Electrostatic charging of aerosol as a mechanism of gas cleaning from submicron particles

Outlines studies of a process of gas cleaning from submicron particles, which includes their condensational growing, electrostatic charging and precipitation under the influence of electrostatic forces and particle collection on grounded electrodes. Laboratory experiments with submicron fly ash from and incineration plant have shown that in dry air the electrostatic charging of particles minimises sedimentation of the fly ash on the inside of the dielectric gas duct walls. While in water vapour saturated air, electrostatic charging of the aerosol decreases the concentration of submicron particles in the gas flow by up to six times. Extended to a pilot test, the Corona Aerosol Agglomerator (CAROLA) unit demonstrated low energy consumption for particles charging and a low-pressure drop. It achieved high removal efficiencies for wood combustion aerosol with a mean diameter of 66nm.