Numerical study on the collection performance according to tilt angle of the collection plate in ESPs

Particulate matter poses serious accident risks and health hazards, making control technologies essential. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) using corona discharge in reducing particulate matter. We analyze three performance influencing parameters: the applied voltage (φ_wire = 6, 9, and 12 kV), volumetric flow rate (Q = 0.05, 0.1, and 0.15 m³/s), and tilt angle of collection plate (θ_tilt = −2.1, −1.4, −0.7, 0, 0.7, 1.4, and 2.1°). In the electric field, the average corona current per unit length of the discharge electrode is enhanced by a maximum of 14.08 % at θ_tilt = 2.1° and − 2.1° when compared to that at θ_tilt = 0°. In the gas flow field, as the tilt angle increases at θ_tilt = 0.7° ∼ 2.1°, the pressure drop also increases corresponding to the applied voltage. This result is reversed at θ_tilt = −2.1° ∼ −0.7°. In particle motion, the larger the tilt angle, the greater the charge of the particle. The collection efficiency at θ_tilt = 2.1° increases by approximately 10 % at φ_wire = 9 kV and Q = 0.1 m³/s, compared to that at θ_tilt = −2.1°. However, in long-term operation, θ_tilt = −2.1° is most advantageous due to its even distribution of particles across the collection plate.