An electrostatic precipitator (ESP) is a dust collector device that removes fine particles, like dust and smoke, from a flowing gas. It is using the force of induced electrostatic attraction (like forces repel; unlike forces attract). Precipitators function by electrostatically charging particles in the gas stream. The charged particles are attracted to and deposited on plates or other collection devices. The treated air then passes out of the precipitator and through a stack to the atmosphere. When enough particles have accumulated on the collection devices, they are shaken off the collectors by mechanical rappers. The particulates, which can be either wet or dry, fall into a hopper at the bottom of the unit, and a conveyor system transports them away for disposal or recycling