| Abstract: | Use of the Deutsch equation as an evaluation tool of electrostatic precipitators has resulted in the restriction design to a single plate spacing and has not enabled optimal use of the space charge arising from the presence of charged dust particles. Space charge is dependent on dust loading and plate spacing and also influences the electric field, hence the migration velocity and, therefore, collection efficiency. Thus a trade-off is indicated between plate spacing and collection efficiency as a function of dust loading. A first step examination of this trade-off indicates that varied spacing can be used in precipitators while maintaining high levels of efficiency and decreasing the required specific collection area by 15% to 25%. |
