Numerical simulation of the collection efficiency of welding fume particles in electrostatic precipitator

The deposition characteristics of weld fume particles in an electrostatic precipitator were investigated by means of numerical simulations. In the calculations, the particle characteristics of the weld fume particles and the effect of ionic wind are considered. The effects of applied voltage, flow velocity, collecting plate spacing, particle concentration, electric field strength, and ionic wind on the collection efficiency of weld fume particles in the ESP are discussed. The velocity distribution of weld fume particles in the Electrostatic precipitator (ESP) was also investigated. The results show that the smaller the collection plate spacing, the higher the collection efficiency of particles. The particle concentration has a small effect on the collection efficiency of weld fume particles. The higher the applied voltage, the more obvious the difference of ESP on the collection efficiency of different particles. [Display omitted] •The characteristics of welding fume particles was considered.•The influencing factors of collection efficiency were explored.•The movement of particles in ESP was investigated.