How does an electrostatic precipitator work ?

Explanation

Electrostatic precipitator can remove over `99%` particulate matter present in the exhaust from a thermal power plant by the following mechanism
(i) It has electrode wires that are maintained at several thousand volts, which produce a corona that releases electrons.
(ii) These electrons attach to dust particles giving them a net negative charge.
(iii) The collecting plates are grounded and attract the charged dust particles.
(iv) The velocity of between the plates is kept low enough to allow the dust to fall.