Open Access
REVIEW
Review on the Optimal Design of Cyclone Separator: Theory, Methodology, and Applications
1 School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong Key Laboratory of CNC Machine Tool Functional Components, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
2 Shandong Institute of Mechanical Design and Research, Jinan, China
3 School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, China
* Corresponding Author: Liying Gao. Email:
(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Enhancement Technologies for Fluid Heat and Mass Transfer)
Frontiers in Heat and Mass Transfer 2026, 24(3), 3 https://doi.org/10.32604/fhmt.2026.075814
Received 09 November 2025; Accepted 16 January 2026; Issue published 29 June 2026
Abstract
Cyclone separators are highly efficient gas-solid separation that operate on the centrifugal force and play an indispensable role in industries such as chemical engineering, environmental protection, and power generation. They exhibit excellent reliability, particularly under demanding conditions such as high temperatures and elevated particle concentrations. However, a persistent trade-off between separation efficiency and pressure drop has limited further performance improvements. To address this, optimization of cyclone separators has become a major research focus. This article systematically reviews recent advances, first by examining the mechanisms through which key structural parameters, such as inlet geometry, exhaust pipe diameter, and cone angle, influence performance across different industrial applications. Furthermore, the review introduces an integrated optimization framework based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, surrogate modelling, and intelligent optimization algorithms to enhance design performance. It critically compares the applicability and limitations of various high-dimensional optimization methods and their integration strategies. The article underscores a paradigm shift from optimizing instantaneous performance toward establishing a lifecycle optimization (LCO) framework that incorporates long-term metrics such as wear and maintenance costs. Evidence shows that coupling CFD with intelligent algorithms enables efficient exploration of multi-objective parameter spaces. Finally, the article discusses current limitations in optimization research and outlines future directions, including multi-physics coupling involving flow, heat, and particle transport, lifecycle optimization, and intelligent decision support systems. In summary, this review establishes a theoretical foundation and provides technical guidance for the energy-efficient, high-performance design and industrial implementation of cyclone separators.Keywords
Cyclone separators are widely used in industries ranging from petrochemical catalyst recovery [1] and pharmaceuticals [2] to mineral processing [3], industrial mitigation [4], and circulating fluidized bed boilers [5]. Which are play a critical role under harsh operating conditions, such as elevated temperatures and high particle loadings, by maintaining plant reliability and preventing equipment damage. Cyclone separators achieve efficient gas-solid phase separation through the centrifugal force generated by high-speed rotating airflow. In petroleum catalytic cracking units, they quickly separate high-temperature catalyst particles from the reaction oil and gas, preventing blockages or wear in downstream equipment [6]. In coal-fired boiler systems, they effectively remove high-concentration fly ash, reducing flue gas dust content and alleviating the dust removal load on subsequent systems, thus protecting key equipment such as fans [7]. The lack of moving parts, tolerance to high temperatures and inherently stable geometry make cyclones low-maintenance, robust separators that sustain high performance even in extreme service conditions.
Cyclone separators typically employ a single volute inlet and a fixed conical geometry [8], but this design struggles to reconcile high separation
A combination of experimental testing, numerical simulation and theoretical modeling is commonly employed in cyclone optimization design. Experimental work provides direct validation of key performance metrics such as
This paper presents a comprehensive review of recent progress in the parameter optimization of cyclone separators, with particular emphasis on integrated optimization frameworks that combine CFD simulations, surrogate modeling, and intelligent optimization algorithms to improve
2 Fundamentals of Cyclone Separator Parameter Optimization
The cyclone separator consists of several main components, including the air inlet, exhaust pipe, dust outlet, and the separator body [17]. The structural parameters of the cyclone are illustrated in Fig. 1. Among these parameters, the exhaust pipe diameter (

Figure 1: Schematic diagram for cyclone separator.
