Countercurrent cyclone exchanger

TLDR: In this article, the authors describe a cyclone-like device for the exchange of heat or material between a fluid and a finely-divided material in suspension in this fluid, which is intended for industrial processes of heat treatment (heating, calcining, cooling).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device making it possible to carry out a methodical exchange of heat or of matter between a fluid and a finely-divided material in suspension in this fluid. It consists of an axisymmetric fluid casing 2 at a maximum distance from the axis; at one end of the axis, an annular material inlet 5 and a circular fluid outlet 3 which are coaxial, the first being outside the second; at the other end of the axis, a material outlet. Suitable operating characteristics enable a radial countercurrent circulation of the fluid (centripetal movement) and of the material (centrifugal movement) to be obtained in the exchanger. The separation of the fluid and of the material after exchange may be improved by a disc 7 for separating overflow from underflow. The pressure drop of the fluid in the cyclone may be reduced by a turbine driven by the fluid at its exit from the exchanger 8. The temperature profile in the exchanger may be controlled by the supply or abstraction of heat and/or of material inside the exchanger 9. The device according to the invention is particularly intended for the industrial processes of heat treatment (heating, calcining, cooling) and of dissolving or crystallising.