Title: CFD modelling of electrohydrodynamic gas flow in an electrostatic precipitator

Authors: Seong Cheon Kim, Young Nam Chun

Addresses: BK21 Team for Hydrogen Production, Department of Environmental Engineering, Chosun University, Seosuk Dong, Gwangju, 501-759, Korea. ' BK21 Team for Hydrogen Production, Department of Environmental Engineering, Chosun University, Seosuk Dong, Gwangju, 501-759, Korea

Abstract: Modelling of the flow velocity fields for electrohydrodynamic flow in a wire-to-plate type electrostatic precipitator was achieved. From calculations for the flow employing different flow models, the Chen-Kim k − ε turbulent model appeared to be the most appropriate choice to obtain a quantitative image of the resulting mean flow field and downstream wake flow of the rear wire, although this was obtained from a qualitative analysis owing to the lack of experimental verification. The flow velocity field pattern showed a strong electrohydrodynamic secondary flow, which was clearly visible in the downstream regions of the corona wire despite the low Reynolds number for the electrode (Re_CW = 12.4). Secondary flow vortices were also caused by the electrohydrodynamic with increases in the discharge current. Pressure drop increased gradually according to the increase of the electrohydrodynamic number.

Keywords: EHD; ESP; Chen-Kim model; turbulent modelling; Von-Karman vortex; electrohydrodynamic gas flow; electrostatic precipitators; computational fluid dynamics; CFD; flow velocity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2009.023661

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2009 Vol.36 No.4, pp.337 - 349

Published online: 07 Mar 2009 *

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