Mathematical analysis and modeling of the collection efficiencies of wet electrostatic precipitators

In this investigation, five mathematical models for the collection efficiencies of tubular wet electrostatic precipitator (WESP) devices, including the well-established Deutsch-Anderson equation, are presented and mathematically analyzed. Graphical representations of all relationships, at typical industrial process conditions, are examined for trends and compared. The overall effects of varying the values of parameters such as particle migration velocity, collection electrode surface area, and gas volumetric flow rate are considered in detail. In addition, for various design efficiencies, the area requirement predictions of each expression are plotted and discussed. Finally, actual emissions data from a WESP system at the Wolverine Tube, Inc. plant in Shawnee, Oklahoma are included. The ability of each model to describe the measurements, in terms of its comparative accuracy, is examined; specific conclusions about the applicability of the efficiency equations are drawn based upon these results.