Technology

Basics of Electrostatic Precipitators

Industrial works and operations are advancing with time. They require many types of high-end machinery and equipment for better productivity. But nowadays, just high productivity and functionality is not the only priority in industrial practices. Sustainability, environmental friendliness, and cleanliness are important priorities in modern industrial workspaces.

Many devices are being used to achieve these goals.  Electrostatic precipitators are highly efficient dust collector systems, can function with or without water, and are applicable to a wide array of highly dust productive operations. The electrostatic precipitator is a crucial device widely used in metal, mining, or manufacturing industries today.

How Does It Benefit The Industries?

Electrostatic Precipitators remove the suspended specks of dust and debris from gas or exhaust. This is done via a high voltage electrostatic charge. It filters the smog, dust, or any particulate matter efficiently from gas or air streams.

Electrostatic precipitators are extremely effective. As per surveys, they can remove nearly more than 99% of the particulate matter present in the gas at low pressures.

What Is The Working Principle Of This Device?

The operating principle of this device is simple. It consists of two different electrode sets. One of them is positively charged, and the other is negatively charged. The negative electrode is present in the form of wire or rod mesh. A positive electrode is present in the form of plates. The negative and positive electrodes are vertically placed in the electrostatic precipitator in alternative ways, one after the other.

The negative electrode of the DC with high voltage is used for connecting negative electrodes. On the other hand, the positive terminals of the DC source are used for connecting positive plates. For ionizing the medium between the positive and the negative electrode, a specific distance must be maintained. A certain amount of space must be maintained between the negative and positive electrodes as well as the DC source. This will result in a high voltage gradient.

The medium which is used between two of the electrodes is air. There are possibilities of corona discharge around electrode rods or wire mesh because of the negative charge. The whole system is fenced in metallic containers comprising an inlet for flue gasses and filtered gas.

There are several free electrons as electrode particles are ionized that mingle with dust particles of gas, which makes them charged negatively. The particles float towards the positive electrodes and eventually fall downward because of the gravitational force. The flue gas usually gets free from dust and debris when flowing through the electrostatic precipitators. They are then discharged in the air through a chimney outlet.

There are different types of electrostatic precipitators used in the industry today. There are advanced electrical motors used to ensure high functioning parts’ movability. Advanced motors also induce more electrical energy for better precipitation of pollution and dust particles in the gas. Here is a list of the types of Electrostatic Precipitators that you might like to know about!

Dry Electrostatic Precipitator – This particular type of precipitator is used for collecting pollutants such as cement, ash, etc. when it is in its dry form. It comprises electrodes via which the ionized molecules flow out through hopper outlets. It also consists of a hopper via which the gathered particles are soaked out. These particles of dust are gathered from the air stream by smashing the electrodes.

Plate Precipitator – This is one of the basic types of precipitators that include thin rows of vertical wires. It also includes vertical stacks that are placed with flat and large metal plates. The gaps between these plates are from 1 to 8 centimeters.

Through these vertical plates, the air streams are passed horizontally. For ionizing these particles, the negative voltages are applied between the plate and the wire. When these particular ionized molecules are gathered on the plate, they are wiped out from the air streams.

Wet Electrostatic Precipitator – The plate precipitator is used for removing tar, resin, oil, or paint, which is usually moist. It comprises collectors that are sprayed constantly with water gathering ionized particles from sludge. These are more effective than dry ESP’s.

Tubular Precipitator – The tubular precipitator is a one stage unit that comprises tubes along with high voltage electrodes. These electrodes are placed parallel to one another, so they run on the right axis. The tube arrangement can either be square, hexagonal, or circular. The gas shall either be released downward or upward. The gas is passed vial all of the tubes. They will find the application where the sticky removals should be removed.

Electrostatic Precipitators offers a wide range of benefits to industrial works. This is why its use is only increasing with the rolling of time. It is not just confined to just a few industries today, like earlier times. A lot many heavy-duty industries related to manufacturing are embracing the use of precipitators today. Let’s take a look at some of the multidimensional pluses of these devices.

  • It offers high durability of ESP.
  • It can be used for collecting both wet and dry impurities.
  • The cost of operation is quite reasonable.
  • The efficiency of the collection is quite high, even when it comes to smaller particles.
  • It can tackle larger gas volumes and also hefty dust load at comparatively low pressures.

The applications of Electrostatic Precipitators are wide, and they are used even in medical industries today. They are used for the removal of fungus or bacteria. Apart from that, they are utilized in thermal plants for cleansing the air in ventilation systems.

Electrostatic Precipitators’ costs vary as per the types, requirements, and the brands you buy from. They are quite some investment and will serve you as a business asset. It is thus important you buy your equipment from a reliable dealer. You can also find the best places to look up precipitators online. Do good research on the site where you are purchasing from to avoid any dispute in the future.

Atif Mallo

Atif Mallo is a freelance blogger with huge interest in technology, science, life hacks and health. He loves coffee, cheesecake and chess. Drop a line in comments to leave feedback for him.

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