High-voltage electrode position: a key factor of electrostatic separation efficiency

Industry application of electrostatic separation technologies still faces a major difficulty: good results can be obtained only by adequate control of a multitude of operating parameters. The aim of the present paper is to analyze a key factor of electrostatic separation efficiency: the position of the high-voltage electrodes. Experiments were performed with two types of granular materials: chopped electric wire wastes and foundry sands. The electrostatic separator employed for the tests was provided with a wire-type corona electrode, associated - in some experiments - with a tubular-type electrostatic electrode, at various angular and radial positions, with respect to a rotating roll electrode connected to the ground. The experimental data are discussed in relation to the results of the numerical analysis of the electric field, carried out with a charge simulation program. They show that the outcome of the separation process (i.e., the weight percentage of the conductor and nonconductor fractions, as well as the purity of the recovered materials) depends on the configuration of the electrode system. The position of the electrodes affects both the particles charging conditions on the surface of the roll electrode, and the trajectories of the charged particles in the high-intensity electric field of the separator. Some recommendations could be formulated for the industrial application of the electrostatic separation technology.     

Optimization of corona electrode position in roll-type electrostatic separators

The position of the corona electrode(s) is known to be a key factor of electrostatic separation efficiency, as it influences both the charging conditions of the granular materials on the surface of the roll electrode connected to the ground, and the magnitude of the electric forces exerted on the particles. Response surface methodology was employed for the design of the experiments performed on a laboratory roll-type corona-electrostatic separators, with samples of chopped electric wire wastes typically processed by such techniques. The results of the electrostatic separation tests are discussed in relation to the data obtained from two other experiments, in which corona current and particle charge measurements were performed for various positions of the standard wire-type electrode. The conclusions of this study enabled the formulation of several recommendations for the improvement of the outcome of industrial separation processes (i.e., maximize the weight percentage as well as the purity of the recovered materials).     

Charging of insulating spheres on the surface of an electrodeaffected by monopolar ions

The charge acquired by an insulating sphere in a uniform monoionized electric field has been accurately evaluated by Pauthenier. In certain electrostatic applications, such as the electroseparation of mixed granular solids, the particles to be charged are on the surface of an electrode. Under these circumstances, Pauthenier's formula is no longer valid, because the field is nonuniform. This paper addresses this problem from both a computational and an experimental point of view. A numerical method of field analysis was employed for the evaluation of the charge acquired by spheres of various dielectric constants, on the surface of a plate electrode. The numerically computed values of the saturation charge in this situation were always greater than those given by Pauthenier's formula. The experiments were carried out on laboratory equipment provided with various types of corona electrodes. An electrometer was used to measure the charge acquired by calibrated spheres of polyamide (3 mm diameter) when subjected to the positive or negative corona discharge generated between these electrodes and a metallic rotating roll electrode (150 mm diameter) connected to the ground. The experimental data were in good agreement with the theoretical predictions; the saturation charge increases linearly with the applied voltage, up to a threshold at which the self discharge of the particle occurs. The efficiency of ionic charging was shown to depend on the type of corona electrode that is employed     

Unipolar charging of cylindrical insulating particles nearelectrode surfaces

Numerous papers have discussed the ionic charging of insulating spheres in uniform electric fields. However, in certain electrostatic technologies, such as separation and flocking, the particles are often cylindrical in shape, and they get charged on the surface of an electrode or in its proximity, so that existing formulas cannot be used. This paper addresses this problem from both a computational and an experimental point of view. The charge acquired by cylindrical particles of various dielectric constants was evaluated with an original computer program, based on the boundary-element method of field analysis. The computed results show that the position of the particle with respect to the electrodes changes the value of the saturation charge. The experimental setup simulated the charging conditions in a roll-type electrostatic separator. The unipolar space charge was generated by a needle-type electrode. An electrometer was used to measure the charge acquired by millimeter-size calibrated cylinders of polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride on a rotating roll electrode. The experimental results, which were in good agreement with the theoretical predictions, put forward a particle self-discharge effect, at field intensities beyond a well-defined threshold. This kind of information may guide the design of the electrostatic technologies based on the corona charging of granular matter     

高压脉冲负电晕荷电喷雾试验研究

为减少化学农药带来的污染,采用了荷电喷雾新技术。首先对负高压脉冲电晕荷电机理进行了理论分析,再用网状目标法通过调节电压、极距、电极直径、电极数目等参数进行电晕荷电试验,比较各因素对电晕放电伏-安特性影响及荷电后雾化效果;测量不同电压下雾滴的索太尔直径;并用高速摄影拍摄雾滴带电射流破碎时的状态,得到射流破碎时的雾滴形状。理论分析和试验结果表明,电压越高,雾滴谱较窄,雾滴粒径变细,均匀度越高;揭示了不同影响因素下的雾滴荷电特性,为负高压脉冲电晕荷电喷雾技术的应用和设计提供了理论基础和试验数据。     

