Which of the following is an essential design parameter for baghouses?

The air-to-cloth ratio is a critical design parameter for baghouses, as it significantly influences the collection efficiency and overall performance of the dust collection system. This ratio refers to the volume of air passing through the filter media (cloth) relative to the surface area of the cloth itself. A well-calibrated air-to-cloth ratio ensures optimal filtration performance by balancing the flow of air with the capability of the filter media to capture particulates effectively.

When designing a baghouse, an appropriate air-to-cloth ratio must be selected to prevent excessive pressure drop across the filter and to maintain adequate airflow, while also allowing for effective particulate collection. If the ratio is too high, it can lead to insufficient filtration and higher emissions, whereas if it is too low, it may result in increased operational costs due to frequent cleaning or replacement of the filter bags.

Other factors such as the size of particulate pollutants, the efficiency of afterburners, and the temperature of the gases also play important roles in the overall design and operation of a baghouse. However, they are not direct design parameters specific to the filtration process itself as the air-to-cloth ratio is. Instead, they influence the selection of the filtration media and system design in conjunction with airflow management.