Experimental study of cross-flow wet electrostatic precipitator.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Electrostatic Precipitation

Background:

• Traditional electrostatic precipitators face challenges with efficiency and handling diverse pollutants.
• Wet electrostatic precipitators (WESP) offer enhanced scrubbing capabilities but require optimized designs.
• A novel WESP design utilizing permeable materials in a cross-flow configuration has been developed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the development and testing of a novel cross-flow wet electrostatic precipitator (WESP).
• To evaluate the particulate collection efficiency and performance characteristics of the new WESP design.
• To explore the potential for pollutant removal beyond particulates.

Main Methods:

• Development of a patented cross-flow WESP utilizing vertical columns of polypropylene ropes.
• Implementation of a capillary action system to maintain wet permeable material (ground electrode).
• Testing of the WESP with a two-cell, three-discharge electrode configuration in a flue gas stream.

Main Results:

• Achieved particulate collection efficiency well above 80% in preliminary tests.
• Demonstrated the significant effect of electric field strength on collection efficiency.
• Identified potential for increased collection area and further efficiency gains based on pressure drop analysis.

Conclusions:

• The novel cross-flow WESP demonstrates high particulate removal efficiency.
• The design's large surface area and wet scrubbing action suggest potential for multi-pollutant removal.
• Use of corrosion-resistant polymeric materials indicates potential for weight and cost reduction.