Abstract: A gas separation apparatus using electrostatic precipitators and mechanical rappers is enhanced by the addition of an opposite polarity refreshing power supply and a switching arrangement. The switching components selectively disconnect the primary power supply and connect the refreshing power supply to the electrostatic precipitator, causing an electrical impulse in the precipitator sufficient to dislodge precipitate from the collector plates. In one embodiment, an RC filter is further provided to control the impulse and reduce the burden that would otherwise be placed upon the refreshing power supply. In a second embodiment, a pair of SCR strings serve as the switches. Cleaning power is delivered from a capacitor through one of the SCR strings using a resonant circuit, the resonance which causes the SCR string to commutate off after the impulse has been delivered.

Abstract: A gas separation apparatus using electrostatic precipitators and mechanical rappers is enhanced by the addition of an opposite polarity refreshing power supply and a switching arrangement. The switching components selectively disconnect the primary power supply and connect the refreshing power supply to the electrostatic precipitator, causing an electrical impulse in the precipitator sufficient to dislodge precipitate from the collector plates. An RC filter is further provided to control the impulse and reduce the burden that would otherwise be placed upon the refreshing power supply. The novel separation apparatus and technique offer particular synergy when applied to the effluent stream from a coal-fired electric power plant or other similar gas streams.

Abstract: A gas separation apparatus using electrostatic precipitators and mechanical rappers is enhanced by the addition of an opposite polarity refreshing power supply and a switching arrangement. The switching components selectively disconnect the primary power supply and connect the refreshing power supply to the electrostatic precipitator, causing an electrical impulse in the precipitator sufficient to dislodge precipitate from the collector plates. An RC filter is further provided to control the impulse and reduce the burden that would otherwise be placed upon the refreshing power supply. The novel separation apparatus and technique offer particular synergy when applied to the effluent stream from a coal-fired electric power plant or other similar gas streams.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging an electrostatic precipitator, powered by a power supply and having a plurality of corona electrodes and a plurality of collector electrodes, such that a precipitator capacitance may be formed therebetween, includes a storage capacitor across the power supply, having a storage capacitance. A voltage switch is capable of selectively electrically coupling the electrostatic precipitator to the storage capacitor. The storage capacitance is sufficient to charge the electrostatic precipitator to a preselected operative voltage within a rise time greater than a first preselected value and less than a second preselected value.

Abstract: A method for charging an electrostatic precipitator, powered by a power supply and having a plurality of corona electrodes and a plurality of collector electrodes, such that a precipitator capacitance may be formed therebetween, includes a storage capacitor across the power supply, having a storage capacitance. A voltage switch is capable of selectively electrically coupling the electrostatic precipitator to the storage capacitor. The storage capacitance is sufficient to charge the electrostatic precipitator to a preselected operative voltage within a rise time greater than a first preselected value and less than a second preselected value.