Electrostatic precipitators (ESP)

Matti Rinne-Kanto & Mikko Vihanto06I252TAMK University of Applied Sciences

12 April 2023

This presentation introduces how ESPs work and where they are used

Operational principle

Precipitator types

Applications and conclusion

This presentation introduces how ESPs work and where they are used

Operational principle

Precipitator types

Applications and conclusion

A row of electrodes

A stack of metal plates

Gravity drops particles into the hopper

The ionized particles moves to the grounded plates

Inco

min

g a

ir s

trea

m

Cle

aned

air

The precipitator’s operational principle uses negative voltage

to ionize particles

A negative voltage of several kVs is applied

This presentation introduces how ESPs work and where they are used

Operational principle

Precipitator types

Applications and conclusion

ESPs can be divided into three groups: plate precipitators, wet ESPs and modern industrial ESPs

Plate precipitators

- Cheapest and most simple

- The plate and wire assembly can vary in different solutions

- The lowest efficiency, but still reasonable for most applications

Wet ESPs

- The most expensive and the most complex

- Disposal of the laden water is a problem

- Water helps reducing the electrical resistance of the incoming particles to make the process more effective

ESPs can be divided into three groups: plate precipitators, wet ESPs and modern industrial ESPs

Modern industrial ESPs

- Sharpened spikes are attached to maximize corona production

- Modern automation minimizes sparking and avoids damaging components

- Uses voltages of 50–100 kV

ESPs can be divided into three groups: plate precipitators, wet ESPs and modern industrial ESPs

This presentation introduces how ESPs work and where they are used

Operational principle

Precipitator types

Applications and conclusion

ESPs have applications in the field of industry and customer oriented applications

- Cleaning combustion gases and reducing VOC emissions at different kind of factories

Industry

- Electrostatic channel filters

- Electrostatic air cleaners

Used on ventilation machines

- Maximum air capacity

Removes indoor impurities at 99,8 % efficiency

Limitations:

- Need of maintenance (cleaning, etc.)

Used on offices and large rooms

ESPs have applications in the field of industry and customer oriented applications

+ Can be used in a wide area in

industry and in other applications

+ Operational principle is simple

ESPs have advantages and disadvantages

+ Good example of a device designed by electrical engineers to help the environment

- Efficiency is dependent of the electrical properties of the particles

- Limitations of usage, maintenance and production

This presentation introduced how ESPs work and where they are used

Operational principle

Precipitator types

Applications

and conclusion

Questions???