Dust Collection Systems

Safely operating dust collection systems has become increasingly complicated over the last decade. New regulations from OSHA and the NFPA have sought to improve the safety of collecting combustible and explosive dusts. A dust collection system helps keep your shop clean and will protect your health. Smaller dust collection systems use a single-stage vacuum to perform suction and filtration the dust is drawn into an impeller and collected in a container. Air is recirculated into the shop after passing through a filter to trap smaller particulate. Larger systems utilize a two-stage system separating large particles from fine dust, then drawing the air through the impeller. The air is then exhausted outsides or to a filtering system and recirculated back indoors.

 Designing and operating a safe and effective dust collection system begins with a complete and comprehensive analysis of your dust that identifies the general characteristics as well as the associated hazards. Establishing basic information such as the bulk density (specific gravity), terminal velocity, particle size distribution, and moisture content will allow the collection system to be properly sized. Part of this analysis should also include determining whether the dust is combustible or explosive in accordance with current NFPA standards. This is one of the most commonly overlooked steps because of the associated up-front cost. However, avoiding this step or using incorrect information can have dangerous consequences. Also, it’s important to take the time to review the MSDS sheets (if available) for other potential hazards and guidance on how to handle the collected material.

A fully operational dust collection system is comprised of the hood or capture device, the ducting system, the dust collector and the air moving device. If any one of these components is not designed with the dust characteristics and hazards in mind, the entire system safety is in jeopardy. Manufacturers often believe that simply having a dust collector equipped with an explosion vent is adequate protection but they ignore the important considerations of the complete system. For example, poorly designed ducting that does not maintain proper conveyance velocity during operation creates performance and safety hazards where dust build-up can result in fire hazards or even structural failure.

Systems must also be properly maintained in order to achieve the desired level of consistent performance and safety. Filter changes, removing dust build-up on hoods, pressure gauge accuracy, airflow validation and non-obstructed explosion vents are just a few of the items which should be regularly checked to help ensure ongoing safe operation. In addition, operational and maintenance staff should be sufficiently trained and have a solid understanding regarding what the target system performance is, how to verify this performance and how to service the equipment when necessary.

   

Investments in dust collection systems are intended to provide protection to your company’s most valuable assets - your workers and your facility. Dealing with combustible and explosive dust hazards come with associated additional costs but the risks of not adequately addressing the issue are much greater. The amount of publically available information available combined with the documented examples of property damage and loss of life from dust explosions should compel manufacturers to take the necessary steps to ensure that their dust collection systems are safe. And, dust collector manufacturers are willing and eager to help with the education process so be sure to tap into their expertise and knowledge regarding dust collection system safety when you are considering vendors to meet your specific dust collection needs.

dust extraction

Dust and Fume Extraction

  Dust and fume extraction systems are machines that are used to remove dust and other micro and macro particles from the environment. They clean the air therefore protecting people from diseases and also the industry from hazards like fires caused by dust.

These machines are mostly found in industries because it is likely that you find dust or other micro and macro particles caused by the machines in that industry. With them installed they will keep workers safe. If you do not keep them safe then they are likely to conduct diseases and they will bring suits in court against you. In the past industries have lost cases and have had to pay big fines.

One should not think only of the factories having these but also places where people work. To avoid stuffy places, it has been made compulsory to install them. Failure to which leads to imposition of code violation find so as to act as an example to others.

Soot extractors are also essential in places where soot is emitted. In places where this is produced, soot causes a great risk. Some soot particles are combustible and thus can catch fire. In the past, factories have been grazed to the ground because of soot fires. Fixing this will help confine the soot.

Other dust and fume extraction systems include soot extractors. Soot is very risky in a working place. Depending on the components of the soot, it can easily catch fire and explode. This can cause major loses to an industry. These machines will help trap and store soot.

In areas where these dust and fume extractors are not installed, people are prone to soot related diseases. These are asthma, lung cancer and others. It is very costly to treat them and in some instances it can cause deaths. To ensure that people are not affected it is important to fix these machines.

There are different types of dust and fume extraction machines, for example the shot blasting system which is mostly used where fine dust is mostly released to the atmosphere. The other is powder point system which is a dry process where materials are released to the atmosphere due to overspray.

The thermal spraying systems also work like the one mentioned above. It gets the particles released to the atmosphere also because of overspray. When purchasing these machines, it is good to know what they do. They have different purposes. Maintenance is also of essence to these units. An expert is needed when it comes to installing the dust and fume extraction systems. This is because a layman cannot do or manage to install it. If it is not fixed properly it can cause catastrophic effects. One should indulge a specialist so as to avoid unnecessary expenses such as repairs and money to pay the expert.

The advantage of having this person is because he will be able to inform you on different types and which types to go for. He will be of essence when he comes to servicing it.

The person who is to install it will also give you guidelines on which type to buy. He will also be ensuring that Welding fume extractor is well serviced and will inspect it on any damages. A new design of these dust and fume extraction systems has been manufactured. This one can handle explosive substances like titanium. This will also prevent these investments from catastrophic events such as explosions.

dust reduction