How Does an Electrostatic Precipitator Work?

 Nobody likes smoke, does anyone? Whether it is a room with cigarette exhaust or a city with high pollution, it is a big no. All of us would prefer to breathe clean, cool, and fresh air. Manufacture industry is what provides food to a large number of people. It is unfortunate that because of lack of knowledge many assume that it is mandatory to deal with power-plant smokestacks.

In reality, technology had provided an excellent solution to this problem. It has been more than a century since we have had the solution. What is it? Of course, the electrostatic smoke precipitators. They are also called scrubbers. These static-electric filters are super useful as they snatch away the ash and soot from the dirty air. Therefore, these devices greatly reduce pollution and help to keep the environment clean.

Who Came Up with Electrostatic Smoke Precipitators?

Dr Frederick Cottrell (1877–1948), in 1906, carried out the first experiments with this technology. In 1907, he filed US Patent 895,729 for the same. Cottrell suggested that high-voltage electrodes can be used for cleaning all types of dust and factory fumes. Now, it is used widely in different industries to reduce air pollution.

How Does an Electrostatic Precipitator Work?

An electrostatic smoke precipitator works by implying force on dirty flue gas. This is the gas that escapes from smokestacks. It passes the dirt past two electrical terminals which are called electrodes. These electrodes form as metal plates, bars, or wires, inside a smokestack or pipe. The first electrode gets charged with a negative voltage to a very high degree. When the dirt particles start to move past, they come in connect with a negative charge and pick it up.

On the Higher side of the pipe (or along for horizontal pipes), there is a second electrode. This electrode consists of metal plates that get charged with a positive voltage to a high degree.  The voltage is usually 50,000–00,000 volts. Because opposite charges attract each other, the soot particles which are negatively charged get attracted to the plates. Because these plates are positively charged, the particles stick on them.

The collecting plates should be shaken for emptying away the dirt or soot. This can be done manually by brushing the plates clean. However, there is also the option to do the process automatically. The technique of automated brushing or shaking known as rapping is generally used in large factories.

How Efficient is an Electrostatic Precipitator?

The air pollution controls are becoming more and more stringent with each passing year. So, it is only appropriate that smoke precipitating technology evolves and improvises to keep up with the pace. The best precipitators available as of now can remove more than 99 per cent of the flue gas’ particulates. These precipitators generally move at a speed of 20cm per second.

DMSL is a leading manufacturer of cold roll formed metal sections in India. They make sure to keep the environment as clean as possible with everything they produce and supply.