Clean air technologies are used to prevent pollutants from being released into the atmosphere and are required for compliance. There are many options for clean air technologies, including wet electrostatic precipitators, dry electrostatic precipitators, and scrubber systems. Cleaner air can only come from choosing the right solution. The right solution often depends on the pollutants to be mitigated.
Dustex®, Geoenergy®, y Western Pneumatics are now part of ANDRITZ, a leader in industrial technology services. We are a trusted partner for clean air technologies, including WESPs, ESPs, and scrubber systems. Keep reading to learn when to choose WESP over ESP or scrubber systems.
WESP
A wet electrostatic precipitator (WESP) utilizes an induced electrostatic charge to remove particulate matter emissions in exhaust gas streams. This use of electrostatic force means the system has no moving parts.
In a WESP, the gas stream enters an electrified tube. In the tube, an electrostatic charge is continuously applied, imparting a negative charge on the particles and droplets. This causes ionized particles to collect on the grounded tube wall. Electrification is stopped as the tubes are flushed, resulting in the collected particles being discharged through the water deluge system.
ESP
A dry electrostatic precipitator (ESP), as its name indicates, does not use water to flush the collected particles from the tube system. Instead, the ESP utilizes mechanical “rapping” to dislodge particulates from the plates.
In an ESP, the unfiltered flue gas enters through an inlet funnel. The gas enters the electrical fields created by rows of collecting plates. A high-voltage source generating a corona current charges the particulate matter. The negatively charged particles migrate and collect on the grounded collecting plates. The particulate matter is then dislodged from the collecting plates by a rapping mechanism. ANDRITZ offers a wide range of effective ESP designs for a variety of industrial and power generation applications.
Scrubber Systems
There are a number of scrubber systems that are effective clean air technologies. ANDRITZ has a comprehensive portfolio of scrubber systems, including the Lavador seco circulante Dustex® (CDS) y Geoenergy® Wet Scrubbers.
A CDS includes a reaction tower, reagent storage silo, waste silo, baghouse, recycle air slide conveyors, and flue gas recirculation line. A CDS can provide up to >99% SO2 removal efficiency. It removes SO3, HCl, HF, Pb (lead), dioxins, furans, NOx, and Hg. Under the right conditions, it can offer up to 60% NOx removal.
Wet scrubbers are available in a number of designs to suit emission needs and include the following: open spray tower, packed bed scrubber, and venturi scrubber. A wet scrubber utilizes liquid to perform the scrubbing function and can effectively remove an assortment of contaminants from process gas streams. Wet scrubbers are generally dedicated to acid gas control, including SO2 and HCl. In addition to acid gases, wet scrubbers may also remove particulate matter and certain organic gases. A benefit of a wet scrubber is that it can remove both particulate matter and gases simultaneously.
When to Choose WESP
ANDRITZ is your partner for clean air technologies, equipment, and services. Our team of professionals can walk you through your options to deliver the best equipment to meet your needs. We know that choosing the right clean air technology depends on a number of factors, including the gas stream, efficiency needs, maintenance schedules, and existing equipment.
WESPs are a preferred option for a number of industries and needs. Our partners choose WESPs when removing aerosols, mists, ultra-fine particulate matter (sub-micron), organic particulate matter, and sticky particulate matter. This includes particulates that are moist, sticky, tarry, and oily. A WESP is a preferred option when the gas stream is already moist or wet (like downstream of a wet scrubber) or with combustible dusts.
WESPs offer a number of benefits when compared to other technologies. WESPs are effective technologies for capturing particulates that pass through other systems. Additionally, WESPs have no barriers to gas flow, operate with low pressure drop, and are designed for 90% to 97% removal efficiency. ANDRITZ provides systems offering 97% removal efficiency in parts per billion (not parts per million).
Operationally, WESPs can be designed to fit in and around existing systems. Sometimes it is not about choosing one system over another. Sometimes it is about choosing the best systems to work together. When necessary, WESPs can be included in conjunction with a scrubbing system.
Choose Geoenergy® E-Tube® WESP
El Geoenergy® E-Tube® WESP system is a leading clean air technology. For more than 40 years, industries have trusted Geoenergy® to provide best-in-class performance.
El Geoenergy® E-Tube® WESP round collecting tubes maximize electric field strength for optimal performance. Its carefully crafted Star II™ electrode and cooling system are operationally efficient. Additionally, its Sphere™ adjustment hardware was designed to simplify both maintenance and electrode adjustment.
Contact ANDRITZ
ANDRITZ is your first choice for clean air technologies, equipment, and services. We are a trusted partner when you are choosing between WESPs, ESPs, and scrubber systems.
From audit to installation to aftermarket support, we are the partner you can trust for all your clean air needs. Contact ANDRITZ today to learn more.
