Experimental and numerical investigations of the Laplacian and Poissonian field in asymmetric multiple-electrode systems for electrostatic separation processes

Abstract

Abstract The paper presents an experimental measurements and numerical computations of the electric field in Laplacian field model as well as Poissonian field model for various asymmetric multiple-electrode configurations prepared to electrostatic separation processes. The asymmetric multiple-electrode systems utilize additional cylindrical rods and/or L-plates connected at constant or floating potential, as in practical applications. The geometries include a cluster of spherical/cylindrical conducting particles uniformly distributed and simultaneously in contact with the ground plate. The charge simulation method integrated with genetic algorithm and method of characteristics is employed for numerical computation and analysis of the electric field in the presented models. Neglecting Deutch’s assumption, the numerical technique is applied to solve Laplace's equation or Poisson's equation with the current-continuity relation. Influence of the cluster of spherical/cylindrical particles on the electric field distribution on the ground plate surface, and its acquired charged, is established. I-V characteristics and the spatial distributions of current density and electric field are evaluated and assessed. The experimental results were found to be in a good agreement with analytical values.