If you have questions about the Electrostatic Precipitation Lab or would like to get involved with research, contact Dr. Muhammad Ali by emailing alim@ohio.edu or calling 740.593.1389.
Electrostatic Precipitation Lab
Since 1997, researchers and students in the Russ College鈥檚 Electrostatic Precipitation (ESP) Lab have specialized in discovering new and creative ESP designs that more efficiently remove particulates from coal-fired power plant emissions. Performing research from bench-scale up to pilot-scale, we examine almost every aspect controlling the electrostatic precipitator to reduce particulate emissions and develop new methods for particulate capture.
About the Lab
At 3,000 square feet, our ESP lab is one of only a few facilities in the world fully equipped with all the tools required to simulate, test, and analyze emission collection efficiency.
Facilities and Equipment
The laboratory has the capability to simulate full-scale conditions of typical emission capture situations with a pilot-scale ESP. This ESP has a testing space of 96鈥 long by 83鈥 tall鈥揵y 48鈥 wide. The electric field is created by an NWL PowerPlus unit, rated at 70kV and 400mA. The gas flow is produced by a variable frequency drive fan, able to provide up to 10,000 cfm. Wide ranges of dust concentrations can be achieved, from 10mg/m3 ~ 100mg/m3 and up to 7.5g/m3 (concentrations based on 7,200 cubic feet per minute). Tests can also be carried out at elevated gas temperatures.
The laboratory has many methods of collecting and analyzing test data, including the Method 5 EPA standard for emission capture analysis, which is used in industry to determine the particulate levels being released into the atmosphere. By using isokinetic sampling, concentrations of particulate can be determined. This is a very trusted and reliable source of testing. Particulate concentrations are also determined using light scattering technology from the Thermo Scientific ADR 1500. The laboratory uses two units to provide real-time aerosol concentrations at the inlet and the outlet of the ESP.
The laboratory will be installing SO2 storage systems as well as an SO2 to SO3 conversion and delivery system to the ESP testing facility. During that time, there will also be steam lines installed to increase the humidity up to 100% in the testing space.
Lab Services
- Current ESP Test Space
- 96鈥 Long - 83鈥 Height - 48鈥 Wide
- Perform Wet ESP and Dry ESP testing
- Manufacturing Custom Test Rigs
- Our lab focuses on the reduction to emissions of criteria air pollutants in creative and new ways.
- Baldor VFD Fan
- Capable of 10,000 CFM
- NWL T/R PowerPlus
- Rated to 70kV and 400mA
- Dust Feeders
- Low - up to 350mg/sec
- High - up to 30g/sec
- Natural Gas/Propane Burners
- Steam Line for humidity control
- SO2 Generation system
Research
Our research provides improved and creative solutions to reduce emissions from coal-fired power plants. Our 3,000-square-foot electrostatic precipitator laboratory is one of only a few laboratories in the world fully equipped with the tools required to simulate, test and analyze emission collection efficiency.
Our research focuses on both improving traditional horizontal ESPs, as well as testing the efficacy of experimental cross flow ESP designs.
Horizontal ESP
The conventional, horizontal ESP is the control device typically chosen to handle particulate emission control. These ESPs can handle large flow rates and also capture a wide range of particle sizes.
Our lab is focused on improving this very efficient system by decreasing the overall size and weight. By replacing traditional materials and devices with new, lighter and smaller ones with equal or higher efficiencies, we can reduce the cost of construction and operation.
How does it work?
The electrostatic precipitator has four main components: the discharge electrode, collection electrode, particulate removal device, and the hopper.
Flue gas full of harmful emissions enters the ESP. As particles travel through the ESP they become charged by the discharge electrode. Their new charge attracts them to the collection electrode. Over time, the particles build up on the plates and must be removed. There are a few methods used: rappers, which are like hammers that hit the collection electrode, sonic horns that use pressure waves to dislodge the dust, or spray nozzles. The dust then falls into the hopper where it is removed from the airflow.
Cross Flow ESP
Unlike traditional electrostatic precipitators, which have collection electrodes mounted parallel to the gas flow, our cross flow ESP uses collection electrodes placed perpendicular to the gas flow.
Our collection electrodes have been patented and are composed of hydrophilic rope with a flow of water to constantly keep them clean. This system disrupts the gas flow and collects particles that pass by.
Our research seeks to understand the effect each new variable contributes to the collection efficiency. There is effort in finding theoretical values for each variable鈥檚 effect, and these results will be confirmed experimentally.
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Questions?
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Sponsors
We are always looking for ways to grow and work with others to share our passion. We have worked with companies and organizations in the past. Please contact Dr. Muhammad Ali if your company or organization would like to use our facility and expertise.