Analysis and optimization of the performance of the 10 mm cyclone

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Abstract
Values were determined for the flow rate Q and calibration factor k which optimized the performance of the 10-mm cyclone in estimating respirable mass as defined by the British Medical Research Council (BMRC). Flow-dependent monodisperse cyclone collection efficiency data were analyzed as to reliability in predicting the collection of distributed dusts and were modeled mathematically. A simple criterion for evaluating cyclone performance was adopted. Performance maximization resulted in suggested values of 1.2 l/min and k = 0.91 for BMRC dust concentration estimation. In order to achieve independence of the mathematical model, penetration measurements of the MSA [Medical Services Administration] sampling unit operated at 1.2 l/min (and 2.0 l/min) were carried out. The bias between respirable and sampled dust concentrations was calculated in terms of geometric SD and mass median diameter for a range of log-normally distributed dusts and was presented in graphical form. Sampling errors induced by variations in the flow rate from the optimizing values were also analyzed for dusts distributed log-normally. Preliminary results were also given for best estimating respirable dust concentration as defined by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). The work sharpened cyclone estimates of respirable dust concentrations and provided a simple method for fine tuning other sampling devices.

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