Conductive Composite Material for Wet Electrostatic Precipitator Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wet electrostatic precipitator components, such as carbon steel and fiberglass reinforced plastics, corrode and degrade in severe industrial environments with high temperatures and sparking, necessitating components that are both corrosion-resistant and electrically conductive.

Innovation Solution

A conductive composite material composed of carbon fiberglass and thermosetting resin, forming a cross-linked structure for resistance to corona voltage flash, sparking, and arcing, with excellent electrical conductivity and thermal dispersion, suitable for use in high-voltage and high-temperature conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If carbon steel or stainless steel is used for collecting surfaces, then the material provides good mechanical strength and electrical conductivity, but it corrodes or erodes under severe acid conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure consisting of a carbon steel substrate providing mechanical strength and a stainless steel cladding layer providing corrosion resistance. This composite approach allows the collecting surfaces to simultaneously achieve both structural integrity and resistance to severe acid conditions that would degrade single-material constructions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If reinforced plastics are used for precipitator components, then the material provides good corrosion resistance, but it erodes and delaminates due to severe corrosive conditions and localized high temperature in sparking regions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a metal composite construction with carbon steel and stainless steel layers that maintains structural integrity under localized high temperatures from sparking. Unlike reinforced plastics that erode and delaminate, this metallic composite structure resists thermal degradation and mechanical erosion while providing excellent corrosion resistance, thereby extending service life in severe environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If traditional materials are used in severe environments, then the precipitator can operate, but the materials corrode and degrade over time requiring frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidmaterial durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The carbon steel substrate with stainless steel cladding composite structure provides both the mechanical strength needed for continuous operation and the corrosion resistance required for long-term durability. This composite material system eliminates the trade-off between productivity and reliability by simultaneously delivering both properties in severe industrial environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

The composite material significantly enhances durability and resistance to corrosion and heat, reducing structural changes and weight, allowing for longer service life and economic benefits in harsh industrial gas cleaning applications.

Implementation Method 1

excellent electrical conductivity and thermal dispersion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal dispersion: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

excellent electrical conductivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

forming a cross-linked structure for resistance to corona voltage flash, sparking, and arcing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCross-linking: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP2411154B1Wet electrostatic precipitator
Publication Date: 2017.08.09 MEGTEC TURBOSONIC INC
  • EP2411154B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2411154B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to the use of corrosion, temperature and spark resistant electrically conductive components in wet electrostatic precipitator systems (WESPs). In particular, the present invention is directed to using a conductive composite material in the fabrication of wet electrostatic precipitator system components.