Electrohydrodynamic flow and particle collection efficiency of a spike-plate type electrostatic precipitator

In this work, the results of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) secondary flow and particle collection efficiency measurements in a spike-plate type electrostatic precipitator (ESP) are presented. The EHD secondary flow was measured using 2- and 3-dimensional particle image velocimetry (PIV) method under the negative DC voltage. The PIV measurements were carried out in several cross-sectional planes along and across the ESP duct. The results show a complex and turbulent flow structure in the ESP. The EHD secondary flow significantly depends on applied voltage and measuring cross-sectional plane position in respect to the spike tip. The partial collection efficiency of the ESP was measured for negative and positive DC voltage. The particle concentration with and without discharge was measured at the ESP exit using an optical aerosol spectrometer.