.kice.com/pdfs/CK_Cyclones.pdf</ref>

	==How It Works==		==How It Works==
	Cyclone separators work much like a [[centrifuge]], but with a continuous feed of dirty air. In a cyclone separator, dirty flue gas is fed into a chamber. ~~Inside this~~ chamber ~~exists~~ a spiral vortex, similar to a tornado. This spiral formation and the separation is shown in Figure 2. The lighter components of this gas have less inertia, so it is easier for them to be influenced by the vortex and travel up it. ~~Unlike these particles~~, larger components of particulate matter have more inertia and are not as easily influenced by the vortex.<ref name="RE1"/>		Cyclone separators work much like a [[centrifuge]], but with a continuous feed of dirty air. In a cyclone separator, dirty flue gas is fed into a chamber. The inside of the chamber creates a spiral vortex, similar to a tornado. This spiral formation and the separation is shown in Figure 2. The lighter components of this gas have less inertia, so it is easier for them to be influenced by the vortex and travel up it. Contrarily, larger components of particulate matter have more inertia and are not as easily influenced by the vortex.<ref name="RE1"/>

	[[File:cyclone_ani.gif\|360px\|framed\|center\|Figure 2. An animated GIF showing how particles move through a cyclonic separator.<ref>Simerics. (July 21, 2015). ''Cyclonic Separator'' [Online]. Available: http://www.simerics.com/animation/cyclone_ani.gif</ref>]]		[[File:cyclone_ani.gif\|360px\|framed\|center\|Figure 2. An animated GIF showing how particles move through a cyclonic separator.<ref>Simerics. (July 21, 2015). ''Cyclonic Separator'' [Online]. Available: http://www.simerics.com/animation/cyclone_ani.gif</ref>]]

	~~Because~~ these larger particles have difficulty following the high-speed spiral motion of the gas and the vortex, the particles hit the inside walls of the container and drop down into a collection hopper. These chambers are shaped like an upside-down cone to promote the collection of these particles at the bottom of the container. The cleaned flue gas escapes out the top of the chamber.		Since these larger particles have difficulty following the high-speed spiral motion of the gas and the vortex, the particles hit the inside walls of the container and drop down into a collection hopper. These chambers are shaped like an upside-down cone to promote the collection of these particles at the bottom of the container. The cleaned flue gas escapes out the top of the chamber.

	Most cyclones are built to control and remove particulate matter ~~than~~ is larger than 10 micrometers in diameter. However, there do exist high [[efficiency]] cyclones that are designed to be effective on particles as small as 2.5 micrometers. As well, these separators are not effective on extremely large particulate matter. For particulates around 200 micrometers in size, [[Gravity settling separators\|gravity settling chambers]] or [[Momentum\|momentum separators]] are a better option.<ref name="RE2"/>		Most cyclones are built to control and remove particulate matter that is larger than 10 micrometers in diameter. However, there do exist high [[efficiency]] cyclones that are designed to be effective on particles as small as 2.5 micrometers. As well, these separators are not effective on extremely large particulate matter. For particulates around 200 micrometers in size, [[Gravity settling separators\|gravity settling chambers]] or [[Momentum separators\|momentum separators]] are a better option.<ref name="RE2"/>

	Out of all of the particulate-control devices, cyclone separators are among the least expensive.<ref name="RE1"/> They are often used as a pre-treatment before the flue gas enters more effective pollution control devices. ~~Because of this~~, cyclone separators can be seen as "rough separators" before ~~they reach~~ the fine filtration stages.		Out of all of the particulate-control devices, cyclone separators are among the least expensive.<ref name="RE1"/> They are often used as a pre-treatment before the flue gas enters more effective pollution control devices. Therefore, cyclone separators can be seen as "rough separators" before the flue gas reaches the fine filtration stages.

	==Effectiveness==		==Effectiveness==
	Cyclone separators are generally able to remove somewhere between 50-99% of all particulate matter in flue gas.<ref name="RE1"/> How well the cyclone separators are actually able to remove this matter depends largely on particle size. If there is a large amount of lighter particulate matter, less of these ~~particles~~ are able to be separated out. Because of this, cyclone separators work best on flue gases that contain large amounts of big particulate matter.		Cyclone separators are generally able to remove somewhere between 50-99% of all particulate matter in flue gas.<ref name="RE1"/> How well the cyclone separators are actually able to remove this matter depends largely on particle size. If there is a large amount of lighter particulate matter, less of these par0ticles are able to be separated out. Because of this, cyclone separators work best on flue gases that contain large amounts of big particulate matter.

