Which of the following is true about electrostatic precipitators?

Which of the following is true about electrostatic precipitators?

• A. Economical
• B. Efficient for moist flows and mists
• C. Reliable and predictable
• D. Removal efficiencies near 99%

Answer: (D)

Electrostatic precipitators work by ionizing the dust particles, charging them, and pulling them to oppositely charged collection plates. This setup makes it possible to capture a very large fraction of the particles, and in well-designed systems the removal efficiency is around 99% for many industrial applications. The high performance comes from the strong electric field and the ability to collect a wide range of particle sizes as they drift toward the plates. However, efficiency isn’t guaranteed in all conditions—particle properties like size and resistivity, as well as gas conditions such as humidity, temperature, and flow rate, can affect performance. Very fine or highly resistive dust, or moist aerosols, can reduce capture efficiency or cause issues like back corona and re-entrainment. Because of these factors, ESPs aren’t universally economical or perfectly reliable in every scenario, but the capacity to achieve near-99% removal in appropriate conditions is a defining characteristic.

Electrostatic precipitators work by ionizing the dust particles, charging them, and pulling them to oppositely charged collection plates. This setup makes it possible to capture a very large fraction of the particles, and in well-designed systems the removal efficiency is around 99% for many industrial applications. The high performance comes from the strong electric field and the ability to collect a wide range of particle sizes as they drift toward the plates. However, efficiency isn’t guaranteed in all conditions—particle properties like size and resistivity, as well as gas conditions such as humidity, temperature, and flow rate, can affect performance. Very fine or highly resistive dust, or moist aerosols, can reduce capture efficiency or cause issues like back corona and re-entrainment. Because of these factors, ESPs aren’t universally economical or perfectly reliable in every scenario, but the capacity to achieve near-99% removal in appropriate conditions is a defining characteristic.