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ESP Lessons

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Lesson 1: Electrostatic Precipitator Operation

To familiarize you with the operation of electrostatic precipitators (ESPs).

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to do the following:

  • Briefly describe wet ESP operation
  • Describe the theory of precipitation
  • Describe how an ESP operates to collect particulate matter
  • Describe the two ESP designs for particle charging and collection: high voltage single-stage and low voltage two-stage
  • Distinguish between cold-side and hot-side ESPs
Download Lesson 1

Lesson 2: Electrostatic Precipitator Components

To familiarize you with the components of an ESP.

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to do the following:

  • Identify six major components of an ESP
  • Describe typical discharge electrode designs
  • Describe typical collection electrode designs
  • Identify how discharge electrodes and collection plates are installed in an ESP
  • List three types of rappers and briefly describe how they operate
  • Describe how the high-voltage equipment operates
  • Describe two factors that are important in hopper design
  • Identify two discharge devices used to remove dust from hoppers, and three types of conveyors
  • State the purpose for installing insulation on an ESP
Download Lesson 2

Lesson 3: ESP Design Parameters and Their Effects on Collection Efficiency

To familiarize you with the variables used by vendors to optimally design ESP systems.

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to do the following:

  • Define the term migration velocity
  • Explain the difference between the Deutsch-Anderson equation and the Matts-Ohnfeldt equation for estimating collection efficiency
  • Define the term resistivity
  • List three ways to reduce high resistivity and two ways to combat low resistivity
  • Explain how sectionalization and increasing corona power improves collection efficiency
  • Define aspect ratio and specific collection area and describe their importance for achieving
    collection efficiency
  • Calculate the aspect ratio and specific collection area of an ESP given a set of design information
Download Lesson 3

Lesson 4: Fabric Filter Material

To familiarize you with the construction of fabric filter material, fibers used, and problems affecting fabric life.

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to do the following:

  • Name two ways filters are constructed
  • List at least seven natural or synthetic fibers used to make filters and identify the conditions
    under which they are used
  • Define five fabric treatment processes
  • Name three failure mechanisms that reduce filter life
  • Briefly describe four types of fabric tests that are used for troubleshooting bag problems
Download Lesson 4

Lesson 5: Industrial Applications of ESPs

To familiarize you with the many ways ESPs are used by various industries to reduce emissions.

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to do the following:

  • List five major industries that use ESPs to reduce particulate emissions
  • Describe how ESPs are used with dry flue gas desulfurization systems to reduce SO2 emissions from boilers
  • Identify two operating problems that can occur when using ESPs on cement kilns
  • List two operating problems associated with ESPs in the steel industry
  • Briefly describe how ESPs are used along with acid gas control systems to control particulate
    and acid gas emissions from municipal solid waste and hazardous waste incinerators
  • Identify two processes in the lead, zinc and copper smelting industries that use ESPs to control
    particulate emissions
Download Lesson 5

Lesson 6: ESP Operation and Maintenance

To familiarize you with typical operation and maintenance problems associated with ESPs.

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to do the following:

  • Identify typical ESP components which require inspection prior to startup
  • Identify the major steps in ESP startup and shutdown procedures
  • Explain the importance of monitoring each of the following parameters
  • Describe the function of air-load and gas-load voltage-current curves
  • Identify typical maintenance steps that ensure proper ESP functioning
  • Identify and describe seven common problems that affect ESP performance
  • Describe how evaluating the current, voltage, and spark rate trends from inlet to outlet fields
    provides information about general resistivity conditions
  • Identify important safety precautions to take when operating ESPs
Download Lesson 6

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