High Efficiency Cyclone Separator for Sub-micron Particle Concentration

The Radionuclide Aerosol Sampler and Analyzer (RASA) is a completely automated monitoring system that detects airborne radioactive particles and is one of the detection systems used in the U.S. and global International Monitoring System (IMS) of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) to detect nuclear detonations. Mainstream proposes develop a high-efficiency cyclone separator for sub-micron particle concentration for use with the IMS’s RASA detectors. Mainstream will develop a theoretical cyclone design and develop a robust computational model to tune cyclone geometries for efficient removal of sub-micron particles. Tight tolerance machining techniques, surface coatings, and mechanical agitation technologies will be examined to increase the solid particle flow in the system to ensure stable and continuous operation. Mainstream will leverage our experience with active and recent programs related to solids separation and computational simulation to support the development of the cyclone separator technology.