Cottrell is a noun that refers to a type of electrostatic precipitator used in air pollution control systems. It is named after a pioneering American scientist, Frederick Gardner Cottrell, who developed this device in the early 20th century.
A cottrell is designed to remove particulate matter, such as dust, smoke, and other fine particles suspended in gas streams, by utilizing the principles of electrostatic precipitation. It consists of a series of parallel plates, usually made of metal, positioned vertically within a housing or casing. The plates are electrically charged with high voltage and function as the collection electrodes.
When the polluted gas enters the cottrell, the particulate matter gets ionized by charging the gas molecules. The charged particles are then attracted to the oppositely charged plates, causing them to adhere to the surface. Over time, a layer of collected particulates, known as the dust cake, forms on the plates. The collected material can be periodically removed or cleaned to maintain the efficiency of the cottrell.
Cottrells are extensively used in industries where air pollution control is necessary, such as power plants, cement manufacturing, chemical production, and steel mills. Their effectiveness in removing fine particulate matter makes them an indispensable tool in mitigating environmental pollution.
In summary, a cottrell is an electrostatic precipitator, invented by Frederick Gardner Cottrell, used to remove particulate matter from gas streams through the process of electrostatic precipitation.
