Dürr Megtec recently released its next-generation wet electrostatic precipitator (WESP) – an air pollution-control system that efficiently cleans industrial gases of fine particulate matter, acid mists and aerosols to meet global environmental regulations and protect downstream equipment. Key improvements of Dürr Megtec's advanced WESP system include decreased maintenance, enhanced performance, standardization and faster installation times.

Dürr Megtec designed the new WESP with both the environment and its customers’ operations and maintenance teams in mind. As a result, a strong focus was placed on the system’s high-intensity, offline automatic cleaning features, which reduce maintenance efforts, eliminate carryover of entrained matter during washing and provide better operational performance during cleaning. System components are also now easily accessible for maintenance inspections.

In order to enhance the performance of its WESP, Dürr Megtec aimed at achieving a more efficient contaminant capture. This was achieved through increased operating voltage that requires less collecting surface area. Additionally, the gas distribution system was completely reimagined to optimize flow through the system, and various tube shapes and electrodes were tested to improve overall performance.

Standardized modules are used in the new design, thus reducing engineering time and streamlining fabrication. The systems are assembled from different standard modules and adapted to customer-specific requirements.

Dürr Megtec reports that the next-generation WESP allows for faster installation times. Modules with tube bundles are pre-assembled in Dürr Megtec's production facility for shipment to the customer. All electrodes are pre-loaded and pre-aligned, thus avoiding this lengthy task on the construction site. When compared to other commercially available WESP designs, the manufacturing and installation timeline of the advanced Dürr Megtec product is dramatically lower.

According to Dürr Megtec, its WESPs can remove up to 98% of particulate in a single stage, depending on the characteristics of the gas stream. Increased removal efficiency is possible with alternative configurations. The WESP is an established product in the air pollution control market.

"After talking to our customers, our product development departments generated innovative, patent pending ideas in the area of particulate removal efficiency, and tube and electrode cleaning – all with a keen eye towards reduced maintenance and increased reliability,” said Rodney Schwartz, Vice President Sales at Dürr Megtec in De Pere, Wisconsin.

Numerous scale models were used to establish proof of concept before ideas were implemented. Based on that work, extensive field-testing was done under real-life conditions with large, to-scale equipment. Results of the pilot program were used to prove final concepts and performance prior to commercial scale production.

"The next generation design addressed industry-specific feedback obtained from users and operators," added Schwartz. "We are excited to get this equipment to the market, so that both our customers and the environment can benefit."

For more information about Dürr Megtec's advanced WESP, visit https://www.durr-megtec.com/en/products/exhaust-gas-and-air-pollution-control/separation-processes/wet-esp.