Non-static collection process of the electrostatic precipitator

Abstract

In order to comprehensively describe the non-static collection process in an electrostatic precipitator and establish a complete theory of non-static collection, the process of leading, accumulation and release of the dust layer was studied according to the principles of electrostatics. The collection electric-field intensity, which changes with the thickness of the dust layer, was deduced and then the particle velocity can be calculated, so the non-static process of the electrostatic precipitator is established. The results indicate that the particle velocity is related to the resistivity of the particles, the applied voltage and the thickness of the dust layer during the collection process. The collection efficiency decreases with the increased resistivity of the particles. The collection efficiency reaches a maximum when the applied voltage is at an optimal value. Multiple laboratory experiments were performed using particles of different resistivity. The experimental results were similar to the theoretical results. The theory of non-static collection can explain many points of the actual electrostatic collection process which contradict the traditional theory of electrostatic collection and can thus supply a theoretical foundation for the design and choice of operating parameters of the electrostatic precipitator.