Troubleshooting ESP Discharge Electrode Suspension

This article discusses suspension considerations encountered by users of weighted wire discharge electrodes.

There are two discharge electrode frames to consider in weighted wire applications:

1. Upper wire frame from which wires are hung.
2. Lower wire frame which maintains horizontal stability of wires by fixing the position of the wire and its attached weight

Isolating the discharge electrode system from grounded sections of the precipitator is essential for proper performance. Electrical clearances should be maintained at a distance near the plate-to-plate distance. With 9″ plate spacing, a distance of 8″ is usually acceptable, meaning that the discharge system structure should be no closer than 8″ from the nearest ground source.

The most critical consideration in the design of discharge electrode systems is the alignment of components to set and maintain electrical clearances that maintain high operating voltages.