Cyclone mist eliminators consist of multiple cyclone tube elements mounted into a housing. The flow through these elements can be either horizontal or vertically upward. The element diameter is 50 or 80 mm (2 or 3 in), and is selected based on efficiency and pressure drop considerations. The units are provided in easily handled subassemblies, which are installed through normal vessel manways.
The most important benefit of the cyclone design is its very high gas-handling capacity. It is applied to vessels where the size is set primarily based on the requirements of the mist eliminator.
In new construction of high pressure separators, cyclone mist eliminators provide the lowest cost overall solution because of the very small diameter and height requirements of the vessel. It is most commonly applied to high pressure applications, where its use can lead to very significant vessel size reductions.
The design maintains efficiency even at very high pressures, where the lower allowable velocity of other mist eliminators results in significant drop-off in their performance.
In retrofits where significant additional capacity is demanded, cyclone mist eliminators extend the gas capacity well beyond any other mist elimination technology.
Cyclone mist eliminators are an excellent choice in applications where foam is a common occurrence, as the high centrifugal forces inside the unit quickly break down most foams.