OVER-SIZED CYCLONES FOR LOW PRESSURE COTTON GIN EXHAUSTS

Three cyclone separators were tested in a laboratory setting at four trash loading rates. Cyclone collection efficiency for over-sized cyclones was slightly less than the efficiency of a standard-sized cyclone, averaging 98.42% and 98.64%, respectively. Cyclone collection efficiency increased as trash loading rate increased, with average values ranging from 97.94% at a trash-loading rate of 2 g/m3(0.88 grain/ft3) to an average of 98.96% at a trash-loading rate of 16 g/m3(7.0 grain/ft3). Cyclone static pressure drops for over-sized cyclones were much less than those for standard-sized cyclones, with the static pressure drop in an over-sized cyclone averaging 28% of the value for a standard-sized cyclone. The authors concluded that, with their lower pressure drop, over-sized cyclones are more compatible than standard-sized cyclones for replacing lint baskets on low pressure airflow systems that use axial-flow fans.