South Carolina Company Finds Needed Solution for Corroded Collector

Recently, a South Carolina company that makes alloys for the aerospace, medical and electronics industries needed to replace their corrosion-ridden dust collector.

They were looking for partners with knowledge and experience executing these types of projects quickly and efficiently.

A.C.T. Dust Collectors provided a long-term solution so that the company didn’t have to deal with corrosion issues again.

The Challenge

The South Carolina company’s current system was corroding from moisture that was reacting with the carbon steel on the dust collector.

Moisture can have a detrimental effect on a dust collector. Filter media tends to become plugged with material when wet, especially if the dust is hygroscopic and absorbs water.

Many factors can cause moisture in a dust collector, including mists or sprays. Machine cutting tools often require coolant sprays to prevent overheating during operation.

The company’s alloy process involved cutting titanium with large saw blades. In order to cool the blades during the cutting process, they used water.

Finding a Long-Term Dust Collecting Solution

A.C.T. Dust Collectors was called upon to provide a replacement system with a longer life expectancy.

In previous applications where water was present, A.C.T. Dust Collectors’ team of engineers had recommended stainless steel as the material of the dust collector. Knowing this was a proven method to deal with the corrosion the South Carolina-based company was experiencing, A.C.T. Dust Collectors decided this application was a perfect match for a stainless steel dust collector.

The Best Type of Dust Collector

The company’s existing system was a baghouse dust collector, but A.C.T. Dust Collectors wanted to confirm this really was the best option. Two main factors were considered:

• Temperature of the material being collected
• Size of the material being collected

Choosing between a baghouse system and a cartridge system is primarily application-based. Many factors play into this.

Baghouse systems have instances where they are the most effective choice. Baghouse dust collectors can withstand higher temperatures than cartridge dust collectors. If your application requires temperatures above 250 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s often best to opt for a baghouse system.

Heavy dust load or large particulates can be collected better in a baghouse. The more dust you’re collecting, the more likely you are to need a baghouse dust collector. Although not as efficient as a cartridge, baghouse dust collectors are great for particulate in the five micron-plus range.

Because the material being collected from the big abrasive metal cutting saw was hot and consisted of larger particles, a baghouse was the best type of system for this application.

Sizing up the Situation

Apart from the corroded pieces, the company’s existing system was performing okay in terms of filter replacements and operational processes. This was an indication that the collector was the right size.

However, saws and cutting were part of a new production line. This meant the company needed to increase the size of their dust collector as well as allow for further expansions in order to get the best lifespan out of the new dust collection system.

A.C.T. Dust Collectors ran its analyses and calculations and determined the best size dust collector for the amount of dust being produced in the given area.

The Solution

After reviewing and researching the circumstances around the company’s process, an ACT TLM 198-10 baghouse dust collector was recommended. Less than four months after the company reached out, the dust collector was installed.

Dust collection systems from A.C.T. Dust Collectors are installed all over North America in many applications. A.C.T. Dust Collectors’ team of experts has the knowledge and skills required to help you resolve the dust problem at your facility quickly and efficiently. Find the right dust collection solution for your application.