If you're looking to improve the efficiency of your dust collector, a Filter Bag may be the right choice. The American Fabric Filter Co. makes vacuum bags that are great at trapping small particles. These bags are designed to prevent a cake of dust from forming on the filter. This cake can bleed through the filter and reduce the amount of suction that the dust collector can achieve.
Filter Media
A filter bag for a dust collector can be used to control the amount of dust that enters the collector. This filter material is usually made of cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers. The different types of fibers have different properties that affect their ability to filter dust. One of the most common filter materials is 901 or 208 polyester wheel fabric. This fabric can be used to control the amount of dust produced by a variety of industries.
Choosing the right size of filter bag for a dust collector is crucial to the air handling capacity of the unit. An incorrectly sized bag forces dust into the airstream, forcing it to penetrate the fibers of the bag. This can cause blinding of the air if the bag is too small. To avoid this, choose a filter bag that is 50-100 percent larger than the rated air output.
Mesh Size
The first step in evaluating the performance of a dust collector is determining the size of its filter bag. There are two basic methods of testing: the mass-mean diameter test and the particle size distribution test. Both tests determine the size distribution of particles in a given sample and give a numerical value for their mass-mean diameter. The mass-mean diameter is an estimate of the filter bag's ability to capture similar-sized particles.
The size of the filter bag depends on the particle size and particle type. For example, a standard size filter bag may not work well for very fine particles. Fortunately, the American Fabric Filter Company produces high-quality filters that have been surface-treated to hold the right amount of dust.
Chemical Resistance
Filter bags made of Teflon are highly resistant to most chemical agents. Although they are more expensive than other materials, they are often used in industrial applications. This material is also known for its excellent resistance to moisture and heat. The drawback is that it is not very flexible and requires a strong support cage.
The best filter bags have a high level of chemical resistance. Some are even resistant to abrasion, which is important for filtering oil and other gases. Other options are made of fiberglass, which is one of the strongest textile materials. It has a higher specific tensile strength than steel wire and is lower in weight. It also has low elongation and contraction under load and temperature. Fiberglass is also resistant to most chemicals. Its different weaving patterns improve air flow and reduce blocking.
Fire Hazard
A fire in a dust collector can be devastating to your manufacturing facility. A post-fire inspection can help identify any damage and possible causes, preventing a repeat occurrence. Inspecting the filter bag for cracks and warpage is an essential part of assessing a dust collector's fire hazard. In addition to looking for cracks and warpage, check for flange leaks. A warped or powdery flange gasket could also be a hazard, as the heat generated during a fire can cause it to crack or gap.
A breached filter bag can release a large amount of flammable dust. This could cause an ensuing blaze and ignite clothing. Even if a fire is extinguished, the dust cloud could ignite if it comes into contact with an ignition source.
Maintenance
To ensure proper performance of your dust collection system, it is imperative to perform routine maintenance of the filter bag and other system components. These maintenance procedures will help you reduce downtime associated with cleaning and repairs. You should also regularly check the bearings and lubricate them to ensure that they are in good condition. A simple checklist for maintenance will help you do this easily.
A monthly dust collector maintenance checklist will cover most of these items, and is quick and easy to complete. A checklist will also help you identify any problems that may arise. It is also a good idea to record the pulse duration and delay of the system every six months. This will allow you to compare the data to the data you recorded six months earlier, and can help you determine if the system is working properly. In addition, you should check the filters every six months. Some applications may require filter replacements as often as every six months.
