Why Airflow Matters in a Dust Collection System
The airflow in a dust collection system is critical to maintaining safe, efficient, and reliable operation. Air captured at the collection hoods removes airborne dust from the work area before it is transported to the dust collector, where the particulate is separated from the airstream before the air is discharged or recirculated. While every industrial dust collection system should use only the airflow necessary for efficient operation, maintaining proper airflow is essential for maximizing dust collection efficiency.
When airflow is too low, dust may not be completely captured at the pickup points, allowing it to escape into the facility. This can reduce industrial dust control, create housekeeping and health concerns, and increase the risk of fire or explosion. On the other hand, excessive airflow can carry valuable raw materials into the dust collector, waste energy, and increase dust collector maintenance costs.
There are many reasons why airflow through a dust collection system can change. A few of them include:
- Environmental changes such as temperature and humidity
- Changes in the system, such as opening or closing dampers, dust buildup in the ductwork, or damage to ductwork and hoods
- Dust collection issues, such as plugged filters, worn filters, or holes in the filter media
- Damage to the exhaust fan, such as worn bearings or damaged impellers
How to Monitor Airflow in a Dust Collection System
Unlike liquids, there is no easy or inexpensive way to continuously monitor airflow in an industrial dust collection system. The most common method is to periodically measure airflow by inserting a pitot tube into the ductwork to measure air velocity. The airflow is then calculated from those measurements.
One option for monitoring airflow is to install a cyclone pre-filter ahead of the filters. A cyclone’s pressure drop increases as airflow through the system increases. Most dust collector manufacturers can provide a performance curve showing the relationship between cyclone pressure drop and airflow. By monitoring the pressure drop across the cyclone, you can quickly detect unexpected increases or decreases in airflow. If the pressure drop moves too far from the expected operating range, it may indicate that the system requires a dust system evaluation or maintenance.
To learn more about improving dust collection efficiency and selecting the right industrial dust collection system for your application, please contact our experts at (440) 543-7400 or click the button below to download our white paper, “Top 5 Questions to Ask When Considering a Cyclone Dust Collector.”
