Novel electrostatic induction measurement method for monitoring particle flows in an electrostatic precipitator

Abstract

The operation monitoring of electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) in the industry is primarily performed by measuring the filtration outcome by using opacimetric sensors. In this study, the feasibility of ESP monitoring is estimated using an electrostatic induction probe based on the electrical charge dissipated through the ground electrode measured through a Faraday cage connected to a sensitive electrometer. The results obtained using a “wire-to-cylinder” ESP displayed that the measured charge is highly affected by the flow rate of particles passing through the precipitator. Moreover, any change in the corona discharge regime to breakdown spark or any sudden variation of the pollutant flow rate is instantly detected by variation in the electric charge. Moreover, the probe was used as a contactless corona current measurement device. This method was successfully compared with the conventional ammeter method.

Keywords:

• Electrostatic precipitator
• monitoring
• electrostatic sensor
• electrostatic measurement