---
title: "Multi-cyclone (multiclone)"
description: "A multi-cyclone (or multiclone) is a parallel array of many small cyclone separators housed in a single enclosure. The arrangement gives higher collection efficiency than a single large cyclone of the same gas-handling capacity, because efficiency improves as cyclone diameter decreases. Multi-cyclones are common as pre-cleaners ahead of ESPs and baghouses on coal-fired and biomass plants."
canonical_url: "https://sylio.co/glossary/multi-cyclone-multiclone"
last_updated: "2026-06-28T02:29:33.921Z"
---

A **multi-cyclone** (or **multiclone**) is a parallel array of many small [cyclone separators](/glossary/cyclone-separator) housed in a single enclosure. The arrangement gives higher collection efficiency than a single large cyclone of the same gas-handling capacity, because efficiency improves as cyclone diameter decreases. Multi-cyclones are common as pre-cleaners ahead of [ESPs](/glossary/electrostatic-precipitator) and [baghouses](/glossary/baghouse) on coal-fired and biomass plants.

## Operational issues

- **Tube-to-tube flow imbalance** — uneven gas distribution leaves some cyclones overloaded and under-performing
- **Individual cyclone pluggage** — a single fouled cyclone bypasses gas to its neighbours and reduces overall collection
- **Common hopper bridging** below the array — see [hopper](/glossary/hopper)
- **Vortex finder fouling** in individual tubes

## Cleaning

[Sonic horns](/glossary/sonic-horn) installed on the common housing project sound across the cyclone array. They keep individual cyclone walls free of build-up and prevent the common hopper from [bridging](/glossary/bridging).

## Related terms

- [Cyclone separator](/glossary/cyclone-separator)
- [Cyclone dipleg](/glossary/cyclone-dipleg)