Simulation Research on Particle Collection Efficiency of Electrostatic Precipitators

Abstract

Electrostatic precipitators (ESP) have been widely used to remove particles from exhausted gases in many industrial processes. The performance of ESPs is affected by operating parameters such as inlet velocity, applied voltage and other factors. A numerical method of multi-field coupling is used to study the influence of different factors on the distributions of electric field and flow field in an ESP. The results show that the particle collection efficiency of 0.1–10 µm particles has a U-shaped distribution relationship with particle size. With the increase of applied voltage and electrode length, and the decrease of inlet velocity and anode-cathode distance, the particle collection efficiency increases. The established numerical model and corresponding conclusion can provide some guidance for the optimal design of ESPs.