The use of small electro-static precipitators for air cleaning in active installations at BNFL Sellafield works

The location and operations of Sellafield Works are outlined. The development of electrostatic precipitators (ESP's), and their advantages are briefly discussed. The Deutsch equation is derived to enable the efficiency of units to be calculated. Sellafield experience with large, wire in tube ESP's is related. The performance of small parallel plate ESP's is discussed. Ways to improve the efficiency of these units from 90% to 97% are noted. Experiences with these units in a trail room containing gloveboxes are told. Experience with a large 36 unit installation are related. The role of the small ESP and the problem in its installation are listed. The possible future use of these small ESP's as prefilters to normal high efficiency filter units is envisaged. (author)