Electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) are commonly used to control particulate emissions from recovery boilers in the kraft pulping process. The electrical resistivity of entrained particulates is known to affect the performance of ESPs. There are many factors which influence resistivity of particulate matter, such as field strength, time of exposure, particle size, particle composition, temperature, and flue gas composition. The objective of this study was to identify the ideal operating conditions and dust particle characteristics which lead to an optimum dust resistivity and maximized ESP efficiency. The effect of these factors was examined through a variety of experimental and analytical techniques on kraft recovery boiler ash samples and synthetically prepared samples. It was concluded that particle composition, gas composition, and ambient temperature had the most pronounced effects, while the other factors, such as field strength and exposure time, had a smaller impact on particle resistivity.

Electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) are commonly used to control particulate emissions from recovery boilers in the kraft pulping process. The electrical resistivity of entrained particulates is known to affect the performance of ESPs. There are many factors which influence resistivity of particulate matter, such as field strength, time of exposure, particle size, particle composition, temperature, and flue gas composition. The objective of this study was to identify the ideal operating conditions and dust particle characteristics which lead to an optimum dust resistivity and maximized ESP efficiency. The effect of these factors was examined through a variety of experimental and analytical techniques on kraft recovery boiler ash samples and synthetically prepared samples. It was concluded that particle composition, gas composition, and ambient temperature had the most pronounced effects, while the other factors, such as field strength and exposure time, had a smaller impact on particle resistivity.