Three-dimensional model of electrostatic precipitators for the estimation of their particle collection efficiency

•Comprehensive description of the physical model•Declaration of all the variables required and empirical tuning of some key aspects•Full coupling between electric field, gas and particles•Validated against experimental data reported in the literature

In this work, a computational model for the simulation of electrostatic precipitators' (ESPs) operation was developed. Special attention has been paid to several parameters that greatly influence the voltage–intensity curve, namely: ion mobility, ion diffusion coefficient and roughness of the electrode. Specifically, a reliable value for ion diffusion coefficient is given. The model proposed takes into account the coupling between gas, electric fields, and particle motion. The model is applied to a 3D geometry and validated against the experimental data reported in the literature. The comparison is made through the V–I characteristic, showing that the computed results reproduce quite faithfully those reported experimentally. Once the model is validated, the theoretical distributions of velocity, electric potential and ionic density are obtained; in addition, the theoretical collection efficiency is obtained as a function of particle diameter. The proposed methodology allows for the complete modeling of ESP and the estimation of their performance and may be a very helpful tool in the development of this type of equipment.