Design of an experimental platform for controlling fine particulate matter using high-voltage electrically charged liquid droplets

The average concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in China significantly exceeds the World Health Organization–recommended standards, thereby undermining the environmental benefits achieved through ecological improvements. Traditional ultra-low-emission particle control strategies lack systematic investigation of method synergy and multi-parameter coupling, resulting in a gap between current practices and actual flue gas control objectives. To meet the stringent requirements for ultra-low emission of fine particulate matter, the wet electrostatic precipitator, as a preferred option for construction and retrofitting, offers notable advantages. However, it often faces challenges, including high water consumption, secondary emission pollution, and elevated operating costs.

Previous studies have demonstrated that electrohydrodynamic atomization has considerable potential for enhancing fine particle removal. This technique promotes collision, interception, and coalescence of particulate matter at reduced water consumption, thereby improving water-based removal efficiency for fine particles. Guided by the principles of efficient and low-consumption fine particle control, this study integrates electrohydrodynamics, aerosol mechanics, and ventilation control theories. By analyzing electrostatic precipitation devices reported in recent years and referencing single-parameter models, engineering prototypes, and relevant parameters, an experimental platform was designed and constructed. The platform employs high-voltage electro-coupled charged liquid droplets generated via electrokinetic atomization in combination with an electrostatic field to control fine particles; it consists of a pollutant generation system, a high-voltage power supply system, a multi-parameter coupled dust removal system, and a measurement and analysis system. Key parameters, including corona electrode configuration, dust collection electrode design, electrokinetic atomization settings, and rapping ash cleaning mechanisms, are continuously adjustable, enabling multidimensional collaborative coupling control to optimize fine particle removal performance.

Using this experimental platform, the effects of key parameters, including electric field strength, residence time, and flue gas concentration, on the motion characteristics, spatial distribution, and removal efficiency of fine particles were systematically investigated. The dynamic evolution mechanism of particle capture under coupled operational control parameters, airflow characteristics, and electrokinetic atomization was elucidated. These findings provide a theoretical basis and technical support for optimizing efficient fine particle capture and offer important implications for advancing collaborative aerosol control strategies.

The results demonstrate that fine particle control using high-voltage electro-coupled charged liquid droplets integrates the advantages of electrohydrodynamic atomization and electrostatic fields, effectively promoting coalescence and agglomeration of fine particles into larger ones. Under the synergistic action of the electrostatic field, charged liquid droplets enhance particle capture efficiency across all size ranges, significantly reducing fractional penetration compared with a dry electrostatic precipitator. Further increases in electric field strength amplify the effectiveness of charged liquid droplets in particle removal. Moreover, under long-term operation, the dust removal device maintains clean plate surfaces and consistently high particle capture efficiency.