Non-linear optimisation and energy integration of a particles separation?classification process

CECILIA INÉS PAULO; EUGENIA BORSA; MIRTA RAQUEL BARBOSA

International Journal of Sustainable Engineering

Centre for Sustainable Manufacturing and Reuse/Recycling Technologies, Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University

Lugar: Loughborough; Año: 2017 p. 1 - 10

1939-7038

The gas?solid separation has several industrial applications in engineering process. The collection efficiencyand the energy consumption are critical variables in particles separation process. In this study, a non-linearprogramming problem is proposed to maximise the cyclone efficiency in a 34,560.0 ton/year particlesseparation?classification plant. A new process integration scheme is proposed to energy consumptionminimisation. The units included in the model are a powder feeder, a high efficiency cyclone, a bag filterand a blower. Stairmand and Swift?s high efficiency cyclones models are evaluated and compared. Fourparticulate materials are considered: limestone, dolomite, sawdust and toner. The particles diameters rangestudied is 0.1?1000μm. Mass and energy balances are solved with an initial solid concentration of 500 g/m3.Stairmand?s cyclone proved to be more efficient than Swift for all materials analysed. The highest cycloneefficiency is achieved for sawdust (> 99%). The cyclone separates more than 34,000 ton/year of particles> 10μm. The energy integration scheme consumes 43% less energy than the basic one for all casesstudied. The proposed optimisation model results a valuable tool for optimal process design, reducing theenvironment process impact and adaptable to operate at high temperatures valueswith differentmaterials.