Ok, sharp angles like 90deg rights or T joints rob you blind of CFM.

But where is the rub?

I need to construct a connector that is limited in height but not in other dimensions. I have a very low ceiling, a traditional cyclone with a top discharge and a blower that has to be mounted horizontally, at right angle to the cyclone. A tall 90 degree bend will not fit.

So, while it would be problematic to have a short curve right angle with my cylcone's 7" discharge duct, what would happen if this were opened up such that it was a larger duct that connected the discharge from the top of a cyclone to the intake of a blower.

Can you mitigate the friction of the right angle by increasing the size of the port diameter or changing the shape of the port? I can think of lots of ways to fashion a connector but don't understand the physics or the issues that would inform the efficacy of the 90 degree bend I need to make that is limited only by the height above the cyclone. There is room for about anything else around or below it.

Ideas are welcome and invited.