Inline Swirl Particle Separator III

Project goal: To optimize a device from a previous design team that reduces air contamination in engine bleed lines and compressed air ducts without significant loss of air velocity or pressure. Turbine engines, used primarily in aircraft, operate in many environments and are expected to perform nominally, but contamination due to harsh environments has always been a problem. The inline swirl particle separator uses swirl vanes and air flowing through compressed air lines to create a helical airflow that exerts centrifugal force on particles and moves them to the outer perimeter of the flow. At this point, a diffuser incorporated into the flow separates cleaner air from particle-laden air, which is ejected from the engine. Filter boxes located at this intersection capture any remaining dust. To optimize this process, the team determined effectiveness and efficiency by using varying pipe lengths,swirl vane rotations, and diffuser gaps.