---
title: "Plate-type ESP / tube-type ESP"
description: "Plate-type and tube-type describe the two principal collecting-electrode geometries of an electrostatic precipitator."
canonical_url: "https://sylio.co/glossary/plate-type-esp-tube-type-esp"
last_updated: "2026-06-28T02:29:31.295Z"
---

**Plate-type** and **tube-type** describe the two principal collecting-electrode geometries of an [electrostatic precipitator](/glossary/electrostatic-precipitator).

## Plate-type ESPs

Plate-type ESPs have vertical parallel [collecting plates](/glossary/collecting-electrode) spaced 250–400 mm apart, with [discharge electrodes](/glossary/discharge-electrode) hanging in the gas-flow lanes between them. They dominate dry ESP installations on coal-fired boilers, cement kilns, [WtE](/glossary/waste-to-energy), biomass and sinter plants. Gas flows horizontally; cleaning is by rapping or [sonic horns](/glossary/sonic-horn).

## Tube-type ESPs

Tube-type ESPs use vertical cylindrical collecting tubes with a single discharge electrode along the axis of each tube. Gas flows vertically. The geometry is preferred for [wet ESPs (WESPs)](/glossary/wet-esp), acid-mist scrubbing and small specialised duties.

## Cleaning differences

Plate-type fields benefit from [low-frequency sonic horns](/glossary/low-frequency-acoustic-cleaner) projecting along the gas-flow direction to dislodge dust across multiple plate rows. Tube-type fields use water in WESP service; their dry equivalent is uncommon outside specialised metallurgical and chemical applications.

## Related terms

- [Electrostatic precipitator](/glossary/electrostatic-precipitator)
- [Wet ESP (WESP)](/glossary/wet-esp)
- [Collecting electrode](/glossary/collecting-electrode)
- [Discharge electrode](/glossary/discharge-electrode)