The effect of an acoustic source on performance of the cyclone separator system for water purification

In water treatment plants, after collecting millimeter-sized particles by filters, cyclone separator are being used to deposit and remove micron-sized particles. In this study, a numerical simulation is carried out by applying two-phase Eulerian-Lagrangian and RSM turbulence model and grid independency test is performed. Then results are validated by comparison with experimental data. Continuously, by embedding an acoustic stimulator with specific frequency and amplitude, the collection efficiency of fine particles is investigated. Results show an increase in particles’ separation efficiency as the injection diameter and velocity increase. It has been shown that by applying an acoustic excitation, the separation of fine particles noticeably increased but this increase has no tangible effect on separation of large particles. Wake formation in a conventional and an acoustic cyclone is also compared. An optimized frequency and pressure level are introduced for better separation efficiency of sand particles. Finally, the effect of an acoustic excitation in different injection velocities has been studied and compared with a conventional cyclone.