PCGC Computer Controlled Gas Cyclone

The Computer Controlled Gas Cyclone, "PCGC", is a unit designed to study the separation of heterogeneous mixtures through a cyclone, specifically those made up of a thin material (4 μm – 400 μm) and an air flow. The cyclone, the main component of this system, separates the solid particles of the air flow so it comes out clean.

A fan aspirates generating the air flow through the conduit, crossing a flow sensor that detects the air flow.

The speed of the fan can be controlled from the computer. It also includes a valve to control the speed manually. A filter prevents other unwanted particles from entering, guaranteeing a good quality air. Next, a solid dispersion motor system impels the solids to the conduit, where they are mixed with the air flow.

When the mixture is ready the flow reaches the cyclone separator. The flow temperature is measured before entering. The air flows in a helical pattern, starting from the highest of the cyclone to the lowest and ending in an ascending central flow that exits through the outlet pipe (in the uppermost part of the cyclone). The larger and denser particles in the rotary flow have too much inertia to follow the strong upward curve in the bottom of the cyclone. They collide with the wall and fall to the lowest part of the cyclone, where they are collected in a glass tank.

A differential pressure sensor allows the study of the pressure drop between the inlet and the outlet of the cyclone.

Finally, air is filtered again at the end of the conduit to guarantee that there are no suspended particles left.

This Computer Controlled Unit is supplied with the EDIBON Computer Control System (SCADA), and includes: The unit itself + a Control Interface Box + a Data Acquisition Board + Computer Control, Data Acquisition and Data Management Software Packages, for controlling the process and all parameters involved in the process.