Spark and Its Effect on Electrostatic Precipitator

The role of components in an Electrostatic Precipitator (EP) for a spark and both the phenomenon and mechanism of a spark are elaborated and then the type of spark is classified by the condition of shortage between the discharge and collecting electrodes. The secondary voltage and current waveforms of a spark are discussed in order to address the severe effect of the secondary and primary current spikes while a spark occurs. The fundamental difference between a spark and its detection algorithm in a wet EP and a dry one is explained so as to clarify why the spark detection for a wet EP cannot work for a dry one. The problem of frequent sparking in a dry EP is addressed together with the explanation on the disadvantage of the spark detection and control algorithm adopted in most AVC in service today. The effectiveness and significance of the damage caused by sparks on both primary and secondary sides of the electrical circuit of an EP are elaborated with two field cases as respective demonstrations. The investigations’ results and solutions developed thereby in these two field cases are given together with the observations after implementing the solutions. Further, an enhanced algorithm of spark control is proposed in order to overcome the problem of frequent sparking in a dry EP.