Methodology for performance evaluation of dust control systems with an application to electrostatic precipitators

A general methodology is presented that enables rigorous estimation of the total collection efficiency and the size distribution of particles penetrating dust control systems. This methodology assumes lognormal inlet particle-size distributions and can be used with fractional efficiency formulations that predict, under such conditions, lognormal outlet particle-size distributions. Multimodal inlet particle distributions can be accommodated additively. This methodology is applied to Electrostatic Precipitator Systems (ESPs), with the Nobrega et al. (2004) model selected for predicting their fractional efficiencies. For ease of use, a graphical solution has been developed for the Nobrega et al. fractional efficiency relations, but its availability is not a prerequisite for the application of the general methodology. For the latter, the fractional efficiencies corresponding to three particle diameters need to be estimated and this can be done either graphically or numerically using the model of Nobrega et al. or any other fractional efficiency formulation of interest. Fine particles emerge as the most important pollutant worldwide in terms of human health, creating thus the need for credible particle size-specific inventories. In line with the above, a generic and rigorous method, capable of producing size-specific emission estimates from uncontrolled and controlled sources, has been developed (Economopoulou and Economopoulos 2001). For controlled sources, this method relies on the development of easy to use models that predict the total efficiency and the lognormal size distribution of particles penetrating the control systems used. Such models have already been developed for dry cyclone separators (Economopoulou and Economopoulos 2002a, 2002b) and venturi scrubbers (Economopoulou and Harrison 2007a, 2007b). The present methodology extends the use of the inventory methodology to ESP-controlled sources and, in addition, it provides a generalized basis for covering other types of control systems with any fractional efficiency formulation considered appropriate.