Application of Response Surface Methodology for Modeling and Optimization of the Cyclone Separator for Minimum Pressure Drop

A Response surface design of experiment has been performed based on the Muschelknautz method of modeling (MM) for 64 test cases using Box-Behnken design to study the effect of seven geometrical cyclone dimensions on the pressure drop and cut-off diameter. It is found that the most significant geometrical parameters are, the vortex finder diameter, the inlet section width and height, and the cyclone total height. There are strong interactions between the effect of inlet dimensions and vortex finder diameter on the cyclone performance. CFD simulations based on Reynolds stress model are also used in the investigation. A new set of geometrical ratios (design) has been obtained (optimized) to achieve minimum pressure drop based on the Muschelknautz method of modeling. A comparison of numerical simulation of the new design and the Stairmand design confirms the superior performance of the new design compared to the Stairmand design.