Ten
Tips for Effective Dust Collection
Consider
these pointers for help in choosing the right dust collector and other
filtration equipment, and in operating your system safely and efficiently. |
| Tip
#1: Energy Savings. When evaluating system alternatives,
be sure to consider filtration equipment that re-circulates
heated or cooled air. The overall energy savings could be an
important factor in your buying decision. |
| Tip
#2: Performance/Cost Efficiency. As
a general rule, capture contaminants as close to the source
as possible: this method is usually the most effective in function
and cost. |
| Tip
#3: Safety. "Will any ol' dust collector do?"
If you have flammable metals, hazardous vapors, or toxic substances,
you may need a wet collector or scrubber, a carbon absorption
unit, or a HEPA safety filter. |
| Tip
#4: Performance. When installing a dust collector,
a crucial check point is to insure that the blower is wired
correctly. If the fan is turning backwards, it does not move
the air in the opposite direction: it just reduces the flow.
Try wiring the fan both ways; the direction that produces the
higher velocity is the correct rotation! |
| Tip
#5: Energy Savings. To avoid the ongoing expense
of a high-velocity duct system, it may be possible to install
a settling chamber close to the collection point, thus benefitting
from the lower energy blower required to move finer dust. (Safety.
In some operations a settling chamber has the added benefit
of serving as a spark trap.) |
| Tip
#6: Safety. It is common in facilities dedicated
to aluminum grinding for workers unaware of the fire hazard
of mixed metals to grind or weld periodically on steel also.
If there is any doubt whether steel may be used in an aluminum
grinding area, a wet dust collector is imperative. |
| Tip
#7: Performance/Cost Efficiency. For dust collectors
with integral trays or drawers (rather than hoppers), be sure
to dispose of the collected dust every time the filters are
cleaned (even if the bin is only partially filled). Preventing
the possibility of having to re-collect the same dust within
the collector will maximize performance and extend filter life. |
| Tip
#8: Long-term Savings. When evaluating dust collection
options, consider possible future development in the plant lay-out.
Select the equipment that can be adapted to changes in your
facility. |
| Tip
#9: Performance/Efficiency. Make sure that the compressed
air supply to the dust collector is adequate. Ineffective cleaning
due to low pressure will result in reduced flow and shorter
filter life. |
| Tip
#10: Cost Efficiency. Study
the factory options offered on the equipment you select. For
example, motor starters or after filters installed by the manufacturer
can be a good value. |
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By
The Industrial Clean Air Network 