The optimization of cyclone separators primarily focuses on two core objectives:
2.1 Key Parameters of Cyclone Separator and Their Impact
In cyclone separator design, overall performance and operational stability largely depend on the coordinated interaction among key structural parameters and geometric features.
2.1.1 Analysis of Key Structural Parameters
(1) Impact of inlet angle on performance
In fluid catalytic cracking units, the performance of cyclone separators has a direct impact on catalyst recovery efficiency and the overall operating economy. Bernardo et al. [22] investigated the effect of a modified cyclone design featuring a 45 inclined inlet using CFD simulations. The results showed that at an inlet velocity of 2.75 m/s, the inclined inlet design led to a tangential velocity peak approximately twice that of the conventional design. This increase in tangential velocity brought the high-speed vortex region closer to the inner wall, thereby enhancing the centrifugal force and promoting particle deposition on the wall, which improved separation efficiency. Additionally, the study reduced the tangential velocity peak in the gas-solid two-phase flow by approximately 50%, significantly lowering
(2) Influence of the length of the cylinder and cone structure
In the petrochemical technology, energy and power engineering industries, Stairmand high-efficiency cyclone separators are widely used for gas-solid separation. Enhancing their performance is crucial for reducing system energy consumption and improving
(3) Selection of inlet structural forms and adaptation to application scenarios
The inlet structure plays a critical role in shaping the flow field and determining the energy consumption of a cyclone separator. In industrial applications, the combination of an axial inlet and guide vanes is widely adopted. The guide vanes regulate the swirl intensity, reducing turbulence to below 15% and lowering
(4) Key indicators and operating requirements for exhaust pipe parameter design
The exhaust pipe is a critical component governing the escape of fine particles in cyclone separators, with its design primarily determined by the critical escape particle size (
(5) Optimization of cone angle and dust outlet size and working conditions requirements
The cone angle and dust outlet size directly affect particle sliding behavior and the wear resistance of cyclone separators. The design is particularly critical under high-temperature and highly abrasive conditions, such as those in circulating fluidized bed boilers (
2.1.2 Effect of Structural Design on Flow Field
The performance of a cyclone separator is influenced by multiple factors, arising from the intricate interplay between its internal flow dynamics and external geometry, rather than by a single parameter.
(1) The Stokes number in the flow field
In gas-solid or liquid-solid separation systems, the Stokes number (
where
Experimental studies have demonstrated that
The Stokes number serves as the fundamental criterion for inertial separation, with its critical value of 0.1 representing the threshold for effective particle separation. The design process requires the coordinated optimization of parameters such as particle diameter (
The cylinder diameter is a crucial geometric parameter matched to
(2) The effect of particle Reynolds number on the flow field
When performing simulations in Ansys Fluent, the discrete phase model (DPM) is typically used to calculate the movement and distribution of particles within the fluid. The particle motion Equation [29] is given by:
where
Studies have shown that at higher Reynolds numbers (e.g.,
Therefore, in practical applications, it is essential to select an appropriate range of Reynolds numbers based on particle characteristics and operating conditions to achieve a balance between
The design of gas-solid or liquid-solid separation equipment represents a complex system that requires the coordinated optimization of multiple parameters. This process involves the simultaneous adjustment of key design factors, including cylinder diameter, inlet configuration, exhaust pipe structure, and cone geometry, while accounting for variables such as particle characteristics (
2.2 Temperature Effects and Heat Transfer Analysis
In industrial processes involving high-temperature particles or flue gas, cyclone separators not only undertake the task of gas-solid separation but have also gradually become important devices for waste-heat recovery [36,37]. As a core operational parameter, temperature exerts a profound influence on
2.2.1 Temperature Effects on Heat Transfer, Waste-Heat Recovery, and Separation Efficiency
(1) Temperature effects on heat transfer and waste-heat recovery performance
Temperature gradients serve as the primary driving force for heat transfer within a cyclone separator. Li et al. [43] illustrates the industrial configuration of the blast-furnace slag waste-heat-recovery system in Fig. 2, including the 60 t/h slag-disposal technology scheme and the associated equipment layout. They investigated waste-heat recovery from molten blast-furnace slag and demonstrated that the rapid self-rotation (up to 14,459 rpm) and orbital motion of particles significantly enhance convective heat transfer between the solid phase and the cooling medium. Consistent observations were made by He et al. [44], who found that intensified particle rotation and turbulent dispersion improve gas-solid thermal exchange and reduce local temperature nonuniformities. Such particle-driven turbulence mechanisms offer an effective route for achieving high-efficiency, intermittent heat recovery from hot solids, potentially leading to substantial net energy gains.

