The function of electrostatic precipitator in a coal-based thermal power plant is to:

Electrostatic precipitators (ESP):In electrostatic precipitators, the flue gas is made to pass through a highly ionised ZONE, where the particles get electrically charged and are separated out from the gas, with the help of electrostatic forces in the power full electric field.Electrostatic precipitator in a coal-based thermal power PLANT collects dust from flue gas.They are widely used in Thermal power plants, Pulp and Paper industries, MINING and Metallurgical Industries, Iron and Steel plants, Chemical industries, etc.The main two advantages of ESP are particles may be collected wet or dry and efficiency more than 99% can be achieved.ESP can handle both gases and mists for high volume flow and even very small particles can be removed.It uses very high voltage to generate a powerful electric field. Hence, power consumption is very high and SUBSEQUENTLY, ESP is very COSTLY as compared to other air pollution control devices.