Gas-Particle Cyclonic Separation Dynamics: Modeling and Characterization

As a stationary intensification processing technology, cyclonic separation has been widely used for multiphase gas-particle separation in the fields of fluidized processing, energy utilization, material synthesis and aerosol classification. The mathematical characterization of gas-particle dynamics inside a cyclone separator is vital in implementing performance prediction, structural design, parameter optimization, and/or techno-economic assessment. In past decades, significant efforts have been made to develop modeling approaches to gas-particle separation processing and dynamics inside cyclone separators. However, these modeling approaches are derived from different fundamentals of theory and method. Hence, their applicability and effectiveness have not been comprehensively validated or verified, particularly for those cyclones with varied geometrical dimensions, operating conditions, and multiphase properties. In the current review paper, various types of modeling approaches from the 1940s to the present are summarized, compared, and evaluated for gas-particle cyclonic separation dynamics, focusing on the modeling of gas flow pattern, pressure drop, and gas-particle separation behaviors including the particle cut-size and grade efficiency. The modeling for dense medium cyclones was also involved. Finally, the future outlook is highlighted to advance the modeling of gas-particle separation dynamics in cyclone separators.