ABSTRACT
The science of electrostatics is ancient, yet novel; it is a simple phenomenon yet also a very intricate and complex science. Electrostatics has been used for separation of minerals, for paint spraying, for dry coating applications, and for electrostatic photocopying more commonly known as the Xerox process. The majority of electrostatic precipitator applications have been developed in the field of dry electrostatics. Wet electrostatics for control of emissions was applied prior to the 1960s on a few restricted and specialized applications. Corona generation is required because although most particles in a gas stream do possess a small inherent electrical charge, the charge is too small for effective electrostatic collection. Electrostatic precipitation is a most versatile method of achieving high-efficiency collection of dusts and mists. For ashes from coal-fired boilers, the electrostatic precipitator designer is particularly concerned with the percent of sulfur in the fuel, especially if the precipitator is to see standard boiler exit gas temperatures of 300 to 350°F.