Figure 2: The blast-furnace slag waste-heat-recovery system. (a) The technology scheme for 60 t/h blast furnace slag disposal. (b) The industrial project. (c) The molten blast furnace slag. (d) The slag particles after treatment [43].
However, higher inlet gas temperatures do not necessarily improve heat-transfer performance. Ma et al. [36] observed that, under a fixed cooling-medium flow rate, the overall heat-transfer efficiency of the cyclone decreased as the flue-gas inlet temperature increased. When the inlet temperature rose from 40°C to 70°C, the maximum heat-transfer efficiency declined sharply (42.1% at the lower condition). This tendency has also been discussed in earlier theoretical and empirical studies by Székely and Carr [45] and Zhu et al. [46], where elevated gas-side temperatures were shown to increase thermal resistance and reduce the overall heat-transfer coefficient due to the weakening of the temperature-driving potential. Consequently, the rapid warming of the cooling medium diminishes the mean temperature difference between phases, further constraining heat-transfer performance.
From a system-level perspective, Ma et al. [36] highlighted that optimized temperature control could enhance condensation-based heat recovery, achieving net energy gains of approximately 28.2 kWh. Similar conclusions were drawn by Rubio-López et al. [47], who demonstrated that coupling condensation and separation processes in a high-efficiency cyclonic system effectively improves both waste-heat utilization and particle removal performance.
(2) Dual effects of temperature on separation efficiency
Temperature exerts a twofold and sometimes opposing influence on particle separation. On one hand, higher gas temperature increases viscosity, which can reduce the effective centrifugal forces on particles and thereby lower separation efficiency [40]. Ma et al. [36] observed a decreasing trend in dust-removal performance as flue-gas temperature rose from 40°C to 70°C.
On the other hand, controlled cooling that triggers heterogeneous condensation can markedly improve capture of fine particles [41]. Ma et al. [36] further demonstrated that when hot flue gas (about 120°C) is cooled below the water dew point inside the cyclone, water vapor condenses on soot particles that act as condensation nuclei. The consequent growth in particle mass and size makes them easier to separate under centrifugal forces, boosting removal efficiency of submicron particles to around 91% [48]. This condensation-assisted pathway also recovers latent heat, creating a synergistic benefit: simultaneous enhancement of pollutant removal and energy recovery.
Elevated temperatures increase gas viscosity and decrease density, thereby intensifying particle drag and attenuating the centrifugal separation force [39,49]. Therefore, incorporating temperature-dependent property variations is essential for the optimal design of high-temperature cyclone separators [50].
(3) Synergistic optimization of separation and heat transfer for high-temperature applications
Based on the mechanisms, the integration of heat transfer efficiency and separation performance into unified optimization objectives has emerged as a pivotal trajectory in the advancement of high-temperature cyclone separators. Current research is shifting from passive analysis of thermal effects toward the proactive optimization of thermo-mechanical coupling processes. This transition signifies an evolution in the research paradigm toward LCO framework, prioritizing the long-term operational sustainability and holistic efficiency of the system.
