General Information on Electrostatic Precipitators
Electrostatic precipitators are majorly used to separate small particles that are 1 micron or smaller in size from gas streams. This equipment also finds use in desalters to segregate salts and sediment from the crude oil. The most common type of precipitators, work by exposing particles in the feed to an electrostatic field. The particles are quite small and can accumulate the charge quite easily. The charged particles are then collected and eliminated with the help of the collectors that are charged oppositely. The collectors get covered with particles so they are required to be cleaned off regularly. The particles are usually discarded but sometimes processed further if it can be proved profitable. PROS Highly efficiency (almost 99 percent) removal of particle. Accumulated particles can be recovered for subsequent processing. Low amount of pressure drop. CONS Clogging might take place. Safety issues with high voltage electrodes. Safety concerns with volatile organic par