Particle Charging in Combined Corona-Electrostatic Fields

The association of several ionizing and nonionizing electrodes generates combined corona-electrostatic fields, characterized by space charge zones of well-defined extensions. In a previous paper, the authors presented an effective numerical method for the computation of such fields. The aim of this present work is to show how these results can be employed for estimating the charge acquired by insulating and conducting particles when passing through the space charge zones generated by various corona-electrostatic electrode geometries. The study is done under several assumptions that authorize the use of Pauthenier's formula. Diffusion charging can be neglected, the applied electric field is quasi-uniform in the vicinity of particles, and particle speed is low compared with that of air ions. The charging model takes into account the computed spatial distribution of the electric field and charge density. The computations were performed for various values of the geometrical parameters of the electrode system and of the particle transit time through the corona discharge zone. The results can be used for the design of the electrode system of any electrostatic process employing corona discharge fields.      

Charge-Decay Characteristics of Granular Materials Forming Monolayers at the Surface of Grounded Electrodes

Laboratory studies and in-field observations have shown that the charge-decay characteristics of the granular materials at the surface of the grounded roll electrode significantly influence the outcome of the electrostatic separation process. This paper validates an indirect method of charge-decay characterization, based on the measurement of the electrical potential at the surface of a monolayer of granular insulating material. The study was performed on three materials–-polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and rubber–-extracted from chopped electric wire wastes. The granules (characteristic size in the range 1–4 mm) were disposed on the surface of a grounded plate electrode (layer area: 100 mm $ times$ 100 mm; electrode area: 200 mm $ times$ 200 mm). A wire-type corona electrode, energized from a dc high-voltage supply, was employed for charging the granules. The potential due to the charge at the surface of the granular layer was measured with the capacitive probe of an electrostatic voltmeter connected to a personal computer. Data acquisition and processing were done using the LabView environment. The influence of particles characteristics and of ambient factors was studied. The findings enabled a more accurate modeling of discharging phenomena that affect the performances of electrostatic separators. The method can be easily adopted in electrostatic discharge studies for material characterization.      

Charging of one or several cylindrical particles by monopolar ions in electric fields

In many electrostatic processes (precipitation of dust, separation of granular mixtures, spraying of powders) insulating particles are subjected to unipolar charging in the presence of other bodies. The present paper addresses this problem from both a computational and an experimental point of view, with the aim to extend an original numerical method of unipolar charge computation to the case of two or more particles, relatively close to each other. The charge acquired by cylinders of various dielectric constants was evaluated with a computer program based on the boundary element method of field analysis. The experimental setup simulated the charging conditions of millimeter-size calibrated cylinders of polyvinyl chloride in a roll-type electrostatic separator, the unipolar space charge being generated by a wire-type electrode. The experimental results, which were in good agreement with the theoretical predictions, put forward that the relative spacing between the particles changes the value of the saturation charge, an effect, which is stronger for particles of higher dielectric constant. These facts should be taken into account in the design of any electrostatic technology based on the corona charging of granular matter.     

Numerical Modeling of Conductive Particle Trajectories in Roll-Type Corona-Electrostatic Separators

Several attempts have already been made to simulate particle trajectories in roll-type electrostatic separators. However, the predictive value of the results is limited by an excessive number of simplifying assumptions regarding the electric field distribution, as well as particle charging and discharging mechanisms. The present work is aimed at improving the existing models by taking into account: (1) the non-uniformity of the electric field in the active zone of the separator and (2) the effect of spark discharges occurring between the electrodes. Based on previous observations, the conductive particles were assumed to lift-off when no longer exposed to corona discharge. The numerical simulations were performed for particles of various sizes. The electric field was computed in each point of the trajectory using a finite element program. It was found that: (1) some of the smaller particles impact the static electrode and are deviated to the middling compartment of the collector and (2) field annealing which accompanies spark discharges significantly affects the trajectories of conductive particles. The results of this study could guide the design of new electrostatic separation applications.     

Pilot-plant testing of a novel electrostatic collector for submicrometer particles

A novel electrostatic collector CAROLA (Corona Aerosol Abscheider) for gas cleaning from submicrometer particles is described. The CAROLA concept is based on particle charging by corona discharge and subsequent particle removal in the grounded part of the collector. CAROLA collectors for fine oil mists and for fly ash were tested. The influence of the operation conditions on corona discharge was studied. It is shown that the CAROLA electrostatic collectors have high fractional removal efficiencies (>98% for particles >1 /spl mu/m and 95%-98% for particles with sizes 0.3-1 /spl mu/m), low operating voltages (10-20 kV), and low pressure drop (<200 Pa). The collection of charged particles without external electric field and the compact design provide a cost-effective solution for the removal of submicrometer particles from industrial off gases.     

