Modeling of U-beam separator

Computer calculations of two-dimensional gas–particle flow through a separator which consists of four rows of U-beam elements show that particles coarser than 100 μm are fully separated in the first two rows, particles with dimensions 30–80 μm have better separation in the 3rd and 4th rows, but with less total efficiency. The design of U-beam separators influences the pressure drop more than the separation efficiency. The pressure drop increases with an increase of particle concentration in the flow. Visual observation using a liquid model confirms the general results of the calculations and shows the swirl in the cavities of the U-beam elements (primarily in the first two rows).