elektrofilters

Elektrofilters, often referred to as electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) in English, are air-cleaning devices that remove fine particulates from gas streams by using electrostatic forces. They are widely used to reduce particulate emissions from industrial processes such as power generation, cement production, metal smelting, and waste incineration.

Operation typically involves charging particles in the gas stream by a corona discharge produced by high-voltage electrodes. The charged particles then migrate under the influence of an electric field toward oppositely charged collecting electrodes, where they settle as a dust layer. Periodic cleaning methods, such as mechanical rapping or pulse-jet cleaning, knock the collected dust into hoppers for disposal, allowing the system to continue operating continuously.

Elektrofilters can be configured in several forms. Dry electrostatic precipitators use dry gas and collect particles on solid plates or tubes. Wet electrofilters employ liquids to capture and sometimes chemically react with certain contaminants, helping handle sticky or highly corrosive dust. Variants include plate-type and tubular ESPs, and, in some cases, hybrid or fabric-assisted systems that complement electrostatic collection.

Advantages of elektrofilters include high collection efficiency for fine particles, suitability for large gas volumes, and relatively stable performance across a range of operating conditions. Limitations can include higher capital costs, ongoing high-voltage electrical maintenance, and sensitivity to dust properties such as resistivity or moisture, which may require design adjustments and periodic cleaning. As part of a broader air pollution control strategy, elektrofilters are chosen for emissions control in many industrial sectors to meet environmental regulations.