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Electrostatic precipitator performance and trace element emissions from two Kraft recovery boilers
Terttaliisa Lind1, Jouni Hokkinen, Jorma K Jokiniemi
1VTT Processes, Finland.
Environmental Science & Technology
|February 14, 2006
Summary
Fine particle emissions from Kraft recovery boilers are high, but electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) achieve over 99.6% efficiency, significantly reducing particulate matter and trace metal emissions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Industrial Hygiene
Background:
- Fine particle emissions from combustion sources pose health risks.
- Kraft recovery boilers generate high particle concentrations.
- Electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) are used for particulate removal, but their performance in recovery boilers is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess particle concentrations and size distributions at Kraft recovery boiler exits.
- To determine the fractional collection efficiency of ESPs in these boilers.
- To measure particulate trace metal emissions.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous measurements of particle concentrations and size distributions at ESP inlets and outlets.
- Analysis of particle composition.
- Quantification of trace metal emissions.
Main Results:
- Particle mass concentrations at ESP inlets ranged from 11-24 g/Nm3.
- ESP collection efficiencies were high: 99.6-99.8% for boiler A and 99.9% for boiler B.
- Particle penetration through ESPs was below 0.6% for particles sized 0.3-3 microm.
- Trace metal emissions were below EU directive limits.
Conclusions:
- Modern ESPs are highly effective in reducing fine particle emissions from Kraft recovery boilers.
- The studied ESPs significantly minimize particulate matter, including trace metals, contributing to improved air quality.
- The findings provide crucial data on ESP performance in a critical industrial application.
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