See our latest projects and be updated with recent news and features
happening in the world of pneumatic conveying, materials handling
and industrial vacuum systems.
» Come see us exhibiting at BULK2022 EXPO from 24th to 26th August 2022 - Find out more
BEST MAINTENANCE PRACTICES FOR DUST COLLECTOR FILTERS, BAGS AND CARTRIDGES
Thursday, November 6, 2014
st collector filter, bags and cartridges are one of the most important parts of your dust collector system. They require regular cleaning and maintenance. However, there are specific guidelines on how you should be cleaning and maintaining these filter elements. Here is a simple and easy-to-read best service practice list to ensure you are doing it right.
Best cleaning maintenance practices for dust collector filters bags and cartridges
#1 Do not underestimate your filter's life by the way it looks
The famous quote, "Do not judge the book by its cover." is true even with dust collector filters, bags and cartridges. A dirty looking filter element may still have plenty of life left. However, only an expert dust collector service technician can
clearly see this.
Recommendation:
Choose an experienced service technician to inspect, clean or replace your dust collector filters, bags or cartridges to ensure you are given accurate recommendations.
Filter maintenance tip#1 - don't underestimate your filter's life by how it looks
#2 Never hit a filter in an attempt to clean it
If you ever see someone tapping on a dust collector filter, bags and cartridges, then it is a clear sign they are not a trained technician. Hitting your filter element to knock off dust not only damages your filter but also places your engine at risk for dust ingestion. Moreover, tapping never releases deeply embedded dirt present in your
filter elements.
Recommendation:
It is always better and safer to let expert technicians do the cleaning for you. Otherwise, change to a new filter, bag and cartridge to ensure maximum efficiency.
Filter maintenance tip#2 - Never hit a filter in an attempt to clean it
#3 Immediately replace a worn or damaged gasket
If your dust collector requires a cover gasket, replace it with a new one when changing your filters. Reusing the old one is not recommended.
Recommendation:
Prevention is always better than cure. Replace your gasket according to service instructions. This will help you avoid unwanted downtime due to equipment breakdown.
Filter maintenance tip#3 Immediately replace a worn or damaged gasket
#4 Never substitute one filter with another one that has a different model number
Many filters, bags and cartridges look almost identical, but every dust collector has unique filter element specifications. A slight difference in size can dramatically affect airflow or prevent a good seal.
Recommendation:
Order and purchase filters, bags and cartridges from trusted companies. Tell them your dust collector's model number to ensure you will get the correct item.
Tip#4 Never substitute one filter with another one that has a different model number
#5 Regularly check for air leaks in the ducting on both sides of your dust collector or baghouse
An air leak between the air cleaner and the engine gives dirt a direct path into the engine. Immediately fix this by including this in your inspection checklist to maximize your equipment's efficiency.
Tip#5 Regularly check for air leaks in the all connected ducting
#6 During filter replacement, check to ensure that there is no damage to the dust collector housing itself
New dust collector filters, bags and cartridges are ineffective if the dust collector housing has damage. Check the integrity of your dust collectors structure to ensure it will deliver the result you wanted.
Recommendation:
Choose a service technician that doesn't only care about filter element replacement. Find a company also that checks the integrity of your dust collector's structure when doing replacements.
Tip #6 Check for damage to the dust collector housing during filter replacement
#7 Check any intake hoods and pre-cleaner devices during maintenance
You need to inspect and tighten all the connections of your dust collector system. Check all clamps, elbows and connections to ensure they are secure and tight. Replace damaged components and repair any visible holes. Report faulty inlet hoods and get them repaired immediately to ensure it will not significantly shorter your new filter element's life.
Recommendation:
Hire the services of a company that has a quick call out response time and will care for your equipment as if it was their own. Observe how they perform their inspection and maintenance routine to see how conscientious they are with details.
Tip#7 Check any intake hoods and pre-cleaner devices during maintenance
#8 Record all actions taken in your filter service records
Put everything on file. List the repairs, adjustments and replacements you have applied to the system. Indicate when your next filter cleaning or replacement should happen.
Recommendation:
Place an inspection folder on your dust collector machine which contains when it was inspected and maintained. Include a checklist to ensure all inspection items on your dust collector has been carefully looked at.
Tip#8 Record all actions taken in your filter service records
