Dust Removal Using Electrode-Plates Coated with Activated Carbon

Abstract

The main purpose of this research work was to evaluate dust removal efficiencies using electrode plates coated with activated carbon in dust removal chamber. The experiments were performed with electrode-plates coated with activated carbon with black carbon and poly vinyl acetate (PVA) as binding agent. Methanol was added into the coating mixture for lowering the viscosity and at the same time helped the activated carbon (AC) pores not to be blocked by PVA. After coating the electrode surface, it was tested to collect dust in cylindrical chamber with and without power supply. In both case, AC coated electrode showed higher dust removal efficiencies compared to conventional aluminum electrode. Continuous test for PM10 dust control revealed that removal efficiency gradually increased with time passage, and as increasing the distance from inlet, the removal efficiency becomes stable. However, where the interval between electrodes was as short as 1cm, and also at the back of the chamber, “back discharge” effect was observed, and resolved easily by the elevation of humidity level. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were controlled successfully with the AC coating material so that it proved both particular and gaseous contaminants can be treated with this AC-coated electrostatic precipitator.*Corresponding author (Kwang Soo Kim): Daehwa-Dong 283, Goyangdae-Ro, Ilsanseo-Gu, Goyang-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, 411-712, Korea / kskim@kict.re.kr / Tel. + 82 31 9100 299 / Fax. +82 31 910 0291