Cyclones' Project Optimization by Combination of an Inequality Constrained Problem and Computational Fluid Dynamics Techniques (CFD)

Abstract

The cyclone is, in its most basic form, a stationary mechanical device that utilizes centrifugal force to separate solid particles from a carrier gas. The collection efficiency, one of the most important performance parameters at a cyclone project is directly related to operational conditions and geometric relations. However, in most cases, only the geometric relations of cyclones are possible to change, being necessary to do an optimization study to obtain the best geometric configuration. The optimization problem proposed in this paper aims to obtain a cyclone with collection efficiency higher than those presented by the Lapple and Stairmand cyclones, under the same operational conditions and with pressure drop less than those cyclones. The used methodology basically consists in coupling the CFD code CYCLO-EE5 (an “in-house” simulator of gas-solid flows in cyclones) in the optimization algorithm COMPLEX, with nonlinear objective functions and inequality constraints.