	There are several advantages and disadvantages in using cyclone separators. First, cyclone separators are beneficial because they are not expensive to install or maintain, and they have no moving parts. This keeps maintenance and operating costs low. ~~As well~~, the removed particulate matter is collected when dry, which makes it easier to dispose of. Finally, these units take up very little space. Although effective, there are also disadvantages in using cyclone separators. Mainly, the standard models are not able to collect particulate matter that is smaller than 10 micrometers effectively and the machines are unable to handle sticky or tacky ~~material~~ well.<ref name="RE2"/>		There are several advantages and disadvantages in using cyclone separators. First, cyclone separators are beneficial because they are not expensive to install or maintain, and they have no moving parts. This keeps maintenance and operating costs low. Second, the removed particulate matter is collected when dry, which makes it easier to dispose of. Finally, these units take up very little space. Although effective, there are also disadvantages in using cyclone separators. Mainly because the standard models are not able to collect particulate matter that is smaller than 10 micrometers effectively and the machines are unable to handle sticky or tacky materials well.<ref name="RE2"/>

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}
	[[Category:Uploaded]]		[[Category:Uploaded]]

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2017-08-29T01:47:19Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 01:47, 29 August 2017
(No difference)

Jmdonev at 19:31, 15 August 2017

2017-08-15T19:31:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:31, 15 August 2017
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	[[Category:Done ~~2015~~-07-24]]		[[Category:Done 2017-07-01]]
	[[File:cycloneseparator.png\|300px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 1. A cyclone separator.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (July 16, 2015). ''Cyclone Separator'' [Online]. Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e3/Cyclone_separator.svg</ref>]]		[[File:cycloneseparator.png\|300px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 1. A cyclone separator.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (July 16, 2015). ''Cyclone Separator'' [Online]. Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e3/Cyclone_separator.svg</ref>]]
	<onlyinclude>'''Cyclone separators''' or simply '''cyclones''' are separation devices that use the principle of [[inertia]] to remove [[particulate matter]] from flue [[gas\|gases]].</onlyinclude><ref name="RE1">R. Wolfson. ''Energy, Environment and Climate'', 2nd ed. New York, U.S.A.: Norton, 2012</ref> Cyclone separators are part of a group of [[air pollution control devices]] known as '''precleaners''' as they are generally used to roughly remove larger pieces of particulate matter. This prevents more fine filtration methods from having to deal with large, more abrasive particles later one. As well, several cyclone separators can operate in parallel, and when this is set up the system is known as a '''multicyclone'''.<ref name="RE2">US EPA. (July 16, 2015). ''Air Pollution Control Technology Fact Sheet'' [Online]. Available: http://www.epa.gov/ttncatc1/dir1/fcyclon.pdf</ref>		<onlyinclude>'''Cyclone separators''' or simply '''cyclones''' are separation devices that use the principle of [[inertia]] to remove [[particulate matter]] from flue [[gas\|gases]].</onlyinclude><ref name="RE1">R. Wolfson. ''Energy, Environment and Climate'', 2nd ed. New York, U.S.A.: Norton, 2012</ref> Cyclone separators are part of a group of [[air pollution control devices]] known as '''precleaners''' as they are generally used to roughly remove larger pieces of particulate matter. This prevents more fine filtration methods from having to deal with large, more abrasive particles later one. As well, several cyclone separators can operate in parallel, and when this is set up the system is known as a '''multicyclone'''.<ref name="RE2">US EPA. (July 16, 2015). ''Air Pollution Control Technology Fact Sheet'' [Online]. Available: http://www.epa.gov/ttncatc1/dir1/fcyclon.pdf</ref>

	It is important to note that cyclones can vary drastically in their size. The size of the cyclone depends largely on how much flue gas must be filtered, and thus larger operations tend to need larger cyclones. For example, several different models of one cyclone type can exist, and the sizes can range from a relatively small 1.2-1.5 ~~meters~~ tall (about 4-5 feet) to around 9 meters or about 30 feet (which is about as tall as a three story building!).<ref>Kice. (July 22, 2015). ''CK Cyclone Collectors'' [Online]. Available: http://www.kice.com/pdfs/CK_Cyclones.pdf</ref>		It is important to note that cyclones can vary drastically in their size. The size of the cyclone depends largely on how much flue gas must be filtered, and thus larger operations tend to need larger cyclones. For example, several different models of one cyclone type can exist, and the sizes can range from a relatively small 1.2-1.5 [[meter]]s tall (about 4-5 feet) to around 9 meters or about 30 feet (which is about as tall as a three story building!).<ref>Kice. (July 22, 2015). ''CK Cyclone Collectors'' [Online]. Available: http://www.kice.com/pdfs/CK_Cyclones.pdf</ref>

	==How It Works==		==How It Works==
	In a cyclone separator, dirty flue gas is fed into a chamber. Inside this chamber exists a spiral vortex, similar to a tornado. This spiral formation and the separation is shown in Figure 2. The lighter components of this gas have less inertia, so it is easier for them to be influenced by the vortex and travel up it. Unlike these particles, larger components of particulate matter have more inertia and are not as easily influenced by the vortex.<ref name="RE1"/>		Cyclone separators work much like a [[centrifuge]], but with a continuous feed of dirty air. In a cyclone separator, dirty flue gas is fed into a chamber. Inside this chamber exists a spiral vortex, similar to a tornado. This spiral formation and the separation is shown in Figure 2. The lighter components of this gas have less inertia, so it is easier for them to be influenced by the vortex and travel up it. Unlike these particles, larger components of particulate matter have more inertia and are not as easily influenced by the vortex.<ref name="RE1"/>

