Does Size Really Matter?

Investigators have pondered whether or not ESP size has an impact on mercury capture by sorbent injection or deposition on fly ash. If important, ESP size would then have an impact on how effectively a power plant captures mercury and can comply with mercury control requirements. There are two possible elements to the impact of ESP size. First, does a larger ESP enable more mercury capture to occur within it? For example, does residence time or surface area within an ESP have an effect? Second, are there unwanted side effects for sorbent injection that will limit the ability to treat the flue gas? And, are these effects more significant for a “small” ESP than a large one? For example, will a “small” ESP be more likely to have increases in particle emissions, increases in ESP arc rate, or other adverse side effects? In this study we will examine published full-scale test results for answers to these questions and consider the implications for ESPs of practical design.