Abstract
The prediction of emission concentrations from cyclone collectors is integral to the
permitting of agricultural facilities including cotton gins. One method for predicting
emission concentrations utilizes fractional efficiency curves. Fractional efficiency curves
(FEC’s) were developed for 1D2D, 1D3D, and 2D2D cyclone designs. The procedure
used to develop these new FEC’s incorporated log-normalized distributions and results of
particle sizing using the Coulter Counter. Another method that has been used by many air
pollution regulators is the Classical Cyclone Design process (CCD). These new FEC’s
were used to compare performances of three cyclone designs currently being used by
cotton gins to abate PM10. The two methods were compared and the use of the FEC
method was far superior to the CCD process. The results indicate that properly designed
and operated cyclones are high efficiency collectors and can be used as a final abatement
device for agricultural processing facilities.