Wet Electrostatic Precipitator Mist-Producing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Wet Electrostatic Precipitator (WESP) technologies face challenges in effectively removing all particulate matter from gas streams while continuously cleaning the collecting surface and minimizing fine mist production.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a mist-producing element that mixes gas streams with liquid droplets and features a down-flow WESP with an ionizing electrode stage and an array of polygonal tubes for charging and collecting particulate matter, utilizing a series arrangement of WESP sections with different electrode designs to optimize charging and collection, and includes features like V-shape cutouts and draining tubular leaders for efficient liquid collection and mist elimination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional WESP technologies are used to remove particulate matter, then some particulate removal is achieved, but fine mist is produced and collecting surfaces require separate cleaning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful fine mist byproduct into a beneficial cleaning agent. Liquid droplets are introduced into the WESP, and when they contact the collecting surfaces, they automatically wash away accumulated particulate matter. The mist that would normally be harmful is instead used as the cleaning medium, eliminating the need for separate cleaning systems while actually reducing fine mist emissions through the electrostatic precipitation process
Solution Approach 2:
The WESP system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it removes particulate matter from the gas stream while the introduced liquid droplets serve dual purposes of enhancing particulate collection and automatically cleaning the collecting surfaces. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cleaning mechanisms and reduces fine mist release
2Device complexity
If collecting surfaces are not continuously cleaned, then apparatus complexity is reduced, but particulate matter accumulates and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The WESP system performs self-cleaning through the introduction of liquid droplets that automatically wash the collecting surfaces as they flow through the apparatus. The system uses its own operational components (the liquid introduction system already present for particulate removal) to simultaneously clean the collecting surfaces, eliminating the need for separate cleaning mechanisms while maintaining high removal efficiency
3Manufacturing precision
If liquid droplets are introduced to enhance particulate removal, then collection efficiency improves, but fine mist production increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the potential harm of fine mist emissions into a benefit by using the liquid droplets as a cleaning medium. The droplets enhance particulate collection efficiency while the electrostatic precipitation process simultaneously captures the fine mist that would otherwise be emitted, converting what would be harmful emissions into an effective cleaning mechanism
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach achieves highly effective particulate and mist removal, minimizing fine mist production and enabling continuous self-cleaning of the collecting surface, thereby improving gas stream purification efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
an ionizing electrode stage that electrically charges the particulate matter and the intermixed liquid droplets
Implementation Method 2
a collecting surfaces stage in the form of an array of polygonal tubes, wherein the collecting surfaces, under the influence of an electrical field, attract and remove electrically-charged particulate matter and intermixed liquid droplets from the gas stream
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for removing particulate matter from a gas stream containing particulate matter, the apparatus including: a mist-producing element that mixes a gas stream entering the apparatus with liquid droplets; and a down flow Wet Electrostatic Precipitator (WESP) pass section having ionizing electrodes that electrically charge the particulate matter and the intermixed liquid droplets, and collecting surfaces in the form of an array of polygonal tubes, wherein the collecting surfaces are under the influence of an electrical field to attract and remove electrically-charged particulate matter and intermixed liquid droplets from the gas stream. An embodiment utilizing two down-flow Wet Electrostatic Precipitator (WESP) sections (i.e., a first pass section and a second pass section), each of which includes ionizing electrodes that electrically charge the particulate matter and the intermixed liquid droplets, and collecting surfaces in the form of an array of polygonal tubes, wherein the collecting surfaces are under the influence of an electrical field to attract and remove electrically-charged particulate matter and intermixed liquid droplets from the gas stream is also disclosed, as is a method for removing particulate matter.