Influence of ESP collector configuration on reduction of particulate emissions from biomass combustion facility

Development of compact electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) for reduction of particulate emissions from small scale biomass combustion is an actual task. Particle mass collection efficiency of an ESP depends from combustion conditions, geometry of precipitator ionizer, collector stage configuration and ESP operation parameters. The investigation of the influence of collector stage configuration on particle mass collection efficiency of a pilot space charge ESP was in the focus of the study. It was shown that the use of tube collector with integrated grounded plates enhanced particle mass collection efficiency. The loading of plates with aerosol provoked particle re-entrainment and decreased long-term ESP mass collection efficiency. The use of grounded brush electrodes ensured effective reduction of particle emissions but resulted in increase of pressure drop in the precipitator. The optimization of cleaning intervals of the ionizer and collector stages increased particle mass collection efficiency. It was shown, that the integration of automatic systems for ionizer and collector cleaning into the space charge ESP enhanced precipitator long-term operation stability and ensured effective reduction of particulate emissions form small scale biomass combustion.