Experimental Study of a Cylindrical Electrostatic Precipitator with Real-Time Monitoring Applied to Simulated Smoke

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental study of a cylindrical electrostatic precipitator (ESP) equipped with a real-time monitoring system for flue gas treatment. To simulate particulate emissions under controlled conditions, a white smoke generator was used to produce a visible aerosol representing combustion-derived particles. The ESP operates by generating a radial electric field between a central high-voltage electrode and a grounded cylindrical shell, causing the ionized particles to migrate and deposit on the collector surface. Integrated sensors continuously monitor voltage, current, aerosol density, and gas temperature, enabling adaptive control, fault detection, and performance analysis. The cylindrical geometry offers advantages such as compactness, uniform flow distribution, and reduced particle re-entrainment. Experimental results confirm the system's effectiveness in capturing fine particles and demonstrate the value of combining traditional electrostatic filtration with smart monitoring technologies. This setup provides a useful platform for educational purposes, pre-industrial validation, and the development of energy-efficient, automated emission control systems.