How does an electrostatic precipitator function in ash removal?

An electrostatic precipitator functions primarily by charging fly ash particles that are present in the flue gas. This is accomplished through a process where high-voltage electrodes create an electric field that ionizes the particles, imparting a positive or negative charge to them depending on the design of the system. Once the ash particles are charged, they are drawn towards the collecting plates, which have an opposite charge. This attraction helps capture the ash droplets from the gas stream effectively.

The efficiency of an electrostatic precipitator in removing ash and other particulate matter is a key reason for its use in industrial applications, particularly in power plants. By utilizing this electrostatic charging mechanism, it enhances the particulate collection process significantly compared to other methods.

Mechanical filters and the addition of water for dilution are not the primary processes used in an electrostatic precipitator, as its effectiveness relies on the electrostatic attraction between charged particles and plates, rather than physical barriers or moisture addition. Cooling the flue gas can be relevant in some contexts, but it is not a function of the electrostatic precipitator itself in the context of ash removal.