Analysis of Filtration Efficiency in a Reverse Cyclone with a Tangential Inlet

A comprehensive literature review is presented regarding studies aimed at increasing efficiency or reducing pressure drop in tangentially inlet cyclones by modifying their design without changing their main dimensions. It was demonstrated that the cyclone element causing the greatest pressure losses during airflow is the outlet pipe. Modifying its design can significantly reduce flow resistance. To verify this hypothesis, the authors conducted a two-stage modification of the outlet pipe design of an inverted cyclone with a tangential inlet for a tracked vehicle air filter. The modification consisted of giving the edges of the outlet pipe inlet opening a streamlined shape and changing the cylindrical cyclone outlet pipe to a conical one. An experimental evaluation of the effect of these modifications on filtration efficiency and pressure drop in the cyclone was conducted. Compared to the original version, cyclonic filtration efficiency increased by 2.7% in the lower airflow range and a significant (over 20%) decrease in the cyclone pressure drop Δpc = f(QG) across the entire tested airflow range QG. The results indicate possible directions for modifying cyclone designs.