| A novel and innovative technology in the field of electrostatic precipitation, namely Sieving Electrostatic Precipitator (SEP), has been developed. Electrostatic precipitator (ESP) is still one of the most cost effective means of controlling particulate emissions from large industrial process plant. Nevertheless, conventional ESPs are not capable of capturing small particles and other toxic vapors. Hence, they cannot meet the current regulations of Clean Air Acts Amendments. Existing technologies to capture small particles are neither economical nor cost effective in meeting environmental regulations. Accordingly, further research to develop an advanced technology is of particular importance.; SEP is a closely packed device with fine wire screens that are set perpendicular to the direction of gas flow and charged with high voltage. Depending on the application, the screens can have the same or alternating polarity. This patented novel technology was developed and studied in bench scale and laboratory pilot scale through research and development for further testing in a coal-fired power plant.; Four different versions of bench scale setup were developed. Experiments were conducted in bench scale through the application of experimental methods, analyses of the factors that mostly affected the results, and further development of the experimental setup to achieve zero emission. Bench scale results showed that SEP is not only an innovative device for capturing fine particulates but also useful for fly ash beneficiation.; Laboratory pilot scale setup for SEP was designed and developed on the basis of the experimental results in the bench scale setup. Experiments were conducted and tested in a scientific manner. Collection efficiencies were investigated for further development. Suitable rapping mechanisms were designed and tested to increase collection efficiency.; Theoretically, particle agglomeration and collection mechanisms were studied by analyzing the forces acting on a particle. Pressure drop across the screen was also calculated theoretically and compared to the experimental results.; Important experimental results of bench-scale and laboratory pilot-scale have been presented. All these results confirm that SEP is one of the most efficient devices for controlling particulate matter in an economical way. |