Robust design of electrostatic separation processes

The aim of this paper is to analyze the robustness of the electrostatic separation process control. The objective was to reduce variation in the process outcome by finding operating conditions (high-voltage level, roll speed), under which uncontrollable variation in the noise factors (granule size, composition of the material to be separated) has minimal impact on the quantity (and the quality) of the recovered products. The experiments were carried out on a laboratory roll-type electrostatic separator, provided with a corona electrode and a tubular electrode, both connected to a dc high-voltage supply. The samples of processed material were prepared from genuine chopped electric wire wastes (granule size >1 mm and <5 mm) containing various proportions of copper and PVC. The design and noise factors were combined into one single experimental design, based on Taguchi's approach, and a regression model of the process was fitted. The impact of the noise factors could be estimated, as well as the interactions between the design and noise factors. The conditions of industry application of Taguchi's methodology are discussed, as well as the possibility of adapting it to other electrostatic processes.     

Corona Discharge and Electrostatic Precipitation in Carbon Dioxide Under Reduced Pressure Simulating Mars Atmosphere

In this paper, the possibility of using electrostatic precipitation (ESP) to clean the gas above solar panels of modules on the surface of planet Mars is investigated. Results are presented on corona discharge in carbon dioxide gas under reduced pressure ranging from 5 to 10 mbar with different electrode configurations. The corona-discharge inception voltage and the threshold of back discharge have been measured for three electrode configurations. The charging of suspended particles of micrometer size in the gas by unipolar ions is examined. Under the considered reduced pressure, diffusion charging very likely dominates over field charging. The drift velocity of charged particles is then estimated and is found to be not drastically lower than in industrial precipitators for fine particles despite the much lower electric field which can be applied under reduced pressure. Finally, the results of a laboratory experiment examining the dust deposit onto photovoltaic cells are presented. It appears that ESP reduces the rate of a Mars analog dust deposit and might be used in order to increase the lifetime of solar panels during Mars missions.     

Charge to Mass Distributions in Electrostatic Sprays

The dependence of the charge to mass ratio or specific charge of the spray stream on fluid and automization parameters in electrostatic spraying of various solvents and paints has been investigated. In addition, atomized paint particle sizes have been analyzed. It has been found that an optimum value of fluid conductivity exists at 2 ?ho/cm where the specific charge of the spray stream exhibits a maximum. From the particle size distribution and from the dependence of the specific charge of the spray stream on conductivity it has been concluded that the basic spray droplet charging mechanism is due to the breakup of a charged liquid surface, while corona discharge does not appear to play a significant role in the charging of the particles.     

Charge limits in corona charging of distorted liquid droplets

The efficiency of electrostatic painting depends strongly on the amount of charge on a single paint droplet. The saturation corona charging for a spherical droplet has been theoretically estimated by Pauthenier. However, in many industrial and agricultural applications, the droplets being charged become substantially distorted. The results of numerical estimations of the charge limit, due to a DC corona discharge, on conducting droplets distorted by an electric field are presented. The finite-element method (FEM) and the separation-of-variables method for the Laplace equation have been used as modeling tools. In general it is found that a distorted droplet can exceed the Pauthenier charge limit     

Discharge occurring at a grounded electrode located in a charged particle cloud

Electrical discharge phenomena from a grounded electrode located in a charged particle cloud have been investigated. Soil conditioning particles charged by corona charging were blown to form a space charge cloud. A grounded sphere electrode was placed at the center of the charged cloud to produce an electrical discharge. A positive pulse discharge extended from the sphere electrode toward the charged cloud with a strong luminescence. A brushlike streamer with a maximum length of 170 mm appeared at an interval of 30 ms. The maximum pulse height of the discharge was 2.4 A. The distribution of the electric field around the sphere electrode was obtained from field analysis using a concentric spherical model. It was found that the magnitude of the discharge depends on the radius of the grounded electrode and the size and charge density of the clouds. © 2001 Scripta Technica, Electr Eng Jpn, 136(4): 7–14, 2001     

Premises for the mathematical modeling of the combinedcorona-electrostatic field of roll-type separators

