Influence of a spiral guide vane on the flow field and particle deposition outside the vortex finder of FCC disengager cyclone separators

To address the issue of particle deposition and coking on the vortex finder of the cyclone separators in the FCC disengager, this study proposes a novel design of a spiral-roof inlet cyclone separator with variable-pitch guide vanes installed outside the vortex finder. By regulating the flow field near the vortex finder, this design effectively modifies particle deposition patterns. Numerical simulations were conducted to compare the flow fields between the novel and conventional cyclone separators, and an experimental platform was established to evaluate the differences in particle deposition characteristics on the vortex finder outer wall. The results show that the novel separator can significantly reduce the thickness of the stagnant zone near the vortex finder wall while maintaining the separation efficiency, and enhance the ability of airflow to purge the wall surface. Moreover, the deposited particles in the spiral channel show a low tendency for adhesion and growth, which further demonstrates the design's advantages in reducing particle depositions. This study provides theoretical guidance and experimental support for resisting coke formation on the vortex finder outer wall of the separator in FCC disengagers.