A parametric study of electrostatic precipitator design criteria for high temperature coal fired MHD power generation systems

Author

R. Keith Morehead

Date of Award

3-1985

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Mechanical Engineering

Major Professor

Roy J. Schulz

Abstract

This work involves utilization of an established computer code to determine the potential of electrostatic precipitator designs to remove fine particles from the exhaust stream of an experimental high temperature coal fired MHD power generation system. Properties of the particulate and exhaust gas are discussed. Relationships of precipitator size to performance for different values of precipitator plate spacing, particle size distribution, and electrical operating conditions are determined. These are evaluated to determine the precipitator size required to meet New Source Performance Standards in each case.

The electrical operating conditions are predicted to have the most significant effect on performance. This is due to a low particulate layer resistivity and a phenomenon called ion quench related to the particle load and distribution. Precipitator size requirements ranging in SCA from 300 to 450 ft²/10³ acfm are predicted primarily as a result of possible variations concerning electrical conditions.

The results of this study are applicable not only to coal fired MHD topping cycle systems but also to other processes (coal burning or otherwise) in which the effluent contains high loading of particles with layer resistivity in the range of 10⁹ to 10¹⁰ ohm-cm, particularly where a portion of these particles are submicron in size.

Recommended Citation

Morehead, R. Keith, "A parametric study of electrostatic precipitator design criteria for high temperature coal fired MHD power generation systems. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 1985.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/14066