Mathematical Formulation and Theoretical Background of Harmful-Particle Separation in Multicyclones

Abstract

This paper presents an extended mathematical framework for predicting the removal of hazardous dust and aerosol particles in multicyclone separators. The governing Navier–Stokes and particle-tracking equations are discretised with a second-order finite-volume scheme and solved implicitly. Key performance indicators—cut-size diameter d50, overall collection efficiency η, and pressure drop ΔP—are derived analytically and validated numerically. Expanded results show that, at equal pressure loss, a multicyclone operating at an inlet velocity of 12 m s⁻¹ captures 95 % of particles larger than 5 μm while consuming 22 % less fan power than an equivalent single cyclone. Figures 1–2 visualise the influence of particle size and volumetric flow rate on efficiency and pressure drop.