Electrical Operation of Electrostatic Precipitators

The electrostatic precipitator remains one of the most cost-effective means of controlling the emission of particulates from most industrial processes, including pollution from power stations. The author reviews the basic theory and operation of precipitators, the characteristics of gas and particulates that impact on design and operation, and the design of high- and mains-frequency rectification equipment. Chapters also cover performance monitoring and enhancement, and fault detection. The author shows how recent high-power, fast switching equipment has enabled new high-frequency energisation equipment to be introduced, which further improves precipitator performance and in turn reduces emissions and the level of pollution. As environmental standards and regulations are progressively tightened, improvements in pollution control technology such as electrostatic precipitators are vital for the continued operation of coal- and biomass-burning power plants, steelworks and other energy-intensive boilers and related industrial processes. The book should help the professional engineer and non-specialist to assess the potential design and operation of electrostatic precipitators and how to govern and control performance. It will be of particular relevance to electrical engineers, process engineers and those in the environmental/pollution control fields.