A WESP is traditionally the last piece of gas cleaning equipment before the process gas enters the acid plant or stack. Performance losses in this section can have a significant influence on acid product quality, plant availability or maintenance costs as passing particles will lead to impurities in the sulfuric acid, form plant deposits or result in emissions into the atmosphere.
Ensuring high performance of the WESP is therefore essential and requires in-depth knowledge of the equipment with regards to process, mechanical and electrical aspects. Due to long service intervals, it is almost impossible to develop and maintain this expertise with site personnel. Failing to provide the appropriate equipment care can have a negative influence over time and lead to:
- Reduced removal efficiency
- High corrective maintenance costs and decreased availability
- Reduced equipment lifetime
- Increased impurity concentration lowering acid product quality
