Misalignment

Electrode misalignment is both a contributor to and a result of component failures. In general, most ESPs are not affected by a misalignment of less than about 3/16 inches. Indeed, some tolerance must be provided for expansion and contraction of the components. Beyond this limit, however, misalignment can become a limiting factor in ESP performance and is visually evident during an internal inspection of the ESP electrodes.Whether caused by warped plates, misaligned or skewed discharge electrode guide frames, insulator failure, or failure to maintain ESP "boxsquareness," misalignment reduces the operating voltage and current required for sparking. The V-I curve would indicate a somewhat lower voltage to achieve a low current level with the sparking voltage and current greatly reduced. Since the maximum operating voltage/ current levels depend on the path of least resistance in a field, any point of close tolerance will control these operating levels.