An Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) is an air pollution control device designed to remove dust and ash particles from industrial exhaust gases, especially in steam-powered power plants. ESPs utilize static electric fields to capture these particles before they are released into the atmosphere. Here's an explanation of how it works:

1. Ionization Process
Exhaust gases containing fine particles (such as dust and ash) are first passed through an ionization chamber in the ESP. Here, a high-voltage electric field is used to ionize the gas. Free electrons generated from the electric field will attach to these particles, causing the particles to become negatively charged.

2. Particle Capture
After the particles are negatively charged, the exhaust gas is passed through an electrode plate in the ESP. These electrodes consist of:
- Positive Collector Plate: Functions to attract negatively charged particles.
- Negative Conductor Electrode: Functions to generate an electric field.

Negatively charged particles are attracted to the positive collector plate and stick to its surface. In this way, dust particles are separated from the flue gas.

3. Electrode Plate Cleaning
Over time, dust and ash that adhere to the collection plate will accumulate. An automatic cleaning system, such as a rapper (mechanical beater), is used to shake the plate so that these particles fall into a collection container at the bottom of the ESP.

4. Clean Gas Output
After going through the above process, the flue gas that exits the ESP has been freed from most pollutant particles. With an efficiency of up to 99%, ESP ensures more environmentally friendly emissions.

Advantages of the ESP Process:
- High Efficiency: Capable of capturing fine particles even those measuring microns.
- Environmentally Friendly: Reduces the impact of air pollution significantly.
- Low Operating Cost: Relatively low energy consumption compared to other methods.
- Easily Adaptable: Can be used in various types of industries with different levels of pollution.

Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) is an effective solution to reduce particle emissions from industrial flue gases. By utilizing the principle of static electric fields, ESPs are able to capture pollutant particles efficiently without disrupting the main process in the plant. ESP implementation not only helps industries comply with environmental regulations, but also supports ecosystem sustainability.