What advantage does a filter baghouse have over an electrostatic precipitator in its operation?

A filter baghouse offers a significant advantage over an electrostatic precipitator in that its collection efficiency is not affected by the sulfur content of the ash. Unlike electrostatic precipitators, which rely on electrostatic forces to capture particles from flue gas, the performance of these devices can vary depending on the properties of the ash, including its chemical composition and moisture content.

As a result, if the ash has high sulfur content, it can influence the efficiency of an electrostatic precipitator negatively, leading to less effective particulate capture. In contrast, a filter baghouse operates on a mechanical filtration principle, where particulates are physically trapped in the fabric filter bags. This means that it consistently maintains effective collection performance regardless of variations in the ash composition, making it a more reliable option in scenarios where the sulfur content may fluctuate.

The options regarding maintenance requirements, operating temperature, and component costs do not capture this crucial operational characteristic, which directly impacts the reliability and effectiveness of the particulate matter removal process. Understanding these operational features is essential for evaluating pollution control technologies in the context of boiler operations.