Epa/ierl-rtp pilot electrostatic precipitator - selected experiments, 1978. Final report Jun 78-Jun 79

The report describes experiments with a pilot-scale electrostatic precipitator (ESP) at EPA/IERL-RTP. The ESP is a dedicated experimental tool, operated for experiments originated and designed both in-house and by EPA contractors. Five distinct test series, between March and October 1978, are described: precharger operation, ESP operating characteristics, reentrainment, parameter variation with position within ESP, and effects of humidity. The precharger test results were inconclusive; removal efficiency was 10-20% better with the precharger for most size ranges, but its operation was erratic. In the reentrainment test, sparking produced more and larger particulate than other reentrainment mechanisms. No size distribution change pattern was established. The study of flow, mass, and particle size as a function of sample probe position showed that parameter variations do exist; however, insufficient data was collected to fully establish the differences. In the study of the effects of humidity on collection efficiency, increased moisture had a strong impact on improved performance. Moisture lowered the particulate resistivity, allowing increased electrical fields. Efficiency correlated well with voltage in the form: P=6.59 x 10 to the 8th power x V to the -5.46 power where P=penetration, %, and V=voltage, kV. The correlation coefficient, r2, was 0.97.