How to Design a Dust Collection System
Posted Keenan White on September 29, 2020
At Indventech, we specialize in the supply of industrial and commercial ventilation technologies. One of our core product offerings is standard and custom dust collection systems.
Dust collection systems are used in industrial and commercial facilities to collect and remove dust and other solid particulates from air circulating through equipment and the surrounding work environment. They play a critical role in protecting equipment from damage due to dust accumulation, ensuring air quality is at a level safe for employees, and complying with industrial regulations regarding emissions.
The following article provides an overview of these essential facility units, outlining how they work, what benefits they offer, and what to consider when designing or selecting one for a facility.
An Overview of Dust Collection Systems
Dust collection systems consist of five basic components: the blower system, the ducting, the dust collector unit, the cleaning system, and the discharge mechanism. Typical operations within a dust collection unit proceed as follows:
- The blower system creates a flow of air through the system.
- The ducting allows the dust-laden air or gas to enter the system and flow into the dust collector.
- The dust collector filters the air that enters the system.
- The cleaning system cleans the dust collector’s filters as they accumulate dust and debris.
- The discharge mechanism collects the particulates captured by the filter and removed by the cleaning system for subsequent waste management or reclamation operations.
Benefits of Dust Collection Systems
By connecting a dust collection system to their tools via hoses or ducting, industry professionals can help keep their facility clean and clear of excessive amounts of dust and debris. By doing so, they benefit in the following ways:
- Safer work environments. Dust collection systems help reduce the amount of waste material that collects on the equipment and floor. This can lead to safer working conditions for employees. Keeping the facility clean reduces the risk of tripping, slipping, and other accidents characteristic of restricted spaces. Additionally, it decreases the chance of a spark causing a fire.
- Healthier employees. In addition to reducing the amount of dust that accumulates on facility surfaces, dust collection systems lower the amount of dust present in facility air. As a result, they help improve air quality levels, which decreases the risk of employees developing respiratory problems due to adverse work conditions.
Design Considerations for Dust Collection Systems
As indicated above, dust collection systems serve an important purpose in industrial and commercial facilities. However, they must be designed and built to accommodate the unique requirements and restrictions of the facility to work effectively and efficiently. Some of the key dust collection design considerations to keep in mind include:
Unit placement
Where is the dust collection system going to be located? This factor will determine system size constraints, system configuration, and ducting/piping lengths. It should be evaluated with regard to the machines and obstructions present in the facility. The machines with the greatest airflow demands should be located nearest to the start of the run since the power of a dust collection system diminishes the farther the connected machine is from the source.
Ducting placement
Where are the main and branch ducts going to be located? After the location of the dust collection system is decided, the next step is to determine the placement of the ducting. This factor also depends on the layout of the facility. The ductwork should be installed where it can be connected to the machines without hindering employee maneuverability.
Ducting/piping size
What is the diameter of the system’s ducting/piping? This factor depends on several variables, including tool size, pipe run length, and number of machines connected simultaneously. Ultimately, the ducting/piping employed should be able to deliver the air volume and velocity demanded by the connected machines.
Hood design
What is the design of the hood? The hood serves as the dust collector’s entry point for the capture and removal of process emissions. It should be designed such that it accounts for all of the factors that are critical to successfully collecting dust and fumes in the intended application, such as velocity and positioning.
Contact the Dust Collection System Experts at Indventech Today
Dust collection systems find application in a wide range of industrial and commercial workplaces. They help facility owners and managers improve equipment operation, enhance facility conditions, and comply with industry regulations.
If you’re looking for dust collection equipment for your facility, the experts at Indventech are here to help. Our South Carolina-based team has the knowledge and skills necessary to help you identify the right dust collection system design for your needs. For additional information about dust collection systems, check out our dust collectors page. To discuss your requirements with one of our representatives, contact us or request a quote today.