Pollutant Control by Electric Methods

Air pollution is one of the most severe global challenges. In particular, particulate matter (PM) is carcinogenic and is known for deteriorating the air quality. Electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) have been widely used to reduce PM emissions from their source. To meet the increasingly strict emission standards and to address global concerns, researchers have aimed to achieve higher PM removal efficiencies, remove ultrafine particles, and operate under a wider variety of operating conditions (e.g., high particle concentration, wide temperature range, presence of complex particle/atmosphere components). Improving the particle removal efficiency requires understanding the fundamentals of PM control. Therefore, in this chapter, particle characterization and PM removal processes are discussed in detail. Primary influencing factors are summarized, key sub-processes (e.g., particle condensation and growth, particle charging, and particle migration) are detailed, and typical PM2.5 removal enhancement technologies are introduced. Recently developed technologies applied in a variety of industries can maintain a PM emission level of below 5 mg/m3. Furthermore, energy injection increases within the electrostatic field may allow simultaneous control of multiple pollutants, thus increasing the applicability of ESP technology in meeting stricter emission requirements.