ENHANCEMENT OF THE PERFORMANCE OF ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATORS BY GAS FLOW MODELLING

S.Zissulescu, E. Zissulescu, R. Macarie - ICPET S.A.
SUMMARY
The environmental protection, particularly the protection of atmosphere by reducing pollutants resulted from solid fuel combustion, is one of the problems of our times. The retrofitting of power plants has obliged the producers of depollution equipment, including the producers of electrostatic precipitators, to identify and implement new solutions in view of an increased efficiency.

Among the factors with an influence on the performance of electrostatic precipitators, a major one is the optimisation of the gas flow through the ductwork and the electrostatic precipitator. Experiments and theory resulted in the conclusion that an inadequate velocity distribution has a substantial influence on the degree of dedusting performed by the electrostatic precipitator. The practical realisation of an optimal flue gas distribution is only possible based on experimental modelling studies, which does not eliminate the need for thorough theoretical researches or computer simulations. The modelling tests provide the necessary data for the design and manufacture of the optimal flue gas channels and electrostatic filters; they allow the study of several variants and the choice of reliable, optimal solutions, with minimal material consumption and fitting within the limited space in our power plants.

Aiming at the optimisation, from the gas dynamic point of view of the dedusting installations, ICPET has elaborated efficient solutions; some of them have already been implemented, others are under implementation at S.E. Rovinari (ESP units 4, 5 and 6), S.E. Turceni (ESP units 3, 4 and 5), S.E.Deva (ESP unit 1), S.E. Bacau etc.

The paper synthetically presents some of these solutions, as well as the results obtained at the performance tests (stack emissions below the admissible limits established by the regulations in force).