From one perspective, researchers are pursuing synergistic optimization through the development of integrated “separation-heat transfer” architectures. For instance, in the context of recovering converter gas at 850°C, recent studies have proposed the integration of evaporative heating surfaces directly into the walls of novel circulating fluidized cyclones to achieve simultaneous particulate abatement and sensible heat recovery. Numerical investigations have elucidated the internal flow field dynamics and heat flux distributions, revealing that the conical section contributes 40.2% of the total thermal exchange capacity. Such findings provide a critical foundation for the synergistic design of systems characterized by low
Conversely, significant strides have been made in embedding thermodynamic indicators directly into traditional separation performance optimization frameworks. In the optimization of cyclone preheaters for cement production, specific studies have defined both outlet gas temperature and
2.2.2 Thermal Behavior of the Cyclone Separator in Cooling Use
The thermal behavior of cyclones when used for cooling or waste-heat recovery merits focused attention because the same temperature-driven processes that affect heat-transfer rates also feedback on flow structure and particle dynamics. The strong swirling flow that governs particle trajectories likewise enhances convective heat transfer, especially adjacent to the wall and within the conical section, so that local thermal gradients and residence-time differences directly influence both cooling effectiveness and separation outcomes. For high-temperature metakaolin particles, the presence of short-circuit flows and non-uniform residence times produces uneven gas–solid interaction and temperature deviations within the cyclone, reinforcing the coupling between hydrodynamics and thermal performance [51].
The gas-phase energy conservation equation can be expressed as:
where
Building upon this framework, Xu et al. [53] numerically analyzed gas-solid heat transfer in a kaolin cyclone cooling system using an Eulerian model with user-defined functions. Their results showed clear temperature stratification, with hot cores and cooler outer short-circuit regions, indicating strong thermal asymmetry linked to the spiral flow. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the twin cyclones (CC1 and CC2) exhibit distinct outlet temperatures and heat-transfer characteristics. As shown in Fig. 3b, due to the high air volume and short residence time in the heat exchanger tube, the cold air near the tube wall does not come into full contact with the hot metakaolin until there are still large areas of low temperature at the exit of the heat exchanger tube. In combination with Fig. 3c, the high-temperature zone in the middle is the result of this part of the flow is in contact with the metakaolin particles for the longest time and receives the most heat.

Figure 3: Legends for CC1 and CC2. (a) Cooling system model; (b) The temperature contour of CC2 cyclone; (c) Temperature contour of CC1 cyclone [53].
When the cyclone is operated with a wetted surface or as part of an evaporative cooling strategy, the wet-bulb effect and thermal efficiency should be considered. The cooling efficiency can be defined as [54]:
where,
Overall, temperature exerts a multifaceted influence on cyclone behavior by simultaneously altering the thermophysical properties of the gas-solid mixture, reshaping flow-driven heat transfer, and modifying particle separation characteristics through viscosity and condensation effects. These coupled mechanisms give rise to spatial temperature nonuniformities and dynamic feedback between heat and momentum transport. Consequently, the optimal design and operation of cyclones for cooling or waste-heat recovery should emphasize coordinated control of inlet temperature, cooling-medium parameters, and flow geometry to achieve a balanced improvement in both heat utilization and particulate removal efficiency.
2.3 Optimization Objectives and Approaches for Cyclone Separators
Optimization requires a comprehensive evaluation of relevant parameters to achieve an appropriate balance between separation efficiency and pressure drop, thereby ensuring that the equipment meets performance requirements across diverse application scenarios. Moreover, precise parameter selection can significantly reduce redundant computations and experimental efforts, lower overall costs, and improve the efficiency of the optimization process.
In different industries, it is crucial to prioritize optimization objectives based on specific operational requirements. Jiang et al. [27] achieved efficient separation of coarse particles by increasing the cylinder diameter (
In the pharmaceutical and food industries, both cleanliness and
The design of cyclone separators requires the establishment of optimization goals tailored to industry-specific working conditions. Different objective function systems are formulated, influenced by factors such as process constraints, economic efficiency, and industry standards and specifications under varying operating conditions.
