Optimization of the rapping process of an intermittent electrostatic precipitator

¹ Research unit “Electrostatics and High-Voltage Engineering”, IRECOM Laboratory University of Sidi-Bel-Abbes, Algeria
² IUT of Angoulême, Univ. of Poitiers, France

Corresponding author: tilmatine_amar@univ-sba.dz

Received: 15 December 2007
Revised: 4 August 2007
Accepted: 17 October 2007
Published online: 19 December 2007

Abstract

Intermittent operation mode is specific to electrostatic precipitators (ESP) used in workshops where the polluting product is produced in a discontinuous way. The rapping system is necessary in order to ensure a continuous and effective operation of a dry electrostatic precipitator, but causes at the same time, a problem of re-entrainment of dust and thus the degradation of filtration efficiency. The objective of this paper is to propose a procedure based on the methodology of experimental designs (Tagushi's Methodology) aiming at optimizing the rapping process; it consists to determine optimal values of rapping, i.e. the moment, the position and the force of rapping. Several “one-factor-at-a-time" experimental designs followed by a Full Factorial design, made it possible to model the process and to analyze interactions between the factors. The experiments were carried out on a laboratory experimental device which simulates an industrial precipitator with intermittent operation.