Cyclonic filtration is the technique of filtering particles from an air, gas or liquid stream, without the initial use of filters, through cyclonic separation. Rotating effects and gravity are used to disperse powder mixtures (in the lower μm size range). A high frequency gyrating (air)flow is established within a cylinder-shaped or conical container generally referred to as a cyclone. Air flow in a helical pattern, beginning at the top side of the cyclone container and ending at the bottom end, before the air flow exists the cyclone in a straight stream through the center of the cyclone and out the top.

Larger particles (upper μm size range) in the circling stream have too much inertia to follow the tight curve of the stream, and hit the outside wall of the cyclone container and because of this fall to the bottom of the container where they can be removed. In conical cyclone systems, the rotating flow moves towards the contracted area of the container, the rotating range of the stream is reduced, thus separating the larger and smaller particles. The cyclone geometry, together with flow frequency, determines the cut point of the cyclone. Particles larger than the cut point will be removed with a greater efficiency. Cyclone research has led to more efficient designs helping various industries comply with increasingly rigorous air quality standards governing particle emissions.

Use of cyclonic filtration

Cyclone technology is used in a diversity of industries and is used in various capacities. For example,  cyclone technology is used in the recovery of materials, as well as collectors to decrease the atmospheric pollution, complying with particle emission regulations. Cyclone technology is an efficient method to recover active pharmaceutical ingredients, chemical substances and food powders after drying applications such as fluid bed drying and spray draying is frequently an issue. To recover these materials, cyclone collectors are frequently instrumental in regards to the production process, allowing direct powder capture without filters.

What we can do for you in regards to Cyclone technology development

Constructing an optimum operational efficient cyclone is dependent on a number of factors.

For one, when building or designing a cyclone one always need to be aware of aspects that might cause flow disturbance or depart from the flow pattern will have considerable and adverse effects upon efficiency.

For example, it is important that the air enters tangentially at the top. Constricting baffles or lids should be avoided at the outlet for the air.

Because of the complex flow, the cut size of particles is relevant as well as the shape of the particles plays an important role. Also the strength and hardness of the powder particles is key in view of possible fines formation.

Cyclone systems for powder recovery are used in the following industries

  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Chemicals
  • Food  feed ingredients
  • Nanoparticles
  • Mineral processing
  • Catalysts
  • Milling and drying process

Want to learn more please visit our brochure page here.

What we can do for you:

  • Various particle breakage tests
  • Various powder flow and related characteristics tests
  • Dustiness testing