Modeling and simulation of PM2.5 collection efficiency in a wire‐plate ESP subjected to magnetic field and diffusion charging

Abstract

In this work, magnetic field was introduced to improve the PM2.5 collection efficiency in a wire‐plate electrostatic precipitator (ESP). The mathematical model considering multifield coupling and diffusion charging was established, and the effects of magnetic field and diffusion charging on PM2.5 collection efficiency at different gas velocities and working voltages were simulated numerically. The results indicate that both diffusion charging and magnetic field can improve the collection efficiency of the ESP and that the effect of either diffusion charging or magnetic field becomes more obvious under the conditions of low‐voltages and high‐gas velocities. Furthermore, diffusion charging has a more significant impact on removal efficiency than magnetic field. The combined effect of diffusion charging and magnetic field is better than any individual one. The research results can provide theoretical and technical references for the design of novel ESPs aiming at economy and high efficiency. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 697–702, 2015