|
Considering a
Dust Collection System?
 A
complete
dust collection system will improve
indoor air quality by removing dust from a series of
work stations, machines and tools. Furthermore, one large centrally ducted dust collection system
addresses the need for using an industrial air cleaner on each workstation.
One
large central dust collector system can often do the work of
dozens of smaller, individual air cleaners, providing complete industrial plant
dust collection for the entire facility.
|
Are you worried about OSHA or other environmental agencies
shutting you down?
Have
you or your workers begun experiencing lung or skin problems?
It may be
too late to help some irreversible effects of occupational
respiratory diseases. But you can still cut down
explosion
& fire
risk, damage to equipment and problems with
community relations.
Our experts will set you up with the
correct equipment to obtain threshold limit values (TLV's) that will
keep the MSHA off your back.
Toll Free 1-877-688-2703
Serious Inquiries Only!
|
 Central
dust collection systems generally
consists of large media dust collectors (such as cartridges or baghouses) with an
inertial separator used as a pre-sorter (such as a cyclone or drop out box). The
pre-sorter removes large chips, then the media filtration removes fine
particles. Large chips are collected in bins or drums.
|
Filtration
media often uses some form of cleaning such as mechanical shaking or a sudden
pulse of air that knocks built up dust cake from the filters.
Electrostatic precipitators are rarely used for large dust collectors,
since they do not have the capacity to store a large volume of dust.
Though, electrostatic air cleaners are frequently used along side central
systems to clean atmospheric background dust that is not captured by the ducted
system. |
Are you feeling overwhelmed with the
thought of planning a dust collection system?
Answer a few questions and we'll get you started in the right
direction.
|
Advantages of a Central Dust Collection
System
-
 Equipment Cost: Often the
deciding factor when choosing a dust
collection solution. Depending on the cost of ductwork and installation, a
central dust collection system can initially cost less than purchasing 12 or
more individual dust collectors.
- Waste Removal: As dusty air is
filtered, waste dust is collected in bines, drawers or hoppers. Waste removal from one
location verses many locations is easier and thus more cost effective.
- Filter Replacement: Replacing
filters from 12 or more separate machines will cost more than regular filter
replacement of one large dust collector designed for heavy loads.
- Energy Consumption: Your energy
bill will be lower when powering one big dust collector than if you try to
power a dozen or so dust collector motors.
- Noise: Imagine the noise from
12 or more dust collector motors and blowers running in a work area.
Now take that noise, put it all in one big motor / blower and tuck it away
in its own area, away from workers.
- Maintenance: You can go either
way on maintenance. With multiple air cleaners, you have that many
more parts to replace. With one central dust collector, you only have
one set of components to maintain. On the other hand, if your central
dust collection system goes down, all workstations go down.
Disadvantages of a Central Ducted Dust Collector
-
 Flexibility: A central system
is designed for a predetermined situation. It must keep a constant air
flow and air to cloth ratio. If you need to add machines or move
stations, the system must be re-engineered.
- Downtime: In using one dust
collection system for an entire network of machines, downtime for the air
cleaner means downtime for all workstations.
- Design & Installation: In order
to function, a dust collection system must be designed carefully taking in
account airflow requirements for each workstation, media filtration
requirements, size and amount of ductwork and pressure drop of filters.
- Air Balancing: Ducts have
adjustable dampers at each work station that are set by a technician for
optimum air pressure balance throughout the system. Often workers will
take it upon themselves to open or close the dampers to adjust airflow going
to their station. Unfortunately, this affects the airflow at all other
workstations, too. Using one blower, the air must remain balanced and
cannot fluctuate to accommodate individual workstations.
- Space Limitation: Floor space
and overhead space are needed for a large dust collector and network of
ducts. Overhead cranes or tight floor space will not allow for a
central ducted dust collection system.
|
