Inventors:
Louis S. Hovis - Cary NC
Norman Plaks - Raleigh NC
Bobby E. Daniel - Durham NC
Assignee:
Government of the United States as represented by Administrator
Environmental Protection Agency - Washington DC
International Classification:
B03C 300
Abstract:
A simple electrostatically enhanced fabric filtration system for removing fine particulate matter or dust entrained in a gas flow, has a single, elongate, central, corona-generating electrode positioned within a cylindrical fabric filter, closed at one end, into which the particulate bearing gas flow is directed. In one embodiment, a grid-like cylindrical grounded electrode is disposed proximately outside the filter element and establishes a radially directed electrostatic field with the corona electrode. Particles passing through the corona acquire charges of like polarity and are subjected immediately to Coulombic forces driving them radially outward toward the filter fabric where they collect prominently near the filter element inlet, thus allowing easier passage to the gas further downstream. Other embodiments have a plurality of grounded electrodes attached to the inside of the filter element or as wires woven therethrough. Corona concentration near the filter element entrance by known techniques, e. g.