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How the APFenergy Filter™ Works

Our biomass fine dust filters for industrial, commercial and district heating applications are ideal for reducing fine dust emissions. After the combustion process, they remove the dust and collect it in specially designed ash garbage cans. Depending on the system and combustion material, we recommend different filter types: Dry electrostatic precipitators, wet electrostatic precipitators and ceramic filters. You can find more technical details on how these fine dust filters work in our overview.

Graphic representation of the functional principle of the APF Salzburg electrostatic precipitators. Dust particles are charged and separated.

Operating Principle
 

The APFenergyFilter™ is based on the principle of dry electrostatic precipitators and has a tubular design. The collecting electrodes (anodes) are designed as tubes,

Image by Kier in Sight Archives

Wet electrostatic precipitator - Wood gasification

APF's wet electrostatic precipitators, the APFenergyWoodgasFilters, were developed for wood gasification systems.

Diagram for the optimal separation efficiency of fine dust filters with the line for APFenergyFilter very close to 1

Separation Efficiency
 

The overall separation efficiency of electrostatic precipitators essentially depends on the following influencing factors

definition and types of fine dust

Nowadays, dust emissions are a constantly growing problem for both our environment and our health. Particulate matter is defined as particles with a diameter of less than 10 μm (0.00001 m = 0.01 mm). This corresponds to one tenth of the diameter of a human hair. The composition, size and high specific surface area (reactivity) of the particles pose a potential health hazard. In particular, small particles can penetrate through the respiratory tract into the alveoli.

Around 90 % of the particle mass of wood fires is smaller than 10 μm and therefore fine dust. The figures below show the quantities of dust when measuring a wood-burning stove. A so-called cascade impactor (Johnas II impactor) is used for this purpose, which divides the dust into three particle sizes. Most of the dust can be seen on the filter with <2.5 μm.

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dust particles < 2,5 μm

dust particles 2,5 μm – 10 μm

dust particles  > 10 μm

The function of a fine dust filter is to remove these harmful particles from the air and thus reduce emissions. This not only helps protect the environment but also improves air quality and people's health.

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