In a cyclone separator used for removing dust from a gas stream, how does the gas enter and move within the vessel?
Chemical Engineering
Mechanical Operations
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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AIt enters from the top only in an axial flow.
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BIt is admitted tangentially at high velocity to create swirl.
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CIt develops a helical (spiral) motion inside the chamber.
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DBoth (b) and (c)
Answer
Correct Answer: Both (b) and (c)
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Cyclone separators use swirling gas flow to generate centrifugal forces that drive particles to the wall, where they fall into a dust hopper while cleaned gas exits via a vortex finder.
Concept / Approach:The gas typically enters tangentially at high velocity, establishing a strong vortex. Inside, the flow follows a double helical path: a downward outer spiral near the wall and an inner upward spiral exiting through the central outlet. This swirl produces radial acceleration that separates particles by inertia.
Final Answer:Both (b) and (c)