Combining ESP and baghouse technology
- W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Elkton, MD (United States)
The authors present a progressive application in the field of air pollution control technology. The content of this paper should appeal to operators who must operate out-of-compliance electrostatic precipitators (ESPs), or to those who strive for optimal emission control. St. Lawrence Cement Company, a plant in Beauport Canada, has been in operation since 1955. Their two wet process kilns have utilized electrostatic precipitator (ESP) filters since inception. Since 1965, this company has strived to reduce energy consumption by using alternative waste fuel. This, combined with the increased demand of low alkali cement, took its toll on the ESPs, causing the equipment and its performance to deteriorate. Pressure from environmental agencies to lower outlet emissions forced the company to consider ESP modifications. After investigating several alternatives, the optimal modification was to combine the ESP with bag filters. In addition to being the best choice from a performance standpoint, it was also the least expensive. This modification also allowed a reduced alkali dust from the ESP hoppers to be recirculated to the kilns. The latter two-thirds of the ESP were converted to a baghouse, and optimal system performance was achieved by using high efficiency expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane filter bags. Despite the high moisture, submicron particle size, and cohesive nature of the alkaline dust, very low pressure differentials and extremely low emissions were achieved. Most notably, this complex project was completed within nine months, from concept to commissioning. The plant was shut down for only six weeks during the entire retrofit process. This economically attractive idea was readily accepted by St. Lawrence Cement personnel and the permitting agencies. After the first successful kiln/ESP retrofit, the second kiln/ESP conversion was completed the following year.
- OSTI ID:
- 81135
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9403213-; TRN: 95:004668-0009
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Electrostatic precipitators versus fabric filters: a symposium and debate, Arlington, VA (United States), 22 Mar 1994; Other Information: PBD: 1994; Related Information: Is Part Of Electrostatic precipitators vs. fabric filters: A symposium and debate; PB: 182 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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