3 Evolution of Cyclone Separator Optimization Design
The optimization design of cyclone separators has evolved from empirical trial-and-error to a precision paradigm integrating experimental research, theoretical modelling, and numerical simulation. While CFD provides detailed characterization of internal flow fields, its high computational cost in multi-parameter collaborative optimization remains a significant bottleneck. To address this, current research increasingly adopts a collaborative strategy integrating CFD with surrogate models and intelligent algorithms. This approach enables the efficient exploration of high-dimensional parameter spaces, significantly enhancing both design reliability and efficiency.
3.1 Numerical Framework and Validation
3.1.1 Turbulence Models and Governing Equations
The internal flow within a cyclone separator is characterized by strong swirling motion, highly anisotropic turbulence, and complex two-phase interactions that are difficult to capture using conventional experimental techniques. CFD, when combined with refined physical and numerical models, can depict fine-scale flow phenomena inside cyclone separators, including coherent vortex structures and detailed particle trajectories [58].
(1) Turbulence models
To resolve the detailed distributions of tangential velocity, axial velocity, and static pressure, CFD is widely applied. Models based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations remain the most used approach for predicting time-averaged flow characteristics because of their favorable balance between accuracy and computational cost. Within the RANS framework, turbulence closure is achieved through various modeling strategies. Owing to the high shear rates and pronounced turbulence anisotropy inside cyclone separators, the Reynolds stress model generally provides more reliable predictions than standard eddy-viscosity models such as
For investigations that aim to resolve unsteady flow behavior and transient vortex structures, large eddy simulation (LES) is widely employed [61]. LES offers higher temporal and spatial resolution by directly resolving the large-scale turbulent eddies while modeling the dissipation of small-scale motions through a sub-grid scale model. Although LES provides a more detailed representation of the flow field, it typically demands substantially greater computational resources compared with RANS-based approaches [62].
(2) Governing equations
The core foundation of CFD rests upon the governing equations of fluid flow, which mathematically describe the fundamental principles of physics. These equations primarily consist of three conservation laws: mass conservation equation (continuity equation), momentum conservation equation (Navier-Stokes equations) and energy conservation equation.
All flow problems must satisfy the fundamental law of conservation of mass. This law states that the increase in mass of a fluid element per unit time is equal to the net mass flowing into the element over that time interval. According to this principle, the mass conservation equation, also known as the continuity equation, can be derived [63]:
where
The momentum conservation equation is a fundamental law that must be satisfied by any fluid flow system. This law is essentially the application of Newton’s second law to a fluid element. It states that the rate of change of momentum of a fluid in an infinitesimal element with respect to time is equal to the net sum of all forces acting on that element. According to this law, the momentum conservation equations, commonly known as the Navier-Stokes equations, can be derived for the x, y, and z directions [63]:
x component:
y component:
z component:
where
The law of conservation of energy is one of the fundamental laws that must be satisfied by fluid systems involving heat exchange. This law is essentially the mathematical expression of the first law of thermodynamics applied to a continuous medium. The total energy of a fluid is typically the sum of three components: internal energy, kinetic energy
where
3.1.2 Euler-Lagrange Particle Tracking Approaches
In gas-solid two-phase flow systems, accurate tracking of particle motion and evaluation of separation efficiency are essential. DPM, formulated within the Euler–Lagrange framework, is widely adopted to resolve individual particle trajectories and to quantify size-dependent separation performance [65]. In this approach, the continuous gas phase is obtained by solving the Eulerian governing equations, while the dispersed particles are tracked by integrating the Lagrangian equations of motion. The particle momentum equation typically accounts for drag force, lift force, virtual mass force, and Brownian motion [66], and can be written as [67]:
where
Within the DPM framework, researchers can quantify particle residence time and elucidate the mechanisms that govern particle trapping. For example, Gopalakrishnan et al. [68] demonstrated that blade length substantially alters residence time and has a pronounced effect on separation efficiency. Accurate representation of particle–particle interactions and of particle–wall rebound behavior is also essential when simulating high solids loadings and when aiming to predict realistic separation performance [69].
