Abstract

The precipitator includes main sections each having a plurality of spaced parallel collection plates with discharge electrodes being interposed between the collection plates. The plates extend in the direction of flow of a gaseous medium. Sprays of water are continuously directed against the collection plates. The gas enters through a diverging inlet section in which there are arranged several sets of baffles in longitudinal spaced relation. Each set of baffles includes at least two rows of channels extending at a slight angle to the vertical. The channels in each row are spaced apart a distance greater than their width, and the rows are offset so that each channel in a second row is opposite a space between channels in a first row. Sprays direct water on the upstream surfaces of the baffles in each set, said sprays being directed both in the direction of flow of the gaseous medium and transverse thereto. Following the inlet section there is a transverse electrostatic precipitator section in which sets of baffles are arranged transverse to the direction of flow of the gaseous medium upstream and downstream of the transverse discharge electrodes. Water sprays are continuously applied to the latter baffles. An extended discharge section is provided upstream and downstream of the main precipitator sections including transverse baffles and electrodes for applying a field toward said baffles from said main sections along the path of the medium. The final section is a transverse electrostatic precipitator section defining a mist eliminator, the baffles of which may be sprayed intermittently as required. An outlet section following the mist eliminator section is provided with a set of baffles the rows of which are in overlapping relation so that there is no "open" flow.