Optimization of electrostatic sensor based on sensor separation

Purpose Electrostatic sensors are applied to measure velocity of solid particles in many industries because controlling the velocity particles improves product quality and process efficiency. The purpose of current paper is optimization of these sensors which is required to achieve maximum spatial sensitivity and minimum statistical error. Design/methodology/approach Different electrode of electrostatic sensors with different length, thickness and sensor separations were experimentally applied in laboratory. Then, correlation velocity, signal bandwidth and statistical error were calculated. Findings High sensor separation is a crucial factor because it would lead to increase signal similarity and decrease statistical error. This paper focuses on the effect of sensor separation on optimization of electrostatic sensors. Originality/value From observations, the optimal value for length, thickness and sensor separations was 0.6, 0.5 and 15 cm, respectively. Consequently, statistical error has improved by about 17 per cent. These results provided a significant basis of optimization of electrostatic sensors.