Membrane-Based Wet Electrostatic Precipitation

Abstract

Emissions of fine particulate matter, PM2.5, in both primary and secondary form, are difficult to capture in typical dry electrostatic precipitators (ESPs). Wet (or water-based) ESPs are well suited for collection of acid aerosols and fine particulates because of greater corona power and virtually no re-entrainment. However, field disruptions because of spraying (misting) of water, formation of dry spots (channeling), and collector surface corrosion limit the applicability of current wet ESPs in the control of secondary PM2.5. Researchers at Ohio University have patented novel membrane collection surfaces to address these problems. Water-based cleaning in membrane collectors made of corrosion-resistant fibers is facilitated by capillary action between the fibers, maintaining an even distribution of water. This paper presents collection efficiency results of lab-scale and pilot-scale testing at First Energy's Bruce Mansfield Plant for the membrane-based wet ESP. The data indicate that a membrane wet ESP was more effective at collecting fine particulates, acid aerosols, and oxidized mercury than the metal-plate wet ESP, even with ~15% less collecting area.

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Air; Air Pollutant; Air Pollution; Article; Artificial Membrane; Electricity; Isolation and Purification; Particle Size; Precipitation; Electrostatic Precipitation; Intermethod Comparison; Membrane Filter; Particulate Matter; Priority Journal; Air Movements; Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Electrostatics; Membranes; Artificial; Particle Size; Precipitation; Aerosols; Electrochemical Corrosion; Fibrous Membranes; Particulate Emissions; Spraying; Surface Chemistry; Acid Aerosols; Corrosion Resistant Fibers; Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP); Surface Corrosion; Electrostatic Separators; Mercury; Aerosols; Electrostatic Precipitation; Membranes; Particulate Emissions; Spraying

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

1096-2247

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2005 Air and Waste Management Associations, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jun 2005

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