Role of Electrostatic Precipitators in Particulate Control: A Retrospective and Prospective View

Abstract

The paper presents an overall view of the growth, applications, technology, problem areas, and future outlook of the electrostatic precipitation process as the major instrument for high efficiency control of fine particle emissions in heavy industry in the United States. Growth in applications and the trends toward very high collection efficiencies are shown. Broader aspects and highlights of precipitator technology are examined, together with some of the more prominent recent developments and advances in the field. The changing character of precipitator design from the rather casual function of the past to a serious enterprise involving high performance and high financial stakes is brought out. Precipitator problems and strategies for correction are covered as an important phase of the technology.