Factors to consider when selecting an effective dust collector

1. Type of dust

The moisture level, texture, size, and concentration of the dust will be directly considered to determine the type of industrial dust collector capable of collecting the dust efficiently.

Different types of dusts also present risks to human health and can be classified into three types:

Class L (Low Risk) represents a low degree of risk: These dusts are the least toxic. These are simple house dusts, soil, general construction dust, soft woods, and solid surface materials.

Class M (Medium Risk) represents a medium degree of risk: These are hardwood, synthetic wood (MDF), cement, brick, mortar (silica), concrete dust, quartz, sand.

Class H (High Risk) represents a high degree of risk: These dusts are highly toxic and contain pathogenic or carcinogenic particles: These are asbestos, mold spores, bitumen, mineral fibers.

Each class has a maximum allowable concentration. Therefore, the concentration of the dust involved in our application must also be determined.

Light: 01 to 5.0 grams/ft3

Medium: 6.0 to 15.0 grams/ft3

Large: 16.0 to 30.0 grams/ft3

Note: 1 gram = 1/7000 pound

Determine if the type of dust in the application is combustible or explosive

Combustible dust is a substance in the form of finely divided solid particles that, upon ignition, are likely to ignite or explode when dispersed in the air.

Many materials can become combustible in specific situations. Workplaces can either purchase these materials for use or generate dust as part of their processes.

Examples include:

Agricultural products such as egg whites, powdered milk, cornstarch, sugar, flour, grain, potatoes, rice, etc.

Metals such as aluminum, bronze, magnesium, zinc, etc.

Chemical dusts such as coal, sulfur, etc..

Medicine

Pesticides

Rubber

Wood

Textiles

Plastics

There are many other types of materials that can produce combustible dust. See more examples.

Explosions can occur whenever combustible substances are in contact with reaction products.

Explosions in industry are a hazard whenever explosive substances and mixtures are used. These substances and mixtures can be solid, liquid, or gaseous. The conditions that must be met for an explosion to occur are illustrated in the hazard pentagon.

Industries and production areas with an increased probability of explosion must take protective measures in accordance with legal requirements.

Reactive dusts are classified according to the Kst value. The Kst value and Pmax are explosive properties measured in the laboratory to quantify the severity of a dust explosion. The deflagration index Kst is a constant defined for dusts of a given particle size while the Pmax defines the maximum pressure of the explosion. The ST class is based on the Kst value as follows: ST class 1 : KST value below 200 bar m/sec (very low explosive) ST class 2 – KST value between 200 and 300 bar m/sec (medium explosive) ST class 3 – KST value higher than 300 bar m/sec (very explosive) Exemple