The Effect of the Electric Field on the Formation of PCDD in Electrostatic Precipitators

Abstract

Sufficient evidence exists to suggest that there is some PCDD formation in electrostatic precipitators attached to municipal solid waste incinerators. This paper deals with the possible effect of the corona discharge in an electrostatic precipitator on PCDD formation from chlorophenols in the gas phase. The corona discharge may cause an increase in O and OH present in the system which in turn may lead to an increase in the concentration of chlorophenoxyl radicals. Preliminary modeling studies indicate that increases in PCDD can be explained by electric field effects.

A Pandemic Early Warning System Decision Analysis Concept Utilizing a Distributed Network of Air Samplers via Electrostatic Air Precipitation

“…Electrostatic precipitators typically work in two steps: applying either a positive or negative charge to the particles via an electrostatic discharge and deposition of the charged particles on collecting electrodes biased with a high voltage of opposite polarity. Although the voltages are large, the currents are small, resulting in 50-500 watt of power consumption to clean 1000 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) of air while filter or impaction based techniques can require thousands of watts to process the same amount of air [3]. Among the primary drawbacks of traditional EP is the possibility of toxic ozone production by corona discharge.…”