Controlling cyclone efficiency with a vacuum interface

Apparatus for increasing efficiency of a cyclone separator used to recover powder from a powder coating system, comprising:

• a cyclone having an inlet thereto that is adapted to receive powder entrained air wherein said cyclone operates to separate powder from the air;
• said cyclone having an outlet for recovering said separated powder and an exhaust for air;
• and
• a negative pressure source coupled to said cyclone outlet;
• said negative pressure source producing an induced air volume that causes a substantial flow of powder from said cyclone outlet through a conduit under negative pressure to a container to reduce powder lost through said cyclone exhaust.

Apparatus for increasing efficiency of a cyclone separator used to recover powder from a powder coating system, comprising:

• a cyclone having an inlet thereto that is adapted to receive powder entrained air wherein said cyclone operates to separate powder from the air;
• said cyclone having an outlet area for recovering said separated powder and an exhaust for air;
• said cyclone having a static pressure value associated therewith;
• a conduit with first and second ends that connect the cyclone outlet to a container;
• and
• a negative pressure source coupled to said cyclone outlet area by said conduit;
• said negative pressure source producing a negative pressure within said conduit from said first end to said second end thereof with an induced air volume that causes a flow of powder from said cyclone outlet area under negative pressure to said container to reduce powder lost through said cyclone exhaust;
• said induced air flow having a predetermined relationship with respect to said static pressure.