Electrostatic precipitator using a temperature controlled electrode

Abstract

An improved electrostatic precipitator for removing high resistivity particles from a gas stream. The precipitator includes a charger section having a plurality of corona electrodes and hollow tubular collector electrodes. These electrodes are arranged in parallel, alternating arrangement in a single plane which is positioned perpendicular to the gas flow. The electrodes are connected to a high voltage electrical source while produces a thin high current electrical field which electrically charges the particles present. A temperature control fluid is passed through the collector electrodes to control the temperature of the particles collected so as to maintain the resistivity of the particles in a range in which back ionization will not occur. Due to the size and geometry of the charger section and the temperature control of the particle layer, an extremely high voltage, high current electrical field can be maintained. A collector section can be provided spaced downstream from the charging section. The collector section has a number of equally spaced, parallel plates which are arranged parallel to the gas flow. Alternating plates are connected across a high voltage electrical source which produces a high strength field between the plates to attract and collect the remaining charged particles in the gas stream.