If you are like many plant engineers who are working within the confines of a limited work space, rest assured that you don’t need to compromise on the efficiency of your industrial dust collection system. A traditional, high-efficiency cyclone is not the best solution for facilities with low ceilings.

Space Limitation

If space limitations prevent you from properly orienting this type of cyclone in an upright position, this will result in a loss of efficiency due to particulate settling on the side of the collector and being carried out with the exhaust gas. Attempting to solve this problem by installing your vertically oriented dust collection cyclone outdoors may encourage condensation that can shorten service life and reduce efficiency.

Horizontal Cyclones

Today, more plant engineers are choosing a horizontal configuration for reliable, high-efficiency dust collection. These options include the Aerodyne GPC Cyclone and counter-cyclonic dust collectors, such as the Aerodyne SplitStream™ Dust Collector.  The SplitStream™ Dust Collector uses a secondary air stream that directs material toward the collection hopper, and may be installed horizontally with virtually no loss of efficiency.

Because this design does not rely on gravity to bring the dust to the hopper like conventional cyclones, its operational efficiency is not affected by horizontal installation. In addition, this type of dust collection system may be suspended from a ceiling, conserving valuable space on the manufacturing floor.

The SplitStream™ Dust Collector the ability to increase/decrease process temperature while collecting dust. The unique counter cyclonic design element of the SplitStream™ Dust Collector ensures that a minimal amount of particulate comes in contact with the interior walls. This eliminates excessive wear and enables abrasive particulate collection.

 

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How Do Horizontal Dust Collectors Work?

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As maintenance staffs become smaller and have less time to do preventative maintenance, technology needs to step in and help. 

Level Switches

That is where level switches in dust collector hoppers fit in.  An airlock works by allowing dust from the dust collector to leave the vessel while preventing air from leaking in or out of the system.  Some airlocks operate by emptying the hopper as soon as dust falls and some require a buildup above them to help seal the valve and provide motive force. 

The main thing is, that dust often times will not constantly be falling through the valve.  This means that walking next to a vessel won’t always tell you if the airlock is operating correctly. 

Installing a level switch in the hopper will help.  The level switch measures the amount of material in the hopper and if too much is in the hopper it will provide a signal (alarm).  This will tell maintenance that the airlock is not operating correctly and it needs to be investigated.  Depending on the system’s controls, the alarm can be a local alarm (light and/or horn) or feed into the central computer.

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Dust collection systems can range from being fairly simple to extremely complex. 

It’s important to know that you have the proper system for your application. Some questions always come up when looking at dust collection systems.

To make life easier, we have put together some common questions we get asked along with answers and explanations. Have a look.

Volume 1:  

Volume 2:

 

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Heavy dust loading in the dust collector leads to high maintenance dust collectors.  Since most dust collectors are fabric filters (baghouse, cartridge collectors, shakers, etc.), heavy dust loading will cause/require high frequency of cleaning of the filters.  Most filters are cleaned by injecting high pressure air into the clean side, causing the filters to expand a bit.  This causes dust to fall off the filters.  Filters wear out due to the frequent expanding and contracting.  So the more often you have to clean a filter, the faster the filters will wear out.

Pleated Filters

This is made even worse if the filters are pleated.  Pleated filters have valleys and ridges which increase the surface area available for air to diffuse through the filter.  However, high dust loading can cause the pleated filter valleys to fill up and not properly clean during a cleaning cycle.  This will severely restrict the surface area available for airflow, which will lead to higher velocities through the filters.  A higher velocity increases the chances of dust getting through the filters.  This can cause holes to develop in the filter.  It can also cause dust to plug a pathway through the filter, thereby further restricting airflow.  It can also cause a decrease in removal efficiency.

So if you have high dust loading in your dust collector, it might be beneficial to install a pre-filter to increase filter life and make maintenance much less of a hassle.

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Pre-filtering may reduce operating and maintenance costs by extending bag or filter life and improving removal efficiencies. This video discusses five warning signs that your dust collection system needs a pre-filter.

