An update of the advanced hybrid particulate collector, a new concept for fine-particle control

A new concept in particulate control, called an advanced hybrid particulate collector (AHPC), is being developed under funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. The AHPC uniquely employs electrostatics and filtration in the same compartment, providing major synergism between the two collection methods, both in the particulate collection step and in transfer of the dust to the hopper. By effective utilization of these collection mechanisms, the AHPC is able to achieve ultrahigh collection efficiency of fine particles with much less collection area than conventional electrostatic precipitators (ESP's) or fabric filters. The AHPC is a much smaller device, but it overcomes the problem of excessive fine-particle emissions with conventional baghouses. Phase 1 of the developmental effort included extensive testing with a 200-acfm working AHPC model. Results from 100-hr tests showed that collection efficiency was greater than 99.99% for the entire particle-size range from 0.01 to 10 {micro}m. In Phase 2, the AHPC is being scaled up to the 9000-acfm pilot size and will be tested on a slipstream of the Big Stone Power Station. This paper will present the key findings from the Phase 1 work and results from the current larger-scale testing with the 9000-acfm AHPC.