Thailand – Japan Student Science Fair 2023

“Seeding Innovations through Fostering Thailand – Japan Youth Friendship”

The ESP-Based Dust and CO Detectors for Exhaust Emissions

Apinya Niyanuch1
Advisors: Sornsanun Nontee1
Special Advisor: Areerat Dawongsa2
1
Princess Chulabhorn Science High School Loei, That, Chiangkhan, Loei, 42110, Thailand
*Email: Apinya04987@pcshsloei.ac.th

Abstract
Currently, Thailand is facing a problem of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution, which is
compounded by the presence of carbon monoxide (CO) gas as a component in all regions of the
country. The main cause of the PM2.5 problem is attributed to a high volume of particulate emissions
from vehicle exhaust pipes. This not only affects the environment but also poses long-term health
risks. In light of this issue, the project team has undertaken a study and research on Electrostatic
Precipitator (ESP) technology, an electrical dust collection device. ESP operates by providing
negative electrons to the wires, creating a negative charge on the dust particles, causing them to
adhere to the positively charged surfaces. The charged particles are then collected on the ESP plates.
The project team has modified and miniaturized the ESP system to fit into the exhaust pipe. From the
research, it was found that the amount of carbon monoxide can be reduced by varying the potential
difference in the electrostatic precipitator (ESP) by 10, 15, and 20 Kilovolts.
The test results showed that the maximum discharge current of the charging electrode in a
cylindrical wire-on-plate configuration reached 1.08 milliamperes. The average efficiency of particle
collection was calculated to be 72.7% for the straight wire configuration. Random sampling tests on
smoke particles revealed that the straight wire configuration had an efficiency of 64.3% for particle
sizes ranging from 10 nanometers to 2.5 micrometers at smoke temperatures of 150-300 degrees
Celsius and a pressure of 10 bars.

Keywords: carbon monoxide , pm 2.5 , Electrostatic Precipitators