If you prefer this valuable information in white paper form, get our whitepaper, Top 5 Reasons to Use a Cyclone as a Pre-filter.

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To learn more about which dust collector, please contact our experts at 440-543-7400 or visit our website: www.dustcollectorhq.com.

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To help answer this question, NFPA has released NFPA-652 and 654. A combustible dust is defined as a finely divided combustible particulate solid that presents a flash fire or explosion hazard when suspended in air or the process-specific oxidizing medium over a range of concentrations. Basically, what this means is when the dust is in the air and its concentration is enough to cause a flash fire or propagate a deflagration or explosion if exposed to a spark or heat source, then it’s considered combustible.

Combustible Dust Testing

Unless you know for sure that your dust isn’t combustible, you should send the dust sample to a lab for testing. The lab will provide one of three responses – no reaction, combustible but not propagating, or propagating. 

Usually the lab will initially do a Go/ No-Go test. If the dust doesn’t exhibit combustion, the testing will stop. If it does exhibit combustion, they will then do further tests and provide explosion properties ( Kst and Pmax) of the dust. The Kst tells you how quickly the explosion will propagate, while Pmax tells you the power behind the event.

 

Common Knowledge about Combustible Dust

1. A combustible dust mixed with non-combustible dust may or may not pass the go / no-go test; therefore, if you have both in a mixture, get a test.
2. Material that may not burn can still be combustible as a dust, unless you know for sure, getting a test is the safe bet.
3. If you have made a process change that changes the composition, relative concentrations, etc. of the dust, then the combustibility of the dust may have changed and a new test should be done.
4. If you have combustible dust in your facility, then a hazard analysis of the area must be done every five years.

 

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Dust Collector FAQ Volume 1

To make life easier, we have put together some common questions we get asked along with answers and explanations. Have a look.

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To learn more about which dust collector, please contact our experts at 440-543-7400 or visit our website: www.dustcollectorhq.com.

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To improve efficiency and safety, there is no substitute for an on-site inspection by an experienced expert. Click below to start with a free 20-minute phone consultation by clicking the button.

As regulations to minimize dust emissions became more stringent, the reliance on filter media became more prevalent.  This means baghouses and cartridge collectors have become the most common dust collectors around. 

Dust Collector Filter

The filters allow air to pass, while dust is captured on the filter surface area.  A filter cake of dust forms, allowing the highest removal efficiency of the filters.  Periodically, the filters will be cleaned to drop dust off the filters/ filter cake, allowing more air through the filters.  The higher the concentration of dust, the faster the filters will require cleaning to keep the pressure drop down.  Every time the filters are cleaned the fabric of the filter wears a bit.  So, if you can minimize the cleaning, then the filters will last longer.

Cyclone Pre-Filter and Dust Collector Filter

Cyclone pre-filters capture a high percentage of the dust before it even gets to the filters; therefore, allowing less clean cycles on the filter media.  Cyclones use centrifugal force to capture dust and droplets and remove them from the airstream.  Unlike filters, the higher the concentration of dust in the airstream, the better the cyclone performs.  Cyclones provide very good removal of larger dust particles, often getting removal efficiencies as high a 99% for 30-40 micron dust particles.  But they do remove lower amounts of smaller particles.  So the cyclone is a perfect companion for dust collection filters as they will remove most of the larger particulate.  This can often be 80-90% of the total dust loading of a system by weight.  The cyclone pre-filter then allows the filters to deal with only the fine dust that gets past the cyclone.  The lower loading of dust on the filters allows the filters to last longer and conserve energy as the cleaning cycle isn’t used as much.

Compact Cyclones

Compact cyclones, such as the Aerodyne GPC, allow cyclone pre-filters to be used in existing facilities where larger (taller) cyclones won’t fit.  The Aerodyne horizontal GPC cyclone provides one of the most compact designs - often ⅓ the height of traditional cyclones.  This can often allow the cyclone to be installed inside or in smaller areas of an existing system.  Traditional cyclones typically require outdoor installation, unless the facility has high ceiling.