	[[File:cyclone_ani.gif\|360px\|framed\|center\|Figure 2. An animated GIF showing how particles move through a cyclonic separator.<ref>Simerics. (July 21, 2015). ''Cyclonic Separator'' [Online]. Available: http://www.simerics.com/animation/cyclone_ani.gif</ref>]]		[[File:cyclone_ani.gif\|360px\|framed\|center\|Figure 2. An animated GIF showing how particles move through a cyclonic separator.<ref>Simerics. (July 21, 2015). ''Cyclonic Separator'' [Online]. Available: http://www.simerics.com/animation/cyclone_ani.gif</ref>]]

J.williams: 1 revision imported

2015-08-26T21:30:58Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 21:30, 26 August 2015
(No difference)

J.williams at 16:53, 12 August 2015

2015-08-12T16:53:02Z

New page

[[Category:Done 2015-07-24]]
[[File:cycloneseparator.png|300px|thumb|right|Figure 1. A cyclone separator.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (July 16, 2015). ''Cyclone Separator'' [Online]. Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e3/Cyclone_separator.svg</ref>]]
<onlyinclude>'''Cyclone separators''' or simply '''cyclones''' are separation devices that use the principle of [[inertia]] to remove [[particulate matter]] from flue [[gas|gases]].</onlyinclude><ref name="RE1">R. Wolfson. ''Energy, Environment and Climate'', 2nd ed. New York, U.S.A.: Norton, 2012</ref> Cyclone separators are part of a group of [[air pollution control devices]] known as '''precleaners''' as they are generally used to roughly remove larger pieces of particulate matter. This prevents more fine filtration methods from having to deal with large, more abrasive particles later one. As well, several cyclone separators can operate in parallel, and when this is set up the system is known as a '''multicyclone'''.<ref name="RE2">US EPA. (July 16, 2015). ''Air Pollution Control Technology Fact Sheet'' [Online]. Available: http://www.epa.gov/ttncatc1/dir1/fcyclon.pdf</ref>

It is important to note that cyclones can vary drastically in their size. The size of the cyclone depends largely on how much flue gas must be filtered, and thus larger operations tend to need larger cyclones. For example, several different models of one cyclone type can exist, and the sizes can range from a relatively small 1.2-1.5 meters tall (about 4-5 feet) to around 9 meters or about 30 feet (which is about as tall as a three story building!).<ref>Kice. (July 22, 2015). ''CK Cyclone Collectors'' [Online]. Available: http://www.kice.com/pdfs/CK_Cyclones.pdf</ref>

==How It Works==
In a cyclone separator, dirty flue gas is fed into a chamber. Inside this chamber exists a spiral vortex, similar to a tornado. This spiral formation and the separation is shown in Figure 2. The lighter components of this gas have less inertia, so it is easier for them to be influenced by the vortex and travel up it. Unlike these particles, larger components of particulate matter have more inertia and are not as easily influenced by the vortex.<ref name="RE1"/>

[[File:cyclone_ani.gif|360px|framed|center|Figure 2. An animated GIF showing how particles move through a cyclonic separator.<ref>Simerics. (July 21, 2015). ''Cyclonic Separator'' [Online]. Available: http://www.simerics.com/animation/cyclone_ani.gif</ref>]]

Because these larger particles have difficulty following the high-speed spiral motion of the gas and the vortex, the particles hit the inside walls of the container and drop down into a collection hopper. These chambers are shaped like an upside-down cone to promote the collection of these particles at the bottom of the container. The cleaned flue gas escapes out the top of the chamber.

Most cyclones are built to control and remove particulate matter than is larger than 10 micrometers in diameter. However, there do exist high [[efficiency]] cyclones that are designed to be effective on particles as small as 2.5 micrometers. As well, these separators are not effective on extremely large particulate matter. For particulates around 200 micrometers in size, [[Gravity settling separators|gravity settling chambers]] or [[Momentum|momentum separators]] are a better option.<ref name="RE2"/>

Out of all of the particulate-control devices, cyclone separators are among the least expensive.<ref name="RE1"/> They are often used as a pre-treatment before the flue gas enters more effective pollution control devices. Because of this, cyclone separators can be seen as "rough separators" before they reach the fine filtration stages.

==Effectiveness==
Cyclone separators are generally able to remove somewhere between 50-99% of all particulate matter in flue gas.<ref name="RE1"/> How well the cyclone separators are actually able to remove this matter depends largely on particle size. If there is a large amount of lighter particulate matter, less of these particles are able to be separated out. Because of this, cyclone separators work best on flue gases that contain large amounts of big particulate matter.

There are several advantages and disadvantages in using cyclone separators. First, cyclone separators are beneficial because they are not expensive to install or maintain, and they have no moving parts. This keeps maintenance and operating costs low. As well, the removed particulate matter is collected when dry, which makes it easier to dispose of. Finally, these units take up very little space. Although effective, there are also disadvantages in using cyclone separators. Mainly, the standard models are not able to collect particulate matter that is smaller than 10 micrometers effectively and the machines are unable to handle sticky or tacky material well.<ref name="RE2"/>

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Uploaded]]