Numerical analysis of turbulence field and particle trajectory inside wet Electrostatic Precipitator

Finite element and multiphysics coupling methods were applied to visually analyze the flow pattern inside wet Electrostatic Precipitator (WESP). This work also obtained the trajectory of particle in different diameters and particle collection efficiency under various flow situations. Results suggest that, after high electric field was applied, the Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) flow has significant influence on primary flow, creating vortices before and after each discharge wire, especially when primary flow at a slow velocity. The moving wall function (to simulate the water flow inside WESP) makes inner flow pattern more complex and showing an obvious three-dimensional tendency. Meanwhile, the particle trajectory is also altered under given situation. Relatively, the trajectory of fine particles is more easily affected by altered primary flow. © 2017, Zhejiang University Press. All right reserved.