Modeling the Performance of Vapor-Liquid Cyclones

The method we wish to present here for modeling the performance of vapor-liquid ( demisting ) cyclones follows closely the method presented by Muschelk-nautz and Dahl (1994) and that presented for gas-solids cyclones previously reported in Chap. 6. All the same, to avoid repetition of the formulism, here we shall focus on pointing out differences in the two methods. The reader is encouraged to refer back to Chap. 6 while reading the discussion below. 

The calculation method reported below is rather rudimentary in comparison to that which we have reported earlier for gas-solids cyclones. There is still substantial room for further refinement in the modeling of vapor-liquid cyclones. 

Unlike their gas-solids counterparts, one almost never knows fi om measurement the droplet size distribution feeding vapor liquid cyclones and, quite often, one is often not certain of the quantity of liquid feeding the cyclone. Still, the method presented below should provide some help as it provides a rough method for estimating the cyclone s cut size and, if the liquid loading and its approximate distribution is known, the overall collection efficiency. 

The equations assume that the cyclone is constructed with a roof skimmer or raceway and a vortex tube anti-creep skirt to minimize the detrimental effects of liquid creep, as well as a vortex stabilizing plate to prevent collected liquid from becoming re-entrained. 

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