Thread: Large cyclone - premade solutions?

I', not sure what you mean by a 4" cyclone.

If you decide to make a cyclone then the minimum design specification should be a Bill Pentz (BP) designed cyclone.
Just about every other design is likely to significantly reduce the flow from a small DC.

The BP cyclone design is physically big for several reasons.
Firstly to get the minimum flow specification of 1000 CF at the source.
Secondly is to ensure separation of dust from air so that no filters are needed if vented outside a shed.
No filters means more flow.

The physical size requires a bigger motor and impeller than can be scavenged from a 2 or 3HP DC.
The Minimum BP full size design requires a 4HP motor - this can have electrical power ramifications since you can't run a 3HP TS and a large DC on a single 10 or 15A line.

If you scale down the the size of the cyclone you can of course scale down the motor power requirements but you won't be able to get 1000CFM at source or as good a fine dust separation.

Remember you will need a minimum of 6" ducting all the way to the machines and the machines themselves are likely to require angle grinder surgery on them to enable them to breathe.

Hey Shane,

Great idea about getting rid of your 1HP dusty and replacing it with a cyclone.

For best results I’d suggest ditching the bag also and venting directly outside. A 4” cyclone will likely be to small- probably no better than your current machine.

Since you are starting again from scratch, I’d say look for at least a 3HP fan. However not all 3HP fans are created equal, make sure it has at least a 13” impellor.

Options for a ready made cyclone include Clearvue (looking at their Aussie website it appears they sell the cyclone separately). This would probably work with a 3HP fan but is really designed for 4HP.

Regarding cyclone design, Bob says make sure that it’s a Bill Pentz design. Apparently, the Clearvue is the only BP designed cyclone available.

I’d say make sure the cyclone is a modern design with neutral vane and inlet ramp which is needed for efficiency and performance, the Clearvue is one of these but there are others.

Oneida produce a cyclone which may be suitable called Super Dust Deputy. I think Carbatec sell the metal version which is an old fashion design. Oneida also have a plastic version of this cyclone which is of modern design. I’m not sure if this is available locally. Both of these look a bit small to me as they have a 5” inlet. They would probably work with 2 or 3HP fans but would restrict the potential fan performance somewhat.

There is another option. Word on the street is that there will soon be available a fiberglass cyclone similar to the prototype version shown in the thread “fiberglass cyclone project”. Stay tune for further info…

Just discovered your website. Great dust collection information!

I don't know if you can get clearview cyclones down under but I have one that is mounted / vented outside and it works well. You may be able to get the clearview plans and make one yourself.

The clearview is very noisy because I didn't insulate the room or ducting. It is roughly 70 db inside the shop by the inlet and 90 db outside by the clearview. I used 6"duct and made several fittings.

I'm in the process of setting up another shop and may get clearview for it. I'll have to insulate the DC well because it's in a neighborhood. The price of PVC has increased dramatically since I installed my system. I may have to go to metal ducting.

You can see some pics here if it's helpful. There is a shop tour video that shows the dust collector at the end of the video.

Cheers

Welcome to the forums KTM.

Originally Posted by KTM_rider

Just discovered your website. Great dust collection information!
I don't know if you can get clearview cyclones down under but I have one that is mounted / vented outside and it works well. You may be able to get the clearview plans and make one yourself.

Yep they are (readily) available and a number of members have them - quite are threads about them too if you do a search you will see Clearvue pops up in 142 posts and 18 thread titles.
Ignore the threads about Clearvue closing down it is alive and operating.

The clearview is very noisy because I didn't insulate the room or ducting. It is roughly 70 db inside the shop by the inlet and 90 db outside by the clearview. I used 6"duct and made several fittings.

There are several threads on the dust forum about controlling DC sound.

I'm in the process of setting up another shop and may get clearview for it. I'll have to insulate the DC well because it's in a neighborhood. The price of PVC has increased dramatically since I installed my system. I may have to go to metal ducting.

Here in Oz the price of metal ducting seems to track that of the PVC ducting.
If it comes down to cost then rectangular MDF is a lot of work but not out of the question.

Nothing wrong with the wood ducting but I think it would take more time than I want to spend to make it.

Just starting to look into the project so there is much to consider.

thanks for your contribution, BobL

Originally Posted by BobL

Welcome to the forums KTM.


Yep they are (readily) available and a number of members have them - quite are threads about them too if you do a search you will see Clearvue pops up in 142 posts and 18 thread titles.
Ignore the threads about Clearvue closing down it is alive and operating.


There are several threads on the dust forum about controlling DC sound.


Here in Oz the price of metal ducting seems to track that of the PVC ducting.
If it comes down to cost then rectangular MDF is a lot of work but not out of the question.