Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Effects of Blower Impeller Speed on Inlet Velocity and Pressure Drop in a Stairmands High Efficiency Cyclone
by Oriaku E. C., Ofodile E.I.E and Nwannewuihe H.U

Abstract:
Cyclone optimal operational efficiency is highly dependent on its physical and non physical parameters. While physical parameters deal mainly on geometric configuration, the non physical parameters involve inlet velocity, pressure drop and particle collection efficiency. Several attempts by researchers to determine some of these non physical parameters by theoretical methods yield varying results. Consequently, experimental approach is adopted in this work to more accurately determine some of these parameters. An integrated system comprising a micro-mill and Stairmands high efficiency cyclone were designed, constructed and used as a test rig for monitoring the effects of blower impeller speed on inlet velocity and pressure drop at no-load and load basis in the cyclone. Pitot static tubes of Prandtl model were employed in measuring of velocity and pressure at several designated points in the cyclone. Experiments carried out by varying speeds and monitoring velocity into the cyclone showed that values between 12.23 -28.95 m/s and 9.15 - 24.08m/s were obtained for no-load and load basis respectively. Corresponding pressure drop values were 35.44 - 78.84 N/m2 and 30.86 - 85.66 N/m2 (no-load and load basis) respectively. The relationship between inlet velocity and blower impeller speed was linear while that of speed and pressure drop was best described by a quadratic equation (no-load) and a third order polynomial relationship (load basis). The model equations developed are expected to aid in predicting values of velocity and pressure drop at any point along the cyclone. The variation of speed and its effects on the observed parameters is aimed at establishing optimal speed for effective particle collection in the cyclone and attendant reduction in environmental pollution

Keywords: blower speed, Inlet velocity, pressure drop, cyclone.

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