Modelling of the Capture of Diesel Engine Exhaust Particles in a Wet Electrostatic Scrubber

This paper presents research results of an innovative after-treatment technology, namely the wet electrostatic scrubber (WES), for the removal of particulates from diesel exhausts. A theoretical model for particles scavenging by electrified water spray is coupled with a rapid-mixing model for droplet evaporation/condensation dynamics to estimate the particles removal efficiency that can be achieved in a WES. The model has the ability to predict particle collection efficiencies and particle size distribution at the scrubber exit under realistic operating conditions. Results showed that a well-designed WES can achieve 95% reduction of the number of the emitted submicronic particles.