Analysis of the impact of flow characteristics on the separation efficiency and pressure drop of a cyclone-type oil separator

The effects of flow structure on the separation efficiency and pressure drop in a cyclone-type oil separator were investigated via Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulations and large eddy simulations (LES), and the results were compared with experiments. Compared with the RANS simulations, the LES results were more similar to the experimental data as they simulated the complex flow structure more realistically. Swirling flow with strong turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) at the top section hindered the flow of particles toward the separator wall. In addition, a decrease in tangential velocity along the wall at the bottom reduced the centrifugal force, resulting in a decreased separation efficiency as particles were able to flow directly toward the outlet. The LES also predicted the pressure drop slightly better than the RANS simulation did, due to increased pressure drop caused by collision of the flow with the helix and outlet tube, which led to the formation of vortical flow structures with strong TKE.