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Metalworking processes such as grinding, sanding, cutting, and shaping create dust particles that can harm equipment and personnel or even cause an explosion. A metal dust collection system removes these harmful particles before they can cause damage and stores them in a secure container. Whether you’re in a small workshop or large factory, effective metal dust collection systems can eliminate potentially harmful and toxic metal particles in any metalworking environment.
How Do Metal Dust Collectors Work?
Metalworking dust collectors control and contain the dust produced by metal finishing processes. Depending on your particular needs, there are two main types of metal dust collectors: wet and dry. Wet filtration dust collectors capture the dust in a water tank that cools the combustible particles and reduces the risk of explosion. Dry filtration dust collectors rely on vacuum-like suction to collect the metal dust in a secure container.
While wet filtration systems are generally more expensive, it is well worth investing in a wet filtration dust collector to prevent dangerous conditions that could lead to an explosion. Typically, wet filtration dust collectors are easier to maintain and operate than dry systems.
Wet vs Dry Metal Dust Collection
Wet metal dust collectors and dry metal dust collectors are two different systems used to collect dust produced during metal production processes.
Wet Metal Dust Collectors
Wet dust collection relies on centrifugal, Venturi, or cyclonic scrubbers to collect dust using impingement with water droplets. The water droplets capture the dust and drop into a tank where gravity separates them, or the dust can be skimmed from the surface.
The NFPA regulates the amount of metal accumulation permitted in the vats for combustible metals. For optimal scrubber efficiency, maintain a dust particle to fluid ratio of less than 5% with regular cleaning and recycling of the water.
Dry Metal Dust Collectors
Dry dust collectors are defined by the NFPA as media and cyclone collectors, including cartridge collectors and baghouses. The dusty air enters the collection system where it collects on the filter media. Compressed air bursts help to remove dust from the filter, knocking it into the hopper. The dust then enters a container, where operators empty the contents periodically.
Benefits of Metal Dust Collectors
Metal dust collectors provide various benefits to metalworking operations of all sizes. They deliver the following advantages:
- Safety. Metal dust can pose a fire hazard if it builds up near or on equipment. It can also harm the respiratory systems of employees breathing the contaminated air. Metal dust collectors prevent risks to employee health and damage to equipment by removing metal dust from the air.
- Productivity. Metal dust particles can enter and build up on equipment within a facility. The dust can hinder the performance of the machines leading to low performance and downtime for repairs. Dust collectors remove the metal dust from the air before it can cause damage to machinery.
- Production Quality. Metal dust-contaminated air can lead to inconsistent product quality. Metal dust collectors keep finished products from being contaminated by particles, smoke, and fumes to deliver a consistent and high-quality finished product.
- Compliance. Regulatory protocols and laws protect the environment and workplace safety. Not complying with regulations can result in hazards to employees and facilities, along with fines and sanctions. Metal dust collectors help companies comply with regulations, keeping their workers and facility safe.
Metal Dust Collection From Markair
Metal dust can harm employees and damage equipment. Metal dust collectors remove dust from the air before it can spread throughout the facility and cause damage. They are ideal for metalworking shops of all sizes and provide various benefits.
Markair has delivered high-quality dust collection equipment to Florida and Southern Georgia facilities for more than 30 years. Browse our air pollution control equipment or contact us today to learn more.