Electrostatic Separations
Electrostatic separation is another syngas cleaning method, and is particularly useful in removing very fine particulate matter. In this technique, particles become charged by a strong electric field and are removed due to their difference in dielectric properties compared with the gas molecules [1]. Electrostatic forces acting on fine particulate matter (less than 30 mm) can be more than 100 times stronger than the force of gravity, making electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) very effective in removing particulate matter from gas streams. Two configurations are commonly employed in the design of electrostatic separators: a tube-type precipitator and a parallel — plate precipitator [1]. Although simple in concept, performance depends on several factors including geometry of the device, applied voltage, electrical resistivity of gas and particles, and size and shape of particles.