3.1.3 Grid Independence and Validation Strategies
Although CFD provides a cost-effective, readily parameterizable alternative to resource-intensive experiments, rigorous verification of numerical results remains essential [70]. Ensuring numerical accuracy begins with a grid-independence study: simulations are carried out on a series of progressively refined meshes to assess whether key flow-field quantities (e.g., velocity, pressure, separation efficiency) change meaningfully with further refinement. Once these quantities have converged, discretization error can be considered negligible and the numerical predictions regarded as reliable [71].
Model calibration and validation require high-quality experimental measurements. Common techniques include particle image velocimetry and laser doppler velocimetry for resolving the flow-field velocity, while
3.2 Intelligent Optimization Strategy
Directly coupling CFD with optimization algorithms is often impractical due to the time-intensive nature of high-fidelity simulations [73]. The introduction of surrogate models as an intermediate layer effectively mitigates this computational burden [74].
Surrogate models (Table 1), such as response surface methodology (RSM), radial basis function (RBF) networks, and Kriging function as mathematical approximations of the computationally expensive CFD solver [75]. These models establish a rapid mapping relationship between design parameters and performance indicators based on a limited set of high-fidelity sample points. For example, Babaoğlu et al. utilized a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) trained on 42 Latin hypercube sampled datasets, which maintained prediction errors below 5% while drastically reducing the required number of full CFD simulations.
However, the efficacy of surrogate models is subject to several critical limitations. In high-dimensional design spaces, the complexity of the surrogate model increases exponentially [84]. This often leads to a phenomenon where the model overfits the limited training data, effectively fitting noise rather than the underlying physical trend. Models like RSM, which rely on low-order polynomials, may fail to capture the high nonlinearity of fluid dynamics in complex geometries, while more flexible models like RBFNN risk overfitting if the training dataset is sparse.
The reliability of a surrogate model is fundamentally dependent on the quality and quantity of its input data [85]. Generating enough high-fidelity CFD data points for training remains a time-consuming and expensive process, which itself forms the initial bottleneck that surrogate modeling is intended to solve. Inadequate data density can lead to large interpolation errors.
Surrogate models are optimized for interpolation within the sampled design domain [86]. Their predictive capability degrades significantly when required to extrapolate outside this defined space. Since optimization algorithms often search for extremes at the boundaries of the design space, this inherent extrapolation uncertainty can lead the optimization process toward physically unreliable optimal solutions.
Driven by the surrogate model, intelligent algorithms (Table 2) perform systematic searches within the design space. Algorithms such as genetic algorithms (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) emulate natural selection or swarm behavior to handle nonlinear, multi-peak problems. This integration allows for the evaluation of thousands of design iterations in seconds, a scale unachievable with direct CFD coupling, provided the underlying surrogate model is accurate.
3.3 Integrating CFD with Computational Intelligence in Cyclone Optimization
The collaborative optimization framework typically follows a closed-loop process: definition of objectives, key parameter screening, CFD data generation, surrogate model training, and algorithmic optimization (Fig. 4).

Figure 4: Optimization process of the cyclone separator.
3.3.1 Single-Objective Optimization Examples
Single-objective optimization targets specific metrics, such as
Li et al. [99] focused on enhancing the removal of 8 μm particles for high-precision applications. By constructing a second-order response surface model based on four geometric parameters (including guide vane angle and exhaust diameter), the study achieved a twofold increase in
Conversely, Ning et al. [100] targeted pressure drop reduction for energy-constrained systems. Through response surface optimization of eight geometric factors,
While effective for specific targets, single-objective approaches often fail to balance conflicting requirements, such as the inherent trade-off between
3.3.2 Multi-Objective Collaborative Optimization
Multi-objective optimization addresses these conflicts by constructing a Pareto frontier, offering a set of non-dominated solutions that balance competing goals [57,101].
