An experimentally validated computational model to predict the performance of a single-channel laboratory-scale electrostatic precipitator equipped with spiked and wire discharge electrodes

The validation of a computational model for predicting the performance of a laboratory-scale, single channel, multi-electrode electrostatic precipitator (ESP) was undertaken. This consisted of comparison of experimental and modelling results obtained for different geometrical and operating parameters, such as the plate spacing, the inter-electrode spacing, the number of electrodes, the electrode design, the applied voltage, particle size and gas flow rate. Wire discharge electrodes and a spiked shaped discharge electrode were used to study the efficiency of fly ash removal from a gas stream. The validation included the comparison of the applied voltage versus discharge current (V-I) relationships, and a study of the particle collection efficiencies obtained from experimental measurements and modelling results. The presence of shielding, which was predicted to occur with specific plate-to-plate and wire-to-wire spacings for the multi wire-electrode cases that were studied, was also validated using the measurement data. Experimental results obtained with a spike electrode also correlated well with the model predictions in terms of ESP collection efficiency under varying geometric and operating parameters. Such a fundamentally based, validated computational model of ESP processes would be useful in developing process models that have an improved accuracy compared to current semi-empirical models. This, in turn, will be invaluable in maximizing particulate matter removal from industrial flue gas streams in a cost-efficient manner. •Computational modelling predictions of the performance of a laboratory-scale ESP are presented.•The model was validated against experimental measurements with wire and spiked discharge electrodes.•The experimental results confirmed the occurrence of shielding between adjacent wire-electrodes.•The predicted effect of shielding on fly ash collection efficiency was also confirmed.