Visualization and Optimization of Charged Particle Dynamics in Electrostatic Precipitators
WEI-CHUN WANG, Chih-Wei Lin, Chih-Chieh Chen, Sheng-Hsiu Huang, National Taiwan University
Abstract Number: 152
Working Group: Aerosol Physics
Abstract
Background : Electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) are widely used in air pollution control due to their low operating cost and high collection efficiency. Their applications range from industrial emissions to indoor air purification and kitchen fume treatment, highlighting their versatility.However, the internal mechanisms of ESPs remain abstract, highlighting the need for intuitive tools to visualize particle behavior and improve understanding of air pollution control.
Method and Material : The visualization system was constructed using transparent acrylic panels. A two-stage ESP was used, with stainless steel needles (0.04 cm) in the first stage generating corona discharge to charge particles, and parallel aluminum plates in the second stage providing a uniform electric field for collection. An ultrasonic nebulizer with 10% sodium chloride solution was used to test particle generation stability and visibility. A collimated LED light at the ESP outlet enhanced particle visibility, while a camera was positioned laterally at 90° to the light path for trajectory observation under different electric field strengths.
Result : Preliminary results show that particle trajectories changed with increased downstream electric field strength, indicating variations in their initial charge states. At fixed electric field strength, activating the charger and increasing voltage caused greater deflection toward the positive electrode. Higher airflow velocities reduced particle collection efficiency, while stronger electric fields enhanced collection but increased cleaning frequency.
Conclusion : These results suggest that optimizing electric field strength and airflow conditions is key to balancing collection efficiency and maintenance needs in electrostatic precipitators. Additionally, higher airflow speeds made particle visualization more challenging, while stronger electric fields made the particles more visible as they deflected more sharply toward the electrode. Further studies should refine these parameters to improve both collection efficiency and visualization clarity.