Electrostatic Precipitators
BCE electrostatic precipitators (ESP) are advanced air pollution control devices that remove particulates from the air by using a high-voltage electric current. Dust particles receive a negative charge and are attracted to positively charged plates, where they are deposited and collected. BCE has engineered and installed ESP systems across industries and provides ongoing maintenance for existing units.
How ESPs Work
- Plates are cleaned by periodic or continuous rapping
- Collected dust falls into hoppers and is removed by a pneumatic conveying system
- Primarily used in coal-fired power plants to remove fly ash
- Also applied in cement, chemical, and paper industries
- Efficiencies range from 90% to 99.9%, depending on application and power input
Performance Factors
Dust Resistivity
High resistivity dust makes charge transfer more difficult, reducing collection efficiency. Conditioning agents such as sulfur trioxide (for basic dusts like fly ash) and ammonia (for acidic dusts) are used to improve performance.
Particle Size
ESPs are most efficient for particles over 1 micron. Efficiency decreases for submicron particles due to Brownian motion and random collisions with air molecules.
Advantages of ESPs
- Operate at temperatures up to 800°F
- No compressed air required
- Minimal maintenance (no filter bags to replace)
- Lower pressure drop, reducing power consumption
Expert Consultation: BCE will analyze your application to determine whether an electrostatic precipitator may be more advantageous than a fabric dust collector. Our engineering team ensures high efficiency and compliance with industry standards.