So if your filter dust collection system is experiencing operational issues, look into compact cyclone pre-filters as a possible solution before you decide to scrap your current unit and install a new one.

 

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5 Signs Your Dust Collection System Needs a Pre-Filter

Watch the video from the Dust Efficiency Clinic discusses how using a pre-filter will optimize your dust collection system. 

 

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To learn more about which dust collector, please contact our experts at 440-543-7400 or visit our website: www.dustcollectorhq.com.

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To improve efficiency and safety, there is no substitute for an on-site inspection by an experienced expert. Click below to start with a free 20-minute phone consultation by clicking the button.

 

 

Not only do NFPA regulations require a DHA (Dust Hazard Analysis) to be done on all systems that might have explosive dust, they also require the DHA to be updated every 5 years and whenever the system changes. 

Simple Changes in Documentation

The change can be adding , removing,  or changing equipment or changes in the material going through the system. 

Since a DHA has already been done, the scope of the change is much less.  Using the information in the original DHA, the equipment that is being changed can be analyzed to make sure it complies with NFPA.  This report will then be added to the existing DHA so that a record of change is documented.  Usually the report is considered a mini-DHA or System DHA. 

The mini-DHA or System DHA often can be conducted by a 3^rd party consultant working with the equipment manufacturer.  This usually can be done without a site visit.  Aerodyne offers the Mini-DHA/ System DHA for our cyclone separators.

 

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Are you in compliance with the 2018 version of NFPA 68?

Simply click the button for direct access to the webinar to learn more about how to these recent changes may require modifications to your system.

 

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To learn more about which dust collector, please contact our experts at 440-543-7400 or visit our website: www.dustcollectorhq.com.

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To improve efficiency and safety, there is no substitute for an on-site inspection by an experienced expert. Click below to start with a free 20-minute phone consultation by clicking the button.

 

 

We all know that getting the oil change in our car regularly is important to the car being able to get you around when you need it.  However, your dust collector needs regular maintenance too.  The dust collector system consists of hoods, ductwork, air-material separators (cyclones, baghouse, cartridge collectors, wet scrubbers, etc.), explosion protection equipment, airlocks, instrumentation, and exhaust fans. 

All of these items should be checked at least once a year to make sure they are operating correctly.  The following points briefly describe what each piece of equipment needs:

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1. Hoods

• Visual inspection to make sure they haven’t been damaged during the year.
• Measure airflow velocity to make sure they are collecting the design airflow.
• If a local damper is located by hood for balancing, make sure it is operable and in the correct position.

2. Ductwork

• Visual inspection to make sure no holes have developed.
• Measure air velocity through ductwork to make sure designed airflow is correct.
• If possible, visual inspection of duct internal to make sure dust isn’t building up.

3. Air Material Separators

• Measure pressure drop across the separator to see if it is within parameters.
• Inspect cleaning process (baghouses and cartridge collectors) that they are operating properly (timing, valves opening, air pressure, etc.). See operations and maintenance manual.  Often time, listening to the system will let you know if it is operating correctly.
• Monitor recycle line pressure and overflow in wet scrubbers.
• Visual inspection of vessel walls to be sure there are no holes.

4. Explosion Protection Equipment

• NFPA requires yearly inspection, following the manufactures manual is very important so the explosion protection equipment will protect the facility, equipment, and workers as it was designed.
• Some explosion protection equipment such as chemical suppression should be done by factory trained personnel.

5. Airlocks

• Rotary valves
  • Should be checked to see they are still spinning
  • Bearings should be greased and temperature measured to make sure they aren’t overheating
  • On explosive applications the rotor clearance should be measured to make sure it still complies with NFPA 69.
• Pneumatic valves (slide gates, double flap valves, etc.)
  • Valves should be tested to make sure they are still operating as designed.
  • Air pressure should be measured, to be sure it is still within design parameters.
• Motorized valves (rotary valve, double flap valves, etc.)
  • Bearings should be greased
  • Bearing temperature should be measured to be sure they aren’t overheating
• Trickle valves
  • The sleeve should be inspected to be sure it is still sealing
  • During operation confirm that material is still draining and material hasn’t bridged above it.

