Prediction of the cleaning efficiency of an electrostatic precipitator

The optimisation of the cleaning efficiency of electrostatic precipitators is important in a wide range of industrial applications. The present paper describes the development and assessment of a complete design and optimisation method, that takes into account the flow, particle, and electric-field properties. This method is applied on a full-scale industrial precipitator operating in a power station unit. The precipitator is modelled in its present condition first. Subsequently, an optimisation study—based on aerodynamic criteria—is carried out in order to minimise the emitted particle mass. The optimisation results showed that the emissions are not only quantitatively, but qualitatively improved as well.