A new cyclone separator-based pre-filter design for internal combustion engine applications. Part 2: Parametric study and optimization

Abstract

In a previous paper a new design was presented of a cyclone separator based pre-filter along with validation of a numerical model with experimental data. The validated model is used to evaluate certain designs with varying inlet air entry configurations. Furthermore, several cases as part of a detailed parametric study on the new pre-filter design are simulated in terms of geometrical parameters to optimize the performance with respect to overall pressure drop and dust collection efficiency. The results of the parametric study are used to derive a final optimized pre-filter configuration. In addition, based on the results of some of the simulations, a new concept of air filtration which could potentially replace the conventional air filter plus pre-filter configuration is introduced and assessed numerically. This design utilizes the high swirl velocities of air to separate particles as small as 4-5 μm with almost 100 per cent efficiency. More importantly, it offers much lower pressure drop than the total pre-filter plus main filter configuration.