Sun and Yoon [102] combined a central composite design-based response surface model with the NSGA-II algorithm. The optimized design reduced
Deng et al. [103] developed a framework integrating CFD, support vector machines, and NSGA-II to optimize guide vane geometry. The study quantified the non-linear trade-offs, describing
Elsayed [104] employed co-Kriging models with genetic algorithms, reducing
Table 3 summarizes various optimization strategies to better demonstrate the application of multi-objective optimization in cyclone separators.
Despite these advancements, the field faces challenges regarding the high computational cost of generating high-fidelity training data and the potential for surrogate model bias in highly nonlinear regions. Furthermore, theoretical Pareto solutions may occasionally exceed manufacturing constraints. Future research should focus on adaptive sampling strategies to improve model efficiency and the incorporation of full-lifecycle costs into the optimization objective function.
4 Examples and Applications of Cyclone Separator Optimization
The optimization of cyclone separators aims to address engineering challenges through innovative approaches. The previously described framework, which integrates CFD simulation, surrogate models, and intelligent optimization algorithms, provides a critical technical pathway for this purpose. The effectiveness of this pathway must be validated through specific case studies [113]. This section analyzes the key issues addressed and the application outcomes of optimized cyclone separators in representative industrial fields, evaluating their operational performance using typical examples and data. The objective is to guide the rational selection and performance enhancement of cyclone separators across a broader range of industrial applications.
The complex nonlinear relationships between geometry, operating conditions, and performance render exclusive reliance on high-fidelity simulations computationally prohibitive for design exploration. To address this limitation, hybrid data-driven approaches have proven effective. For instance, Zhang et al. [93] utilized a dataset comprising 217 experimental cases, employing PCA for feature reduction and SVR model tuned via PSO. This methodology achieved highly accurate performance prediction (
A pervasive challenge is balancing the inherent trade-off between
This framework also applies when cyclone separation principles are extended to other processes, such as waste heat recovery using vortex generator enhanced heat exchangers. Hatami et al. [115] combined experimental data (the experimental setup is shown in Fig. 5a) and CFD data to perform an exergy analysis and used RSM to quantify how operating parameters affect recovered exergy and irreversibility. Their optimization identified operating conditions that maximize exergy recovery while minimizing losses. As shown in Fig. 5b,c, the RSM response surfaces clearly illustrate parameter dependencies and the locations of optimal operating points. The vortex generator configuration increases heat transfer without producing excessive back pressure that would impair engine performance. These findings demonstrate the method’s versatility for optimizing both thermodynamic performance and gas solid separation.

Figure 5: Exergy performance optimization of vortex generator heat exchanger. (a) Schematic of experimental setup. (b) Contour of effect of engine load and water mass flow rate on irreversibility. (c) Contour of effect of engine load and water mass flow rate on recovered exergy [115].
While individual cases target different objectives, they are unified by the integrated framework of high-fidelity data, surrogate modeling and intelligent optimization proposed in this study. Their successful implementation validates the framework’s robustness and effectiveness. All applications rely on high-fidelity datasets: studies [102,111,114] use CFD simulations and studies [93,115] use experimental measurements. To reduce the computational burden of physical modeling, efficient surrogate architectures were developed, including SVR [93], RSM [102,115], RBFNN [114], and model ensembles [111]. These surrogates were then paired with intelligent optimization algorithms such as PSO [93], GA [102,114], EMO [111], and RSM-based numerical techniques [115]. This multi-level workflow enables automated identification of optimal design configurations and demonstrates a general methodological pathway for addressing complex optimization challenges in cyclone separator design.
