How do I slow down my separator input?

[ironhat]

My DC separator worked pretty well until I add the neutral vane and now it gets scoured pretty clean, except for the wood chunks (a good thing). I've been trying to come up with a way to spiral the incoming material and slow it down so that it will settle out - as is done in a cyclone unit. My separator is a 30 gal drum with a band clamp on the lid which is gasketed, for an FYI and the DC is the HF, 2 HP unit. I hate to cut into a 10' length of flexible 4" hose but that might be the only source of a flexible ducting. ANy input on an alternative and how many revolutions, or parts thereof, around the inside of the drum will be appreciated. Maybe there's a formula? At any rate I don't want to wnd up wasting a length of hose with too many failed experiments.

TIA,
Chiz

[LCHIEN]

I've discussed this at length before...
a properly tuned 1.5 to 2 HP DC with low restriction system will always scour a barrel-type sep. pretty much bare.

I would advise very much against adding loops of hose in your barrel - if it slows the air so much that the stuff falls out then you have succeeded in adding restriction and reducing the performance of your system.

[Popeye]

I dont' have the neutral vane mod in my HF unit yet but this is the way my seperator is set up.


Pat

[ironhat]

I've discussed this at length before...
a properly tuned 1.5 to 2 HP DC with low restriction system will always scour a barrel-type sep. pretty much bare.

I would advise very much against adding loops of hose in your barrel - if it slows the air so much that the stuff falls out then you have succeeded in adding restriction and reducing the performance of your system.

Well, I correctly remembered part 'A' of your comments, Loring, but I sure didn't do the same with part two. So, is the **only** function of the separator is to catch wood pieces and prevent damage to the vanes? (apologies for probably putting you through this again - a simple 'yes' or 'no' will suffice).

Edit: Cancel that request, Loring. I found your post. I guess I failed to give the neutral vane creit for improving flow and thought that the separator should still be catching dust and shavings as before. Apologies to you too, Sarge, for trying to help me fix something that wasn't broken!!! Boy, I feel like a goof! Later, folks.