How Do Pulse Clean Systems Work?

A pulse filtration system uses short pulses of compressed air to clean dust collector filter media. A.C.T. Dust Collectors uses automatic pulse cleaning in its cartridge dust collectors to support filter performance and routine maintenance. Periodic pulse cleaning removes accumulated dust, helping maintain airflow, manage differential pressure, and extend filter life.

How Does a Pulse Filtration System Work?

During dust collection, filter media captures airborne particles as contaminated air moves through the system. Over time, the collected dust forms a layer on the outside surface of the filters.

When the cleaning cycle activates, a short burst of compressed air travels down the center of the filter and reverses the normal direction of airflow through the media. This sudden change helps break accumulated dust away from the filter surface.

In an A.C.T. downflow dust collector, the system's downward airflow helps move the dislodged particles toward the collection bin. Pulse cleaning can take place while the collector is operating or during a scheduled downtime cleaning cycle, depending on the application and operating conditions.

PULSE CLEAN SYSTEM SETUP  

compressed air conNection: 

The compressed air connection can be plumbed using heavy-duty industrial rubber tubing or black pipe. An inline air regulator should be installed to maintain the required PSI.

If the air compressor is indoors and the air travels outside to the dust collector, the temperature change through the line can cause condensation. Moisture can affect collector performance and create additional problems in cold climates. Learn how to winterize your facility.

How Much PSI Does a Pulse Cleaning System Need?

A.C.T. pulse cleaning systems should operate at 90 PSI. Increasing compressed air pressure above the recommended level doesn't create a better pulse. Too much pressure can damage filters and diaphragms, which can cause bypass. For best results, A.C.T. Dust Collectors recommends using dry compressed air. Maintaining the recommended pressure helps provide consistent pulse cleaning while protecting system components.

Other Pulse Cleaning Considerations

A pulse cleaning system can significantly extend filter life, but it doesn't eliminate the need for replacement filters. Filters still require replacement as they reach the end of their service life. Shop OEM replacement filters.

Moisture should also be kept out of diaphragms, especially in colder climates where it can freeze and damage components. A solenoid heater kit can support the pulse cleaning system and compressed air line during cold-weather operation.

Electrical requirements for the solenoids should also be considered when setting up the system.

How Does Differential Pressure Control Pulse Cleaning?

Differential pressure measures resistance to airflow across the dust collector filters. As dust accumulates on the filter media, resistance increases and differential pressure rises.

During online cleaning, the high limit on the differential pressure gauge determines when pulse cleaning begins. The appropriate high limit depends on the application. Once that limit is determined, A.C.T. recommends setting the low limit within one inch of the static pressure variance.

Using differential pressure helps the pulse cleaning system respond to changing filter conditions and maintain effective dust filtration.

Online vs. Downtime Pulse Cleaning

A.C.T. dust collectors can use two types of pulse cleaning.

Online Pulse Cleaning

Online cleaning occurs while the dust collector fan is running. When differential pressure reaches the established high limit, the system automatically sends short pulses of compressed air through the filters to help remove accumulated dust.

This allows filter cleaning to take place while the dust collector continues operating.

Downtime Pulse Cleaning

Downtime cleaning occurs after the fan has been shut off. The cleaning cycle can be controlled through the control panel or timer board based on the daily usage of the dust collector.

A typical downtime cleaning cycle ranges from five to 10 minutes. The cycle can begin automatically when the unit's stop button is pressed and end after the predetermined cleaning period, helping prepare the filters for the next startup.

How Does A.C.T.'s Pulse Cleaning System Support Filter Performance?

A.C.T. cartridge dust collectors are designed to make pulse cleaning and routine filter maintenance straightforward.

Two rails support the cartridge filters from the front to the back of the housing, eliminating the need for an interior yoke support frame. This leaves the inside of the filter unobstructed during pulse cleaning.

A.C.T. cartridge dust collectors also include an Automatic Venturi-Assisted Pulse Filter Cleaning System. Other maintenance-focused features include ACTion-Lock Quick Release Filter Doors and easy access to cartridge filters.

These features help support effective filter cleaning while simplifying routine dust collector maintenance.

See our Inspection Log & Dust Collector Maintenance Checklist.

Pulse Cleaning System FAQs

Does pulse cleaning extend dust collector filter life?

Yes. Pulse cleaning helps extend filter life by removing accumulated dust from the filter surface and maintaining airflow. Filters still require replacement over time based on the application, dust characteristics, operating conditions, and filter performance.

What causes differential pressure to increase?

Differential pressure typically increases as dust accumulates on filter media and creates greater resistance to airflow. Pulse cleaning helps remove accumulated dust and manage that resistance. Consistently high differential pressure can indicate that filters require additional cleaning, maintenance, or replacement.

Does a pulse cleaning system need dry compressed air?

Yes. A.C.T. Dust Collectors recommends dry compressed air for pulse cleaning. Moisture in compressed air lines can affect system performance and can create problems with diaphragms and other components, particularly when dust collectors operate outdoors or in cold climates.

Download the Inspection Log & Dust Collector Maintenance Checklist to help track routine maintenance, or talk to our team about the right dust collection system for your facility.