Theoretical model of electrostatic precipitator performance for collecting polydisperse particles

This paper presents a theoretical model for predicting the collection performance of an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) for polydisperse particles. The particle size distribution of polydisperse particles was represented by a lognormal function, and then the statistical method of moments was employed to obtain a set of the first three moment equations. The continuous evolution of the particle size distribution in an ESP is taken into account with the first three moment equations. The employed model was validated by comparing its predictions with existing experimental data and other theoretical prediction models. The effects of the particle size distribution on the ESP performance were examined. The results indicated that both overall mass and number efficiencies were higher for aerosols with a larger geometric mean diameter and a lower geometric standard deviation.