Effect of Rapping System Malfunctions on ESP Performance

In an attempt to improve Electrostatic precipitator (ESP) performance, the functioning of rapping system plays a vital role. Malfunctioning of rapping system will lead to reentrainment of fly ash into the gas stream and back corona in some cases. Proper upkeep of Rapping system and optimization of rapping frequency will lead to minimise reentrainment as well as avoidance of back corona. This paper explains various factors associated with Rapping system malfunctioning, its impact on ESP performance, identification of issues and ways to address issues related to ash removal from collecting plates. Some of the issues can be identified using V-I curve analysis while others can be identified by visual inspection during shut down of ESP