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Starting a Dust Extraction Project: Key Questions to Ask

Workers in Construction Hats

Industrial dust that is generated during the manufacturing and production process can be both environmentally damaging and physically harmful. Pollutants in the form of gas, smoke or particulate matter reduce air quality, and workers who come into contact with it can suffer from various respiratory and heart problems. Companies like Airtight Solutions specialize in the design and implementation of industrial dust extraction systems that remove pollutants from the gas streams that are associated with large-scale manufacturing and production. 

The Telltale Signs of Dust Extraction Need

While each industry has specific standards that must be met for environmental and safety reasons, there are also some practical signs that indicate the need for a dust collection system:  

  • Workers can see, smell or taste dust
  • Rooms need to be “aired out”
  • Equipment and machinery visibly collects dust
  • HVAC filters are frequently clogged with dust

To ensure compliance with industry standards, manufacturers can sample their air for pollutants. A PPM (parts per million) measurement determines the amount, size and distribution level of the dust particles that are being produced. Highly skilled teams at companies like Airtight then use this information to help customers determine what to look for in a dust extraction system, and what system is best for them. 

The Key Factors in Dust Extraction Sizing

In general, all dust collectors are similar in that they use filters to capture pollutants before discharging purified air back into the workplace. However, each manufacturing process produces a unique type of dust, and careful consideration is needed to determine what type and size of extractor should be used for dust and fume control in a given environment. 

Pharmaceutical waste, for example, is different from waste produced by

grain harvesting, while entirely different by-products are produced by

mining and blasting. Some processes, like those used to cut metal, even

produce fumes that contain viruses and other disease-causing

microorganisms.

When initiating a dust collection project, key questions manufacturers can consider include:

  • Application: What is my application and what sort of dust am I generating? Is it dry dust? Is it metal dust? Is there any moisture in the process? Is there any heat?
  • Particle Distribution Sizing & Dust Load: How much dust am I producing?
  • Combustible Dust: Are the properties of my dust combustible? For example, wood waste.
  • Future Expansion: Will additional dust collection capacity be required if my business grows and expands?

When the wrong type or size of dust collector is used, pollutants can escape back into the atmosphere, harming the environment, clogging machines, and causing respiratory problems for workers. In contrast, a well-engineered solution will improve safety, eliminate the risk of fines for noncompliance, improve productivity and reduce waste. Airtight engineers have decades of experience with small to large scale projects in a variety of industries and processes, including but not limited to:

  • Abrasive Blasting & Finishing 
  • Agriculture, Seed & Grain
  • Automotive & Engine Exhaust
  • Cement, Mining & Minerals
  • Food & Beverage
  • Joineries & Cabinet Makers
  • Metalworking & Welding 
  • Oil Mist Applications 
  • Paper & Textiles
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Plastics & Chemicals 
  • Recycling – Glass & Cardboard 
  • Sawmills & Timber Processing
  • Schools, TAFE & Universities
  • Ventilation 
  • Waste Management

Maximizing Performance in High-Temp Environments 

While cartridge dust collectors, which use pleated cartridge filters instead of bags are efficient, compact and easy to maintain, baghouse dust collectors are most effective for harsh applications in high temperature environments (above 180 degrees). 

A high temperature environment may result in dew point issues. The operating temperature starts off cold or ambient and rises as dust accumulates. As the temperature increases, it passes multiple dew points causing moisture in the air to turn into steam. The temperature can reach as high as 180 degrees once the dew point is surpassed.

To achieve optimal performance in high temperature environments, manufacturers can explore several strategies such as:

  • Utilizing heat-resistant materials like epoxy paint on the dust collector.
  • Adopting design strategies to minimize heat exposure, for example using stainless steel for the housing.
  • Manage heat and improve efficiency with the right high-temp filter media.

Planning for Dust-Control: A Project Timeline Overview

Once a customer has identified the need for an industrial dust collection system, a project from start to finish can take Airtight anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. General timelines include:

  • T1000/750/500 Series Dust Collectors: 2 days
  • 1HJ-3HJ Dust Collection Systems: 1-2 weeks
  • NFK Series Dust Collectors: 3 weeks or more
  • Engineered Dust Collection Systems: 4 weeks or more

If possible, dust collection systems can be installed while customers continue production, minimizing equipment downtime and loss of revenue. Airtight assigns a dedicated project manager to oversee a dust collection project from start to finish, communicate requirements and responsibilities to all parties, and provide ongoing support to ensure proper operation. 

Airtight’s exceptional aftercare service includes scheduled preventative maintenance with site inspections, consulting, diagnostics, smart automation, remote 24/7 system monitoring, and fault monitoring/reporting. This sets Airtight apart from competitors and is available in various maintenance packages.”

Airtight Solutions: Your Partner in Dust Extraction Success

Airtight has 20 years of experience in the industry. The Airtight engineering team is located in Australia & New Zealand and can provide customized solutions for unique needs. Airtight’s extensive product line covers a wide range of industries, from wood waste to shredders and waste-to-energy plants. Airtight offers solutions for various applications, including wet scrubbers, fume scrubbers, baghouses, and cartridge dust collectors. If the right solution is not available or in-stock, Airtight can engineer and manufacture a custom solution

Summary

Industrial manufacturing produces pollutants that are damaging to both the environment and people. For these reasons, and to ensure industry compliance, manufacturers must ensure they have the right dust collection solution for their facility. Professional teams at companies like Airtight Solutions help customers determine what to look for in a dust extraction system, and what dust and fume control system is best for them. Offering consistent and reliable systems and service for over 20 years, Airtight continues to be the leading air pollution control provider in the Australia and New Zealand market.

If you need assistance with any dust extraction projects, please feel free to reach out to one of our experienced team members at 1800 424 784 or log your interest at airtight.com.au. 

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