We are delving into how a cyclone separator operates. For those already familiar, you might not immediately think of a cyclone as a separator, but it is. The primary function is to segregate air streams—clean from dirty.

Imagine everything as an airstream. One possible configuration is the cyclone under pressure, initially simpler and more cost-effective upfront. Material enters through the blower, propelled upwards through the cyclone. As it reaches the cyclone walls, heavier particles, due to their higher velocity, collide first with the outer wall and slow down due to friction. This causes them to spiral downwards and gently exit the bottom, leaving a vortex where air exits through the top.

If sized correctly, even fine dust particles are captured, though some lighter dust may escape. Another configuration, which we prefer, involves placing the cyclone under a vacuum. This is done by an airlock with rubber flaps at the bottom of the cyclone. A vacuum is applied to the top of the cyclone using a blower, connecting it to the material source, like a granulator. Material is then vacuumed up through the cyclone, pulling air through the input pipe.

One benefit of this method is that the vacuum prevents, or disallows, leaks in the system if there is a hole. This method also avoids material passing through the blower, which is crucial as materials like aluminum can be highly abrasive, damaging blower components over time. We have shifted to this approach due to its reliability, despite the added cost of the airlock and maintenance of the rubber flaps.

This concept extends beyond solids and can be applied to liquids and gases across various industries. For those wondering why they would need a cyclone, especially in setups with an air table where the materials are moved by air, the cyclone ensures materials drop out gently without disrupting the airflow from the air table.

Those are some key fundamentals and differences between the pressure versus vacuum methods for separation using a cyclone. It is a fundamental tool for managing material flows in industrial processes.

We hope this sheds light on how cyclone separators work. If you find yourself with any questions, please reach out to us.