6. Instrumentation

• Level gages, pressure gages, VFDs, pH meters, zero speed switches, etc. all have different maintenance requirements.
• Follow the manual of the specific model for maintenance and inspection.

7. Exhaust Fans

• The fan housing should be inspected to make sure no holes are present.
• The voltage and amps should be measured to make sure it is operating at its design condition.
• The bearings should be greased and temperature checked to be sure they aren’t overheating.
• The fan’s vibration should be checked along with checking to see if any abnormal noise is emanating from the fan.

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To learn more about which dust collector, please contact our experts at 440-543-7400 or visit our website: www.dustcollectorhq.com.

To improve efficiency and safety, there is no substitute for an on-site inspection by an experienced expert. Click below to start with a free 20-minute phone consultation by clicking the button.

 

Click below and watch our video to identify five signs that may diagnose a sluggish system so that you can return your system to full efficiency.

 

When it is time to add a dust collector to your application, you have to find a place for the dust collector.  This isn’t always easy.  New facilities are usually designed around the equipment that is being installed.  However when a system in an existing facility is modified or installed, you will have limited space to install the dust collector system.  There are four factors that you should take into account when finding a place for your dust collector. (Part 4 of 4)

Surrounding areas

As mentioned above, the area surrounding the dust collector significantly affects where the dust collector can be installed.  Location of utilities such as electricity and compressed (plant) air all affect the dust collector location.  Baghouses and cartridge collectors usually require compressed air for cleaning, wet scrubbers often require makeup water and a drain to either local or plant water treatment facilities. 

Dust Collector Interference

The dust collector may interfere with surrounding equipment and operations, such as cranes and vehicle traffic.  Dust collectors are often tall pieces of equipment requiring large head room when indoors.  And the noise and explosion protection could affect personnel space such as break rooms, rally points, foot and vehicle traffic, etc.

So when looking for a space to install your dust collector make sure you take into account all the different factors such as explosion protection, utilities, operations, and workers safety and comfort. And install the dust collector as close as possible when conforming to the above requirements.

To learn more about which dust collector, please contact our experts at 440-543-7400 or visit our website: www.dustcollectorhq.com. 

 

 

When it is time to add a dust collector to your application, you have to find a place for the dust collector.  This isn’t always easy.  New facilities are usually designed around the equipment that is being installed.  However when a system in an existing facility is modified or installed, you will have limited space to install the dust collector system.  There are four factors that you should take into account when finding a place for your dust collector. (Part 3 of 4)

Distance from Process

Ideally installing the dust collector should be located next to the dust generation.  However, this isn’t always possible.  There are space constraints, safety and noise concerns and process requirements that all affect the placement of the dust collector.  However, based on this, you should place the dust collector as close as possible to the process.  This decreases cost with less ductwork required.  You will also want to use as straight as possible runs of ductwork .  Short, straight ductwork will keep the pressure drop of the system low allowing you to install a smaller quieter blower.  It also helps prevent dust build up in the ductwork which can cause operational issues and be a fire/explosion hazard.

Smaller Fans

Smaller fans usually mean lower horsepower motors.  This translates into lower operating cost for the fan.  And shorter ductwork requires less cleaning, thereby less time for maintenance on the whole system.  If long distances are required, look at using local pre-filters to lower dust loading going through ductwork.  This will help solve some of the issues such as dust buildup in the ductwork.

To learn more about dust collector, please contact our experts at 440-543-7400 or visit our website: www.dustcollectorhq.com or click on the button below to get our whitepaper: Top 5 Reasons to Use a Cyclone as a Pre-filter.