Cyclone separators
A cyclone spins the air so heavy particles are thrown to the wall and drop out. No filters, no moving parts and very little maintenance.
How a cyclone works
Dusty air enters the top of the cyclone at an angle and spirals down the cone. Centrifugal force throws the heavier particles outwards against the wall, where they slide down into the dust outlet. The cleaned air turns and leaves up through the central outlet tube.
Cyclones are very good at removing coarse and dense particles. They are less effective on fine dust, which is why we often use them as the first stage ahead of a baghouse or cartridge collector.
Two ways to use a cyclone
On its own
Where the dust is coarse and the emission requirement allows it, for example wood chips, grain handling or some recycling lines, a cyclone alone can do the job at the lowest running cost.
As a pre-separator
Ahead of a filter, the cyclone removes the bulk of the dust load and the abrasive particles. The bags or cartridges downstream see less dust and less wear, so they last longer and the collector can be smaller.
Benefits
- No moving parts and no filter media.
- Very low maintenance.
- Handles hot gas and abrasive dust.
- Acts as a spark trap ahead of fabric filters.
- Recovers reusable product, such as abrasive or powder.
Typical duties
Shot blasting abrasive recovery, grinding, woodworking, grain and feed, boilers, kilns and dryers, and recycling plants.
FAQ
Will a cyclone alone meet emission limits?
Sometimes, for coarse dust. For fine dust or tight limits it needs a baghouse or cartridge collector after it. We check your Atmospheric Emission Licence conditions before we recommend one.
Does a cyclone need maintenance?
Very little. Check the dust outlet and rotary valve, and inspect the cone for wear if the dust is abrasive. Wear liners can be fitted for abrasive duties.
Send us your dust problem
Tell us what you are extracting, roughly how much air, and where the unit will stand. We will come back with a sizing and a quote. A site visit is free in Gauteng.