Abstract: | Methods for improving electrostatic precipitator performance by increasing electrode excitation level during rapping, and by optimizing rapping control, are presented in this paper. Design modifications can reduce mechanical impedence to vibration transmission during rapping. These same modifications can eliminate areas of high stress concentration where fatigue failure often occurs. Rapping system control parameters are presented as they relate to variations in field collection and shedding rates. Anti-coincident rapping control for plate rappers minimizes peak opacity levels during rapping if sufficient “rest times” between raps can be maintained. When anti-coincidence must be sacrificed due to insufficient rest times on large installations, suggestions for anti-coincident rapping by section are presented. Methods for optimizing field rapping repeat rates using available opacity, ash pull, and precipitator power information are discussed. |