Electrostatic precipitator

An exhaust gas particulate removal system positioned in an exhaust gas pathway, the combination comprising:

• attractor electrode means connected to a reference potential;
• charger means spaced from said attractor electrode means and connected to a source of high negative potential, the space between said attractor electrode means and said charger means sustaining a corona and encompassing said exhaust gas pathway, said charger means further including:
• insulating body means provided with a cylindrical cavity, one end of which is closed and the other end of which is open, a portion of said insulating body means extending into said exhaust gas pathway;
• electrode means including a corona needle extending through said insulating body means and said cylindrical cavity, said corona needle axially disposed within said cavity and extending beyond and not touching the open end of said cavity;
• first gas passage means communicating with said cavity, said first gas passage means oriented to create a helical/vortex flow of gas within and confined by said cavity and around said corona needle when gas is passed therethrough to prevent deposition of particulate within said cavity and upon said corona needle;
• second gas passage means disposed about said portion of said insulating body means which extends into said exhaust gas pathway;
• and
• baffle means concentric with the portion of said insulating body means extending into said gas pathway, said baffle means preventing said exhaust gases from directly impinging on said insulating body means and causing the gas flow from said second gas passage means to be confined about said portion of said insulating body means to prevent deposition of a continuous particulate layer thereupon.