**7. Conclusions**

The results obtained through analysis and modeling of microplastic filtering hydro cyclones, under standard operational conditions, allow the following conclusions to be drawn.

Rietema's model offers the most consistent results throughout various tests, although becoming unreliable for values that exceed standard conditions. CFD

*Performance Analysis and Modeling of Microplastic Separation through Hydro Cyclones DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.99447*

#### **Figure 9.**

*Hydro cyclone Rietema model, particle density study.*

models show that the correct design and dimensioning of the hydro cyclone can separate the flow consistently at a rate of 50% underflow and 50% overflow and the that on average particles take 1.5 s to reach any of the two outlets. The denser microplastics separate before and these reach the underflow in the least amount of time. Particles that reach instead the overflow could be captured by another hydro cyclone to be separated to a greater precision.

Future development could introduce an experimental apparatus to test the theories proposed in this paper. Implementation of this technology could be very useful in cleaning rivers and surface sea water from microplastics and other pollutants without damaging the aquatic flora and fauna. Hydro cyclones could be also mounted on water engine cooling and ballast water tank systems on cargo ships to purify water and prevent corrosion.
