Calculation of the Flow Hydrodynamics in Reverse-Flow Cyclones Using the Flow Vision Software Package.

The applicability of various mathematical models of turbulence for simulation of gas motion in reverse-flow cyclones was evaluated. Out of very numerous turbulence models, only those demonstrating the greatest efficiency in modeling complex flows were selected for the analysis. It is known that, among the models using the Reynolds equations supplemented with parameter equations expressing turbulent viscosity, the standard k–ε model does not provide an accurate description of the gas velocity field in reverse-flow cyclones. For this reason, the suitability of the shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model, as well as of the nonlinear k–ε model, which includes quadratic and cubic terms in the expression for the so-called Reynolds stresses and is advisable for swirling flow simulation, was examined. Also performed were calculations using Smagorinsky model representing a popular choice for large eddy simulations. The results of the calculations were compared with the published experimental data from measuring the gas velocity components inside the cyclone using a laser Doppler anemometer. It was shown that the best results were provided by the Smagorinsky model, which therefore may be usable for modeling gas cleaning processes in cyclones. Modeling will enable eliminating the need to perform time-consuming experiments for optimizing the geometric parameters of cyclones. Moreover, establishing a reliable method for calculating the aerodynamics of a cyclone allows using the calculations for optimizing the operating conditions of a cyclone under specified working parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]