Write a brief account of functioning of ‘Electrostatic Precipitator' with diagram.

Explanation

Electrostatic Precipitator:
* It is the most widely used method for removal of particulate matter, about 99% of particulate pollutants are removed from the exhaust of thermal power plant.
* It has electrode wires and a stage of collecting plates.
* The electrode wires are maintained at several thousand volts, which produce a corona that releases electrons .
* These electrons get attached to the (dust) particles and give them a net negative charge within a very small fraction of a second.
The collecting plates are grounded and hence attract the charged particles .
* The velocity of air between the plates must be low enough to allow the particles to fall on them .