What is a cyclone filter for a vacuum cleaner: types, structure and operation, pros and cons

When buying a vacuum cleaner for the home, carefully study the technical characteristics and design features that determine the quality of cleaning and operating conditions. More and more manufacturers are abandoning the dust bag and using a cyclone filter for a vacuum cleaner - a bulk plastic container in which waste is separated.

What is the principle of operation of such an aggregate, what are its advantages over traditional devices? We will deal with these issues in order, and also give a brief overview of cyclone vacuum cleaners.

Cyclone Vacuum Cleaners

Household appliances vary in type of dust collector. In the model description, one of the known types is indicated: a bag of nonwoven material or paper, an aquafilter or a cyclone filter. The latter option is typical for vacuum cleaners designed for dry cleaning.

Design features of the cyclone

The first models did not differ in variety: under the cover there was free space where replaceable garbage bags were inserted.

Some were disposable, most often paper, others from a practical material that was easy to wash. Minus bag aggregates - inconvenient operation.

Over time, this shortcoming was corrected by replacing the replaceable element with a plastic container. It can be of various shapes - cylindrical, cubic, in the form of a bulb. There are containers that are installed under the lid, others are attached from the outside.

To remove the tank from the housing, press the button on the handle. Often this procedure can be performed with one hand.

Vertical models do not have a housing on wheels and are reminiscent of a mop in design; they have a cyclone filter located directly on the handle. In vacuum cleaners of a traditional form, a plastic reservoir can be located both in the upper part of the body and in the back.

Consider the design of the model model Hoover.

There is a filter in the lid of the plastic tank that needs to be cleaned from time to time.

For example, Samsungs it has a spongy structure, which is quickly clogged with fine dust. A dirty sponge can be easily washed in soapy water - without this procedure, the vacuum cleaner will give signals and dramatically reduce power.

A cyclone filter can be present on all known types of vacuum cleaners:

• tame;
• vertical;
• ordinary;
• robotic units.

In industrial models, often instead of a cyclone filter, a bulk bag can be inserted - for cleaning and disposal of construction waste.

The principle of operation of the device

In vacuum cleaners with a bag, debris is sucked into the pipe and with a stream of air enters directly into the bag.

For devices with a cyclone filter operating principle a bit different. Due to the special design of the dust collector, a small powerful vortex is formed, which scatters the dust along the walls of the tank and prevents it from returning back to the pipe.

Usually, in addition to the main tank, there is a small intermediate compartment where large pieces of debris and hair remain. And fine dust generated by a centrifugal force pushes air into the main tank.

The result is a filled plastic tank that needs regular cleaning.

Cyclone systems for models of different brands are different, but they are always equipped with a filtration system.

As a rule, the nets or intermediate sections separate large debris, the sponges trap fine dust, and the HEPA filter is installed at the outlet and does not allow the smallest particles to return to the room.

To prevent dust from flying around the room when cleaning the cyclone filter, some manufacturers equip it with a pressing system. An example is Kompressor technology in LG devices

The spiral-shaped air movement that forms the cyclone filter is used not only in home appliances. Cyclones are used in industrial plants for the collection of powdered substances and the same dust.

Positive aspects of cyclones

Cyclonic type vacuum cleaners owe their popularity to the dust accumulation device. It is designed so that it does not allow dirt to leave the tank after it gets there.

Advantages of models with a cyclone filter:

• longer work time thanks to a multi-stage filtration system;
• compactness containers for dust;
• convenience of service - dust removal is fast enough;
• hygiene - contact with dirt is reduced to a minimum;
• possibility of washing and cleaning all parts of the dust bag;
• profitability, no need to spend money on bags - bags.

Strong plastic, from which containers are usually made, is encouraging. It does not break due to mechanical impact if solid or sharp objects get inside, and the bag can easily be torn from a nail or glass accidentally caught in it.

The tank compartments are arranged so that they hold large objects and prevent them from mixing with dust. Thanks to this, you can find a lost ring or the necessary part, accidentally dropped to the floor

If there is no special indication of filling, you can judge the amount of garbage in the dust bag by the power drop. As soon as it weakens, it's time to remove the dust.

Cons of the cyclone

Users usually learn about the disadvantages of a vacuum cleaner in general and a dust collector in particular during regular use, however, some weaknesses are best taken into account before buying.

Cons of cyclone filters:

• insufficient power to remove light particles - the finest dust, fluff, wool;
• the possibility of accumulation of static electricity;
• fast clogging of the filters with a decrease in suction power and a weakening of centrifugal force;
• increased noise level.

Large pieces of debris and solid objects with a loud knock fall into a plastic container, which creates additional noise.

Over time, the plastic of the tank becomes covered with small scratches, which affects its transparency. Keeping track of fill level is getting harder

Vertical and compact models with a cyclone filter are not very powerful, so they are not suitable for thorough cleaning. Allergy sufferers should buy a model with an aquafilter that cleanses not only the floor, but also the air.

Features of cyclone filter care

There are no special recommendations for the care of the cyclone filter - all cleaning operations are simple, intuitive.

With a slight movement, the container is taken out, just as much rubbish is poured. After cleaning, there is no mandatory washing of all parts, as provided for in models with an aquafilter.

If there is little debris in the dust collector, then it can be left until the next time. The smell of room dust does not spread, no discomfort occurs for those living in the apartment. Filling up to max is best avoided

If nevertheless there is a need to flush the tank, it is enough to rinse it with clean water. Filters can be washed with laundry soap, the sponges must be gently wrung out and dried under natural conditions.

If water accidentally enters the cyclone filter, it must also be dried, otherwise the remaining dust will be compressed and the holes will be clogged - the vacuum cleaner will not work in the usual mode or will simply turn off.

Overview of brands with cyclone

Devices with cyclone systems are produced by almost all well-known manufacturers of cleaning equipment. Each of them makes its own development, therefore, the appearance of the containers and the internal structure may differ.

Filters popular cyclones with wheel housing and suction pipe:

In vertical models, the cyclone filter looks different: it is more compact, weighs less, and, accordingly, is not as productive as that of conventional floor analogues.

In the Xiaomi Roidmi Wireless combination vacuum cleaner, the cyclone system is removable and, if necessary, turns into a lightweight hand-held device. He is also “smart” - the model is controlled from a smartphone

When buying a unit with a cyclone filter, the same rules apply as for choosing any cleaning equipment: power, weight, additional functions, the presence of a battery, the ability to work in automatic mode (for robots) are taken into account.

If you need regular high-quality dry cleaning, devices with a cyclone dust collection system are suitable - powerful, inexpensive, easy to care for.

Some craftsmen got the hang of assembling a cyclone separator on their own and connecting it to ordinary bag vacuum cleaners. Detailed instructions on creating such a device are given in this article.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The principle of operation of the cyclone device:

Comparative review of cyclone and bag models:

Features of the operation of the cyclone model and the device with an aquafilter:

When choosing a model with a cyclone, be sure to check the reliability of the filter: it should last as long as the vacuum cleaner is designed. Cheap models are made of fragile, unreliable materials, so it’s better to overpay a little, but get the product with a strong container and a powerful filter.

Have experience using a cyclone type vacuum cleaner? Or want to ask questions on the topic? Please comment on the publication, share the experience of using such units and participate in discussions - the feedback block is located below.