Industrial dust collectors are designed to handle high-volume dust loads in manufacturing plants or processing facilities. The presence of dust and other particles in air can prove detrimental in more ways than one, reiterating the importance of a dust collector system. For one, it leads to several respiratory problems among workers on a site or facility. The second more grave concern is that certain types of dust are very easily combustible. So a small spark could cause a major explosion as the dust floating around in the air combusts.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has laid down several mandates pertaining to proper dust collection and disposal on an industrial or manufacturing site. Industrial manufacturing processes are referred to as 'specific operations' by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Equipment configuration must be in line with rules pertaining to specific industrial operations.
What are the harmful effects of dust at a site or facility?
Numerous studies have proven that particulate matter, fumes, and dust are a hazard to the operations at an industrial facility. There are hundreds of different types of compositions of dust that can pose a very serious health hazard. These risks, if not handled in the prescribed manner, can lead to a major accident at a manufacturing facility. For instance, saw dust or fabric lint can combust in a matter of seconds. In such an environment, even the smallest open flame could cause a large accident. Overall, it wouldn't be wrong to say that the presence of a higher-than-prescribed amount of dust in the atmosphere is detrimental to both people and processes.
How does one go about installing a dust collector system?
The best way to get the job done right the first time is by enlisting the services of a professional and certified industrial ventilation systems designer. These are specialized firms that are aware of the industrial ventilation parameters laid down by OSHA. Non-compliance to these parameters would mean that the industrial ventilation system at your facility doesn't pass an OSHA inspection.
There are several firms that, in addition to designing ventilation systems, also manufacture customized dust collector systems in keeping with industry codes. And, you can also hire the services of a specialist firm for the purpose of optimizing your dust collector to enhance its performance. Other important components that form an integral part of your dust collector systems would include dust capture arms, bin vents, cartridge filters, portable dust collectors, and so on.
Finally, it is crucial to ensure that the dust collector systems at your site or facility adheres to environment-friendly standards, and that it consumes a low amount of energy. A low-energy-consumption design would translate into lower utility bills and more energy savings.