Corona and induction charging mechanisms are frequently associated in modern roll-type electrostatic separators. Various electrode configurations have been proposed and numerous attempts have been made in order to fully characterize them. This paper approaches this problem from a computational point of view. The boundary-element method is employed for analyzing the electrostatic field distribution generated by a typical arrangement, consisting of a wire-type corona electrode and an ellipse-profile nonionizing electrode. The computed results pointed out the effect of various parameters on the uniformity of the electric field near the ionizing element and at the surface of the grounded rotating roll electrode. These data can be used by the designer in order to improve the electrode configuration, produce a uniform field in the active zone of the separator, and reduce the corona inception voltage. At the same time, they validate two important premises for the mathematical modeling of the combined corona-electrostatic held of a roll-type separator: (1) Peek's law can be used for evaluating the electric field strength at the surface of the wire electrode at corona onset in any of the usual electrode configurations; and (2) the distribution of the electric field in the active zone of the separator is affected only by the geometry of the high-voltage electrode system     

Using Bipolar Corona Discharge for Electrostatic Purification of Gases

The application of a bipolar corona discharge for the electrical purification of gases is considered. The design and operation principle of the developed unit based on the simultaneous use of centrifugal and electrostatic forces for the trapping of solid particles are described. The charge distribution in the field of the bipolar corona is illustrated. Electrodes of different polarity with a small radius generate a bipolar corona discharge, passing through which some of the particles are charged positively, while others are charged negatively. This promotes a more intense coagulation process, owing to which the level of gas purification increases under the action of centrifugal forces. Particular attention is paid to the testing results of a centrifugal electrostatic precipitator to assess its efficiency. The experiments have been conducted using a D242 diesel engine that acted as a “generator” of a gas flow containing solid particles of soot. A current–voltage curve has been plotted for the electrostatic precipitator prototype, and the mass concentration of pollutants depending on the diesel power has been experimentally obtained. The experimental data have confirmed that the centrifugal electrostatic precipitator for gas purification from solid particles is highly efficient.     

Corona inception in typical electrode configurations forelectrostatic processes applications

The corona inception electric field at the surface of a wire electrode is usually evaluated by an empirical formula established by Peek. That formula was found to be valid in several simple electrode configurations (wire cylinder, wire plate), which are typical to electrostatic precipitators. The aim of this paper is to extend the study to other situations encountered in electrostatic applications. The experimental setup specifically modeled the several electrode arrangements which are commonly used with roll-type electrostatic separators. It consisted of wire-type corona electrodes, connected to a regulated DC high-voltage supply, and a rotating roll electrode, connected to the ground. The effect of associating the corona wire to one or several tubular electrodes of various shapes and sizes was investigated. The experimentally determined corona inception voltage was used as input data of a boundary-element-method program for the electric field computation. The computed values of the electric field were compared with those given by Peek's formula for wire electrodes of the same radius. The derived conclusions can be of help in the custom design of the corona electrode arrangements for various electrostatic applications     

Multiple-needle corona electrodes for electrostatic processesapplication

Corona from high-voltage electrodes is employed in various electrostatic installations, such as ozonizers, air filters, powder sprayers and separators. Multiple-needle electrode designs are preferred whenever low corona onset voltage and good resistance to mechanical shocks are required. This paper aims at identifying a simple solution to overcome the main drawback of this type of electrode, the nonuniformity of the generated space charge. Experiments were carried out with various models of electrodes, having one or several rows of stainless steel needles. A current probe, consisting of an enameled copper wire (0.4 mm diameter), was embedded in the center of a plane collecting electrode. For a given interelectrode distance (5-50 mm) and a fixed position of the multiple-needle electrode, the collecting plate was translated along two orthogonal directions, so that the current probe could scan a 75 mm×75 mm square. The results depended on the interelectrode distance and on the high-voltage level. An explanation is given to some observations made on a roll-type electrostatic separator provided with two models of multiple-needle corona electrodes. An improved electrode design was proposed for the industrial installations     

静电喷涂中油液的电晕荷电及雾化试验研究

为了研究静电喷涂过程中油液的电晕荷电特性和雾化现象,利用静电涂油机为试验平台,分析了静电涂油机中梁板电极的电晕放电过程,得到了静电涂油机电晕放电的起晕电压;同时依据静电学原理,给出了液滴在高压静电场中的电晕荷电量和液滴破碎的理论临界场强;结合静电涂油机喷涂试验,从宏观和微观的角度分析了油液的雾化过程。研究表明,随着电压的增大,射流长度总的趋势是减小的,但在不同区域,电压对射流长度的作用不同;雾化角随电压增加而先增大到一定程度后开始减小,最后逐渐趋于稳定;电晕荷电电流随电压的增大而变大;雾滴粒径随电压的增加而减小,当电压在65kV左右时,粒径较小且分布最为均匀,此时油液达到较好的雾化效果。