Analysis of influences of dielectric and electrical properties on particle charging

Particles with dimensions less than 2.5μm (PM2.5) pose a notable health risk. Potentially, airborne PM2.5 particles can penetrate deep into the human respiratory system. Electrostatic precipitation of fine and ultra-fine particulate matter, including an impulsive micro-electrostatic precipitation technology [1], is proven to be an efficient method for air cleaning. An important factor which influences the efficiency of precipitation is the electric charge accumulated by particles in non-thermal corona plasma discharges. Recent study [2] shows that the rate of charging depends on the dielectric and electrical properties of particles to be removed and the external medium. The present paper is focused on an investigation of the influence of the dielectric and electrical properties (permittivity and conductivity) on the particle charging process in the space charge developed by non-thermal plasma. Dynamics of airborne particles charged in a coaxial corona reactor is discussed in this paper.