Dust Collector – Various Types and Purchase Considerations

There are a lot of impurities in the air generated by factories and industrial processes. To purify this air industries usually use a dust collector. Many factories engaged in drilling, milling, baffling and other metal dust works use this. Regular inhalation of dust particles can develop respiratory problems for the workforce. It is the responsibility of every factory and industry to keep their workers safe and provide them healthy work conditions. This is why dust collectors are widely used in commercial businesses and factories.

There are different types of dust collectors. Each machine is designed to work for different purposes. It is important to know about the variations of dust collectors available in order to procure one.

Dust Collector

Types of dust collectors

Inertial separator: External force is used in this kind of dust collector in order to split the impurities from the gas stream. When force is applied, the dust moves to a separate area. Here the force is usually at its lowest. Then this separated dust collected is transformed to the hopper area for storing it. Inertial separators also can be categorized as Baffle chambers, Settling chambers and Centrifugal collectors.

Wet scrubbers: This is another type of dust collector. Here the scrubbing liquid comes in close proximity with the gas that needs to be purified. The greater the contact is made the purer the air can be expected. This type of scrubber occupies very less space and costs less for installation.

There is an eliminator through which the gas is passed. The aim is to remove the droplets of water present from the impure gas. Either the dirty water scrubbed is discharged or clean. The clarification unit or by using a chain drag tank dust is eliminated from the scrubber. Hence in both the scenarios you can see solid impurities settled at the base. Using a drag chain mechanism deposits are removed to a dumpster area.

Fabric filters: These are popularly known as baghouses. Filtration process is used by fabric filters for breaking apart particulates of dust from dusty gasses. It is highly efficient and works and cost effective process of dust collection. Around 99% of dust collection efficiency level can be achieved by using this. Some of the common processes used to remove the dust which this machine collects are reverse air, sonic, shaking, cartridge collectors and pulse jet systems.

Electrostatic precipitators: This type of dust collector uses electrostatic forces for separation of dust particles from the exhaust gases. Gas contaminated then moves through a passage way created by discharged electrodes. Their working principle is similar to the home “ionic” air purifier systems.

Dust Collector

Considerations before choosing a dust collector

Properties of dust:

You should know what kind of dust a dust collector system needs to purify. You must find out the particle size, the composition, if it is combustible or not, the style, etc points first. You may have to get a lab test done as well to see the actual chemical composition of the dust. You should know if the equipment is resistant to all these or not. You should also know how long the device may be running in a day. All these information will help recognize which dust collector suits your specific needs.

The required technology:

You should choose the proper technology you need. If the particles are smaller, you will need a machine with higher efficiency. A cartridge for example is the best choice when there are fine particulates. On the other hand baghouse is a perfect fit for high volume and high loading applications.

Check out your space:

You should check where you are going to accommodate the machine as well. Dust collector machines come in different sizes and configurations.

Budget: 
You should calculate how much you will be able to spend on the dust collector. It can be a high capital investment and hence you might consider also calculating your operational costs and compare them with the benefits you will derive from using the machine.

Dust collectors are very useful as they keep the air purified. It is important to understand its features and types to ascertain which one is suitable for your individual requirement.