How to Ensure Your Dust Collector is operating Smoothly

In an industrial plant where dust is generated in operations and process, a proper dust collection maintenance plan will ensure dust collection system

1. Will Reduce Breakdown
2. Ensure Longer Filter and equipment life
3. Prevent Dust Explosions and accidents
4. Avoid citations
5. Better employee health

So how does one create a regular maintenance plan

1. Check pressure drop across the bag filter in the differential pressure gauge for normal operating range, it also indicates the condition of the filter cartridge and bags
2. Check Timer is working properly
3. Check that the dust is being discharged properly from hopper, as hoppers are not meant to hold material. Regardless of your discharge method, it’s vital to make sure it is emptied and cleared out on a regular basis so that the dust doesn’t build up in the hopper
4. Too much pressure can damage bags. Ensure compressed air pressure to the solenoid valves is less than 100 psi and ranges between 70 and 90 psi..
5. Check damper valves are set for required velocity.
6. Check emission  levels from discharge stack.
7. Maintain door seals and gaskets for wear out .
8. Maintain Fans as per fan manufacturer instructions .Check fan manual.
9. Inspect impellers regularly for imbalance, and Lubricate fan bearings monthly
10. Check belt alignments, belt tension and belt wear and tear. Change complete set of belts if even 1 belt is worn out.
11. Check motors for noise , vibration &  current
12. Vibration can loosen bolts, cause friction eventually and heating, So fan should be mounted on rigid foundation with vibration pads. Check the anchor bolts periodically to see that the vibration has not loosened or damaged the fittings.
13. Bearings should be periodically lubricated in accordance with the bearing manufacturer’s lubrication instructions. Bearings should be removed, inspected, and replaced, if necessary, as soon as excessive fan shaft vibration becomes apparent. Bearings can also develop heat cracks.
14. Impellers can get imbalance due to dust deposit on the blades. Hence impellers need to be checked and cleaned periodically.
15. Critical clearances between impeller, inlet rings, and fan housing should be checked and maintained in the same conditions as when the fan was installed.

There are more points to be borne in mind as per kst values of dust which we will discuss in future posts. For more information and any kind of assistance need, feel free to write to us at info@thechicprojectmanager.com