Question

Cyclon collector is used for minimizing: (a) Water pollution (b) Sound pollution (c) Soil pollution (d) Air pollution

Short answer

Cyclone collectors minimize (d) Air pollution.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Purpose of a Cyclone Collector

A cyclone collector is a device that uses a vortex separation process to remove particulates from a gas stream, without the use of filters.

Identify the Type of Pollution Addressed

Cyclone collectors are commonly used to remove dust and particulate matter from air emissions in industrial processes. This suggests that they primarily address air quality issues.

Analyze the Given Options

The options provided are: (a) Water pollution, (b) Sound pollution, (c) Soil pollution, and (d) Air pollution. Given the function of cyclone collectors, they are not involved in water, sound, or soil pollution control.

Determine the Correct Answer

Since cyclone collectors are used for air quality management by removing particulates from air emissions, the correct answer is (d) Air pollution.

Key concepts

Air Pollution Control

Air pollution control is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy environment. It involves a variety of techniques and devices intended to reduce the release of pollutants into the atmosphere. Among these pollutants are gases such as sulfur dioxide ( SO_2 ), nitrogen oxides ( NO_x ), carbon monoxide ( CO ), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as well as particulate matter that can be harmful when inhaled. One of the primary goals of air pollution control is to protect human health. Polluted air can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and other health issues. Therefore, industries and regulatory bodies implement air pollution control measures to minimize emissions. These measures can include:

• Using advanced technology in industrial processes to reduce emissions
• Installing devices like scrubbers and filters to trap pollutants
• Implementing strict regulations on allowable emissions levels

These strategies are essential for reducing the negative impact of industrial activities on the air we breathe.

Cyclone Collector Function

Cyclone collectors play a vital role in air pollution control by removing particulate matter from gases. They operate based on the principle of vortex separation, which essentially means they use a swirling motion to separate dust particles from a gas stream. The way it works is quite simple yet effective: 1. **Gas Entry**: Polluted gas enters the cyclone collector tangentially, creating a spiral or cyclonic motion. 2. **Particle Separation**: Due to centrifugal forces, heavier dust particles are thrown outwards to the walls of the cyclone. 3. **Collection**: As these particles reach the walls, they lose their momentum and slide down into a collection chamber at the bottom. 4. **Clean Gas Exit**: Now free of particulates, the cleaned gas spirals upwards in the center of the cylinder and exits out of the top. Cyclone collectors are valued for their simplicity and cost-effectiveness, but are generally most efficient for removing larger particulate matter. Despite their simple construction, they are robust devices and require little maintenance.

Particulate Matter Removal

Particulate matter (PM) consists of tiny particles or droplets that are suspended in the air. These can vary in size, composition, and origin, and are often a significant component of air pollution. PM is commonly categorized by its diameter, with PM10 being particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less, and PM2.5 being even finer particles, with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. Particulate matter removal is critical because it helps mitigate the adverse effects these particles can have on health. Particles can be inhaled into the lungs, where they may cause or exacerbate health issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and even cardiovascular disease. Devices like cyclone collectors are instrumental in particulate matter removal, specifically for larger particles. They help to:

• Improve air quality by capturing solid particles from industrial emissions
• Protect human health by preventing these particles from entering the lungs
• Ensure compliance with air quality standards and regulations

By efficiently removing particulates, cyclone collectors reduce the harmful impact of industrial activities on both the environment and human health.