The working principle of an electrostatic precipitator is to use a high-voltage electric field to ionize the smoke, and the dust in the airflow is charged and separated from the airflow under the action of the electric field. The negative electrode is made of metal wires with different cross-sectional shapes and is called a discharge electrode.

The positive electrode is made of metal plates with different geometric shapes and is called a dust collecting electrode. The performance of electrostatic precipitators is influenced by three factors: dust properties, equipment construction, and flue gas flow rate. The specific resistance of dust is an indicator for evaluating conductivity, which has a direct impact on dust removal efficiency. The specific resistance is too low, making it difficult for dust particles to remain on the dust collection electrode, causing them to return to the airflow. If the specific resistance is too high, the dust particles that reach the dust collection electrode are not easily discharged, and a voltage gradient is formed between the dust layers, which will cause local breakdown and discharge phenomena. These situations will all lead to a decrease in dust removal efficiency.