Work out cyclone separator efficiency instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Cyclone performance is characterised by the cut diameter d50, the particle size collected with 50% efficiency, which falls with higher inlet velocity and smaller body diameter. Efficiency for any size follows the Lapple relationship (d/d50)^2 / (1 + (d/d50)^2). Pressure drop rises with the square of inlet velocity.
Cut diameter
d50 = sqrt(9 mu b / (2 pi N v (rho_p - rho_g)))
Efficiency
Efficiency = (d/d50)^2 / (1 + (d/d50)^2)
They have no moving parts, tolerate high temperature and dust loading, cost little and have low maintenance. They are ideal as a pre-cleaner ahead of a bag filter or scrubber.
Yes for efficiency — several small cyclones in parallel collect finer particles than one large one at the same flow, at the cost of higher pressure drop and more complex dust handling.