How Electrostatic Precipitators Work

Air is drawn into the unit to capture particles. The airborne particles pass through an electrostatic field and receive an ionized charge. The charged particles move into a collector section where each alternate plate is charged with the same polarity as the particles. This drives the particles to the second set of plates of an opposite charge to attract and collect the particles. The cleaned air is then returned to the plant or building.

Unlike media air cleaners that use replaceable filters that plug up when dirty, electrostatic precipitators contain permanent cells that can be washed, either manually or with an included automatic wash system. These permanent cells do not require added static pressure when they get dirty to pull air through them. This typically means motors are 1 to 2 sizes smaller, saving the operator energy costs, as well as the cost to dispose of dirty filters.

Call your authorized Trion Representative today and learn how Trion’s electrostatic precipitators may be your next best mist collector. If you have an older electrostatic precipitator, your authorized Trion Representative may be able to help you determine how best to use it or reconfigure it for your needs.

Industry Definitions:
24.8 ASHRAE Systems & Equipment 1996 - "Electronic air cleaners can be highly efficient filters using electrostatic precipitation to remove and collect particulate contaminates such as dusts, smoke, and pollen. The designation electronic air cleaner denotes a precipitator for HVAC air filtration. This type of air cleaner can remove and collect contaminates with an average efficiencies up to 98%, when tested in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 52.1."

4.3.1 INDUSTRIAL VENTILATION A Manual of Recommended Practice 24th Edition - "The Penny or two-stage precipitator which uses DC voltages from 11,000-15,000VDC for ionization. It is the most practical collection technique for the many hydrocarbon applications where an initially clear exhaust stack turns into a visible emission as vapor condenses. Some applications include plasticizer ovens, forge presses, die-casting machines, and various welding operations. The pressure drop of an electrostatic precipitator is extremely low, usually less than 1"wg, therefore, the energy requirement is significantly less than for other (filtration) techniques."

Electrostatic Precipitator Facts

  • Electrostatic Precipitators use up to 50% less energy than equivalently sized media air cleaners.
  • Unlike media air cleaners and cartridge collectors that can lose up to 50% of its airflow with a dirty filter, electrostatic precipitators see an airflow drop of less than 5% when dirty.
  • Systems can be designed to achieve over 99% removal efficiency on smoke.
  • Landfill requirements are almost non-existent as the electrostatic precipitator prefilter and ionizer/collection cell are washable and reusable unlike other air filtration technologies.
  • Electrostatic Precipitators are considered “Green” technology due to their lower energy usage, high efficiency, and minimal landfill requirements.