Using CFD to Reduce Commissioning Time for Electrostatic Precipitators
Fifth International Conference on CFD in the Process Industries
Abstract
The standard procedure for the setup of airflow distribution plates within electrostatic precipitators (ESP’s) typically requires a time consuming trial and error method based on repeated field measurement, followed by production interruptions for adjustment. During the recent Pinjarra Efficiency Upgrade project, Alcoa and Hatch utilized CFD analysis of the inlet flow and distribution system in two new alumina calciner ESP’s to eliminate the need for field adjustment, thereby significantly shortening commissioning time and costly production delays.