A cyclone separator is being used to remove particulates from a gas stream. The current removal efficiency is 96% for an air flow rate through the separator equal to 18 m3/s. Due to a process change, the air flow rate is expected to increase to 22 m3/s.
What percent removal efficiency may be expected under the new condition?
Removal efficiency (R, in %) has been expressed as an empirical correlation in terms of the ratio (r) of particle diameter (d) to cut diameter (dC), defined as the diameter of particles for which removal efficiency is 50%.
R = 1.5 x - 17.92 x2 + 72.37 x3 - 6
The cut diameter is usually assumed to be inversely proportional to the square root of the air flow rate, i.e., dC = k Q-1/2.