Industrial dust collectors are a necessary part of keeping your industrial work environment clean and safe for employees. While these machines are incredibly helpful on a daily basis, there are several common issues with industrial dust collectors that you should know about. That way, you can take simple steps to avoid devastating damage to your staff and equipment caused by mishandled collection systems.
Ineffective Combustion Prevention
Depending on the industry you’re working in, your dust collector can accumulate combustible dust, which can lead to explosive damage if your collector is not properly prepared. This can cause damage to the machine, surrounding equipment, and more importantly; nearby workers. That’s where the importance of spark arrestors come into play. These devices will effectively extinguish sparks as they make their way through your dust collection system. Effectively sealed ductwork is also a must-have for combating combustion.
Poor Bag Management
When installing bags into your dust collection system, you have to absolutely make sure you’re doing it correctly. If a bag hasn’t been attached just right, dust can leak out and contaminate the air in the work environment. Additionally, if you don’t replace the bag when it’s become too dirty, it can hinder the performance of your collection system.
Bad Hopper Maintenance
If hoppers aren’t being properly emptied, they can cause dust contamination in the air. Luckily, there is a very simple way go about dealing with this issue. If you haven’t installed a rotary airlock valve, you should invest in one for your hopper. An airlock rotary valve will ensure the hopper is properly emptied on a regular basis. However, you should regularly inspect your rotary airlock valve because, if not properly cared for, they can become clogged and ineffective.
These are common issues with industrial dust collectors, but by applying the proper maintenance and safety precautions you can avoid ever having to deal with such consequences. Using the right mindset when working around industrial dust collectors can keep your employees safe and the work environment intact.