specific collection area

The specific collection area (SCA) is the collection area, in m2 per 1000 m3/h (ft2 per 1000 ft3/min), of flue gas through the precipitator. The typical range for SCA is between 11 and 45 m2 per 1000 m3/h (200 and 800 ft2 per 1000 acfm). The SCA must be large enough to efficiently collect particles (99.5% collection efficiency), but not so large that the cost of the ESP is too high. If the dust has a high resistivity, vendors will generally design the ESP with a higher SCA [usually greater than 22 m2 per 1000 m3/h (400 ft2 per 1000 acfm)] to help reduce resistivity problems.