A model for wet electrostatic scrubbing of submicronic and ultrafine particles

This study presents a novel model for the design of wet electrostatic scrubbers specifically targeting the removal of submicronic and ultrafine particles from flue gases. The proposed model employs a mechanistic approach to estimate the motion of particles in the proximity of scrubbing droplets. The model uses numerical simulation tools that allow incorporating multiple phenomena, such as droplet evaporation/condensation, thermal gradients, and electric field interactions. This comprehensive simulation framework enables the calculation of collisional efficiency, a crucial parameter for stochastic models used in sizing wet electrostatic scrubbers. The model has been validated against experimental data, demonstrating its accuracy in predicting particle capture efficiency and addressing the limitations of conventional models. A sensitivity analysis has been conducted, underscoring the impact of the key process parameters on particle removal efficiency, and providing crucial insights for optimizing wet electrostatic scrubbers' design and operation.