DC Separation Question...

[Derek Arita]

So, right now I have a 2hp Cflux. It sucks great, however separation is less than desirable. I understand that with all shorter cone machines, separation suffers. That said, I want to try to improve on what I have.
I know that inlet air speed is essential to good separation. The inlet size is 8", which I have reduced to 6", for about 10'. From there I reduce to 4" to each machine. I only open 1 gate at a time, during use. Question is, if I open 2 gates, will I get better flow entering the cyclone and therefore aid in separation?

[Ron Selzer]

yes right now you have the DC choked down to one 4' inlet, you need the equivalent of the 8" to let that DC operate as designed.
4" = 3.1416x4(r2) 12.5664 sq in
6" = 3.1416x9(r2)28.2744 sq in
8" = 3.1416x16(r2)50.2656 sqin
as you can see you have severely reduced the sq in of pipe feeding the cyclone which reduces the air flow below design