CYCLONIC SEPARATION Meaning and
Definition
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Cyclonic separation is a process used to separate particles or substances from a gas or liquid stream, based on their density and centrifugal force generated by a rotating device called a cyclone.
The cyclone, typically a cylindrical or conical-shaped chamber, is designed to create a spinning vortex motion within the fluid stream. This rotation generates a centrifugal force that pushes the denser particles towards the outer wall of the cyclone, while the lighter particles or clean fluid accumulates in the center, forming a core region.
As the fluid stream enters the cyclone, it follows a spiraling path along the inner wall due to the cyclone's shape. This causes the heavier particles, such as dust, dirt, or contaminants, to separate from the fluid and accumulate at the lower end of the cyclone.
The separated particles then settle at the bottom of the cyclone and can be discharged through an opening or purge valve. Meanwhile, the purified gas or liquid exits through an outlet near the top of the cyclone.
Cyclonic separation is widely used in various industries, including air and gas filtration, oil and gas refining, food processing, and wastewater treatment. It effectively removes particulate matter, solid particles, dust, and other impurities from a fluid stream, enhancing the overall quality and purity of the processed gas or liquid.
It is worth noting that the efficiency of cyclonic separation depends on factors such as the size and density of the particles, the shape and design of the cyclone, as well as the flow rate and pressure of the fluid stream being treated.
Etymology of CYCLONIC SEPARATION
The etymology of the word "cyclonic separation" can be traced back to:
1. Cyclonic: The term "cyclonic" is derived from the word "cyclone", which originally comes from the Greek word "kyklōma" meaning "wheel" or "circle". It was first used in the meteorological context to describe a large-scale atmospheric circulation system characterized by rotating winds around a central low-pressure region. The term later found application in other fields, including engineering and fluid dynamics.
2. Separation: The word "separation" originates from the Latin word "separatio", which means "act of setting apart" or "division". It refers to the action or process of isolating or splitting something into distinct parts or components. In the context of cyclonic separation, it describes the physical process of separating particles or substances from a fluid or gas stream using a vortex or cyclone mechanism.
