Cyclone collectors can be designed for many applications, and they are typically categorized as high efficiency, conventional (medium efficiency), or high throughput (low efficiency). High efficiency cyclones are likely to have the highest-pressure drops of the three cyclone types, while high throughput cyclones are designed to treat large volumes of gas with a low-pressure drop. Each of these three cyclone types have the same basic design. Different levels of collection efficiency and operation are achieved by varying the standard cyclone dimensions.

Figure 5.2 : different types of cyclone

The collection efficiency of cyclones varies as a function of density, particle size and cyclone design. Cyclone efficiency will generally increase with increases in particle size and/or density; inlet duct velocity; cyclone body length; number of gas revolutions in the cyclone; ratio of cyclone body diameter to gas exit diameter; inlet dust loading; smoothness of the cyclone inner wall.

Similarly, cyclone efficiency will decrease with increases in the parameters such as gas viscosity; cyclone body diameter; gas exit diameter; gas inlet duct area; gas density; leakage of air into the dust outlet.