DC Corona Discharge Characteristics and Ion-Flow Distribution for Several Types of Rods under Low Pressure

The dc corona discharge characteristics and ion flow distributions for differently shaped discharge rods in a model electrostatic precipitator unit at low relative air density & = 0.21-1 (0.21-1 atm at room temperature) are described. The purpose of this experiment was to clarify the electrical characteristics of hot-site electrostatic precipitators based on the similarity law of electrical gas discharges. Three types of discharge rods were used: 1-5-mm round rods, 4-mm square rods, and rods with attached pins. Results are reported for both polarities in terms of current-voltage characteristics, corona onset and flashover voltages, and ion-flow distributions.