Electrostatic precipitator is an important device in which of the following power plants?

Electrostatic precipitator

• An Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) is an important device used in thermal power plants, particularly in coal-fired power plants.
• Thermal power plants, especially those that burn coal or oil, produce large amounts of particulate matter (PM), including fly ash, dust, and other pollutants. An ESP removes these particulates from flue gas before it is released into the atmosphere, reducing air pollution.

Working Principle:

The ESP works on the principle of electrostatic attraction:

1. Ionization: High-voltage electrodes create an electric field that ionizes the particles in the flue gas.
2. Charging of Particles: The dust and smoke particles become negatively charged due to the corona discharge.
3. Collection of Particles: The charged particles are attracted to positively charged collecting plates, where they stick and accumulate.
4. Cleaning Process: The collected dust is periodically removed by rapping or washing the plates.