Pulsed-high-voltage-supplied variable cross-section cylindrical electrostatic precipitators for fly-ash particles

ABSTRACT

The article evaluates the effect of pulsed-high-voltage energization upon three types of cylindrical electrostatic precipitators that might be installed on the exhaust pipe of household boilers. The three models are similar in that the corona discharge is generated between a thin copper wire (diameter 0.16 mm), coaxial with a 354 mm long aluminum cylinder (inner diameter: 40 mm) that is the collecting electrode. The first model is a “standard” constant cross-section precipitator. The other two models are characterized by the presence of a 17 mm long, reduced cross-section (diameter: 23 or 30 mm) intermediate sector, located at about 1/3 of the precipitator length, from the inlet. The reduced cross-section was achieved by a sleeve made of either aluminum or polyvinylchloride, so that to create, in the latter case, a dielectric-barrier discharge. Pulsed energization of the three models of electrostatic precipitators was provided by positive or negative DC high-voltage supplies and a mechanical rotary spark-gap. The frequency of the high-voltage pulses ranged between 120 and 280 Hz. The experimental results show that the collection efficiency was better for both negative and positive high-voltage pulses. The best collection performances were obtained with the hybrid corona and dielectric-barrier discharge precipitator.

KEYWORDS:

• Burned wood particles
• coal particles
• corona
• dielectric-barrier discharge
• electrostatic precipitators
• pulsed energization

Additional information

Funding

This article was supported by the project “Development and support for multidisciplinary postdoctoral programs in primordial technical areas of the national strategy for research – development – innovation” 4D-POSTDOC, contract number POSDRU/89/1.5/S/52603, project co-funded from the European Social Fund through the Sectorial Operational Program Human Resources 2007–2013.