Wet electrostatic ionising step in an electrostatic deposition device

Abstract

A wet electrostatic ionization stage in an electrostatic separation device for purifying a flowing aerosal including finely dispersed particles entrained in a gas. The wet electrostatic ionization stage includes a plate disposed across a cross section of a flow channel and connected to a ground potential or reference counterpotential. The plate includes substantially identical openings through which the gas flows. The wet electrostatic ionization stage also includes a high-voltage grid disposed across the cross section of the flow channel either upstream or downstream from the plate and electrically isolated from a wall of the flow channel. The high voltage grid is coupled to a high voltage potential via a bushing disposed in the wall of the flow channel. For each opening in the plate, a rod-shaped high-voltage electrode coupled at one end to the high-voltage grid has a free end projecting centrically into the one opening. Each electrode includes a disk of electrically conductive material disposed on its free end. The disks are disposed in a substantially identical manner, each parallel to the plate, centrically with its corresponding opening and free from contact with the plate. The disks each include at least two outwardly extending radial tips. A sleeve is disposed in each opening. Each of the sleeves has a substantially identical cross section and an axis disposed substantially perpendicular to the plate. The sleeves are spaced circumferentially at a constant distance L from the radial tips.