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October 2020 / 25 ENSURING AN EFFICIENT DUST COLLECTION SYSTEM Many powder and bulk solids manufacturers know that incorporating a dust collection system into their process is important due to the benefits the system provides. But installing and operating a dust collection system is just the tip of the iceberg. Man- ufacturers will also want to ensure that their dust collection system is operating as efficiently as possible. This article describes the necessary questions to ask about the different parts that make up a dust collection system in order to determine whether the system is properly and efficiently operating. Dan Navicky, Aerodyne Environmental can become airborne, and if the dust is explosive, the airborne dust can lead to an explosion, potentially causing significant damage and injury. Along with checking the atmosphere and surround- ing area for dust, you want to determine if you can feel airflow being pulled into the hood or pickup point. Can you see any dust being captured? You should be able to feel the airflow and see the dust being captured by the hood or pickup point. Often, dust collection systems are modified to fit into the surrounding equipment, but any modification could cause a change in airflow at other areas in the system if those areas aren't taken into consideration when the modifications are made. Also, opening or closing dampers can cause diminished air- flow at hoods, resulting in less dust collection. Another question to ask is if the dust collection system ever worked as expected? Sometimes a dust collection system is implemented into a manufac- turer's process, but the system has never fulfilled its expectations. Being honest with yourself in answering this question is important. If you realize your dust collection system has never been up to par, know that changes can be made to get the system working better. W e all know that if we don't regularly main- tain our vehicles, we'll end up having issues with them in the future. Whether we forget to change the oil, replace the brakes, or get a tune-up, these and other issues will eventually catch up to us. Why do we think the proper operation of our dust collection system is any different? Dust collec- tors are made of various pieces, all of which have to be operating correctly for the system to work as desired. Usually, a dust collection system consists of a dust col- lector, exhaust fan, ductwork, and hoods and pickup points. Additional accessories such as airlocks, con- trols, instrumentation, and dampers can also affect the system's operation. How do you know if every part of your dust col- lection system is working as it should? The following questions and information will help you evaluate your dust collection system to determine if the system is operating up to par. And after reading through this guide, if you think your dust collection system needs a tune-up, contact your supplier or a local dust collection system expert and have him or her come out to help get your system working properly. Hoods and pickup points Dust collection systems use hoods and pickup points to collect dust from the facility, whether the dust is from the ambient air or directly off the equipment producing the dust. To ensure the system is operating efficiently, take note of whether the areas near these pickup points are dusty. Is there any dust in the air, is the air hazy, or is breathing in the area a bit difficult? Perhaps you notice dust piles around the area or a layer of dust on the equipment? The dust you see can be the result of the hoods' and pickup points' airflow being too low to pick up the dust, the hoods and pickup points not being in the correct locations, or a lack of hoods and pickup points in the area. Dust piles and layers of dust FIGURE 1 Typical dust collection pickup ductwork