Through a systematic review of the optimal design of cyclone separators, this study confirms that a relatively mature theoretical and technical framework has been established in the field. At the theoretical level, research has clarified the fundamental role of dimensionless parameters (
Despite these advances, the effective industrial deployment and long-term value of optimization outcomes are fundamentally limited by the follow critical gaps: (1) Multi-objective Pareto solutions often lack robustness under dynamic operating conditions and may violate manufacturing tolerances. (2) Recent studies incorporate thermal stress, separation efficiency and waste-heat recovery into optimization models, forming the basis of LCO framework. A complete LCO must extend to long-term system-level optimization that dynamically couples physical performance, lifecycle energy use and economic metrics such as operating costs and depreciation. Existing models and empirical studies remain nascent, hindering the shift from equipment-level design to system-value optimization. (3) In complex, high-dimensional design spaces, surrogate model accuracy is highly sensitive to sample distribution, frequently necessitating costly repeated CFD validation to ensure reliability.
To overcome these challenges, future research should progress in three key directions: (1) Expand the optimization framework to multi-physics coupling, integrating CFD–DPM simulations with models of material wear, structural stress, and conjugate heat transfer, including phase-change and heat-recovery effects, to jointly evaluate separation and thermal performance. (2) Establish an LCO framework that incorporates thermal performance and waste-heat recovery economics (e.g., recovered energy, latent heat, and net present value) to optimize long-term operational benefits rather than short-term efficiency. (3) Develop intelligent decision systems based on digital twin technology that integrate real-time temperature and humidity data with adaptive surrogate models to ensure robust separation and heat-recovery performance under dynamic operating conditions.
Acknowledgement: This work was supported by the Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China; the Major Innovation Project of Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences) (No. 2025ZDZX03); and the Science and Technology Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Innovation Capacity Enhancement Project of Shandong Province (No. 2024TSGC1006).
Funding Statement: This work was supported by the Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences) in Jinan, China. The authors have no financial or personal relationships to disclose that could be perceived as biasing their work.
Author Contributions: The authors confirm contribution to the paper as follows: study conception and design: Liying Gao, Bin Li; data collection: Bin Li; analysis and interpretation of results: Bin Li, Liying Gao; draft manuscript preparation: Bin Li, Liying Gao, Yong Li, Kun Zhu, Zhenling Fu, Shifan Xu, Mohan Li. All authors reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript.
Availability of Data and Materials: Not applicable.
Ethics Approval: Not applicable.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Nomenclature
| Cyclone diameter | |
| Exhaust pipe diameter | |
| Inlet height | |
| Inlet width | |
| Total separator length | |
| Exhaust pipe insertion depth | |
| Cone bottom diameter | |
| Cylindrical height | |
| Cone angle | |
| Inlet length | |
| Critical escape particle size | |
| Particle diameter | |
| Air density | |
| Particle density | |
| Air inlet velocity | |
| Inlet velocity | |
| Temperature | |
| Inlet temperature | |
| Outlet temperature | |
| Wet-bulb temperature | |
| Surface roughness | |
| Particle retention rate | |
| Stokes number | |
| Euler number | |
| Separation efficiency | |
| Cooling efficiency | |
| Pressure drop | |
| Correlation coefficient | |
| Reynolds number | |
| Particle Reynolds number | |
| Residual | |
| Penalty term | |
| Penalty factor | |
| Inlet particle concentration | |
| Particle drag coefficient | |
| Fluid viscosity | |
| Wear weighting coefficient | |
| Thickness | |
| Particle relaxation time | |
| Characteristic time of the fluid | |
| CFD | Computational fluid dynamics |
| LCO | Lifecycle optimization |
| DPM | Discrete phase model |
| PCA | Principal component analysis |
| ANNS | Artificial neural networks |
| LHS | Latin hypercube sampling |
| RANS | Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes |
| LES | Large eddy simulation |
| RSM | Response surface methodology |
| RBF | Radial basis function |
| RBFNN | Radial basis function neural network |
| SVR | Support vector regression |
| GA | Genetic algorithms |
| PSO | Particle swarm optimization |
| NSGA-II | Non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II |
| NSGA-III | Non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm III |
| EMO | Efficient muti-objective |
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Copyright © 2026 The Author(s). Published by Tech Science Press.This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.


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