Specific Collection Area

The specific collection area (SCA) is defined as the ratio of collection surface area to the
gas flow rate into the collector. This ratio represents the A/Q relationship in the Deutsch-
Anderson equation and consequently is an important determinant of collection efficiency.
The SCA is given in Equation

For example, if the total collection area of an ESP is 600,000 ft2 and the gas flow rate
through the ESP is 1,000,000 ft3/min (acfm), the SCA is 600 ft2 per 1000 acfm as calculated
below.

Increases in the SCA of a precipitator design will, in most cases, increase the collection

efficiency of the precipitator. Most conservative designs call for an SCA of 20 to 25 m2

per 1000 m3/h (350 to 400 ft2 per 1000 acfm) to achieve collection efficiency of more than

99.5%. The general range of SCA is between 11 and 45 m2 per 1000 m3/hr (200 and 800

ft2 per 1000 acfm), depending on precipitator design conditions and desired collection

efficiency.