Method and apparatus for flue gas desulphurization

An apparatus for removing particulate matter from a gas stream downstream of a flue gas desulphurization (FGD) scrubber, the apparatus comprised of:

• a mist-producing element located in an inlet to the apparatus;
• a single down-flow wet Electrostatic Precipitator (WESP) pass section in flow communication with the inlet;
• an ionizing electrode stage located in the pass section;
• a plurality of collecting surfaces in the form of an array of polygonal-shaped tubes located in each of the pass section, each wall of said polygonal-shaped tubes having a bottom edge defining a V-shape cut-out creating gutter and tubular shape leaders;
• an interstage drain located at the bottom of the pass section;
• and
• a high voltage power supply electrically connected to the pass section.

A method for removing particulate matter from a gas stream exiting a flue gas desulphurization (FGD) scrubber, the method comprised of:

• directing a contaminated gas stream from the FGD scrubber into an inlet portion of a housing;
• spraying a fine liquid mist into the contaminated gas stream;
• electrically charging particulate matter in the gas stream by passing the gas stream by at least one ionizing electrode;
• collecting the electrically charged particulate matter and droplets on a collecting surface having a bottom edge defining a V-shape cutout;
• and
• directing the electrically charged particulate matter and droplets through a gutter defined by the V-shaped cutout into a drain.