Electrostatic precipitator dust density measurements in a Mars-like atmosphere

Abstract

Mars atmospheric in-situ resource utilization processes will require dust filtration of large gaseous volumes. An electrostatic precipitator capable of operating in the Martian environment is under development to meet this need. We performed experimentation to aerosolize and inject Martian simulant particles with a representative dust density and size range into the precipitator intake and to measure removal efficiency. The experimental set up added to the existing electrostatic precipitator system included two customized dust particle analyzers, a laser, and optical sensors to measure particle size distribution, particle morphology, and collection efficiency. In this paper, we describe the methods used to determine particle density and collection efficiency using the fine particle analyzers along with the laser extinction method. We also describe the method used to introduce and aerosolize simulant dust particles with the desired size and particle concentration into the precipitator at the required gas flow rates. Results of precipitator dust removal efficiency obtained from the fine particle analyzers and from the laser extinction method are shown along with a description of the assumptions made and the limitations of each method.