Portable Dust Collectors
Maintaining good air quality is one of the most important responsibilities of any business, not only for the health of the earth itself, but the health of their employees and the people in the surrounding area. To that end, portable dust collectors are air filtration machines that assist in this endeavor. Portable dust collectors, or source collectors, minimize air particle contamination in workshops, plants, and manufacturing facilities by gathering in air at the source of the contamination and filtering it. Typically small in size, portable dust collectors have an air filtration system that is self-contained within the unit, adding both mobility and maneuverability.
Quick links to Portable Dust Collectors Information
Applications of Portable Dust Collectors
Portable dust collectors maintain the air quality of a variety of commercial and industrial facilities, such as those that conduct manufacturing processes like carbon machining and woodworking by capturing contaminated air and then filtering it.
Other industries and applications that benefit from portable dust collectors include:
- Metal Grinding
- Concrete Grinding
- Blasting
- Composite Manufacturing
- Welding
- Pharmaceuticals
- Post-Flood/Fire/Disaster Building Restoration
Portable Dust Collector Design and Function
Portable dust collection equipment is available in a variety of different styles and configurations. Some, for example, are equipped with multiple suction arms, allowing them to collect dust from multiple stations simultaneously. Others may be equipped with high efficiency particulate (HEPA) filters. Among the most common portable dust collector types are wet scrubbers, air scrubbers, unit collectors, bag houses, electrostatic precipitators, and inertial separators. Standard portable dust collectors consist of a single filtration system, an attached suction arm, a hood, an exhaust duct system, an air diverter, an electrical panel, and an electric motor. Typically, the suction arm, which collects dust, is supported by adjustable support mechanisms and handles attached to the hood. These allow the arm to be moved without difficulty.
The purpose of the hood is to gather contaminated air and send it into the exhaust duct system. Inside the exhaust system, the air is sent through an air diverter, which contributes a higher face velocity, which leads to a more uniform air flow. In its entirety, the portable dust collection system is energized by the electrical panel, which usually consists of a filter gauge and an on/off switch. Powering the electrical panel is an electric motor, found inside the collection unit, where it generates the suction required to pull the dirty air into the system. Power is lent to the motor either by a connection to an electrical outlet or via a battery. Portable dust collectors are made mobile either by castors attached at the bottom of the base or handles or straps by which they can be carried.
Benefits of Using Portable Dust Collectors
While dust collectors are always available in permanent models, portable models offer many advantages that traditional ones do not. Most notably, they are highly versatile and maneuverable. Easily moved from one station to another, they switch from collecting contaminates to removing fumes seamlessly. Currently averaging 52” by 52” or smaller, they tend to take up less space, are easily stored, and allow for more flexibility and layout changes within a workspace. Permanent models, on the other hand, cannot be moved to accommodate workspace reorganization, nor can they be moved into another area when they are not needed. In addition, portable dust collectors are more affordable and more cost-effective than permanent dust collectors.
Of all the dust collection systems available to customers today, portable dust collectors prove themselves to be the most efficient and workable. They are of particularly superior usefulness in isolated locations, temporary workspaces, modular shops, and areas that require especially strict adherence to environmental regulations. They also work well when paired with other portable equipment. Even manufacturers or workshop owners that already own larger, permanent dust collectors can benefit from portable ones, as they provide excellent backup assistance during permanent system maintenance and repairs. In addition to all of this, portable dust collectors are relatively inexpensive.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing Portable Dust Collectors
Customers should note that not all portable dust collectors are created equal. Different models vary greatly in terms of air speed variables, size, power source, range of movement, customizability, automation levels, filter type, and, sometimes, speciality. Some portable dust collectors, for example, are made especially to collect and filter ground concrete. Others are made specifically to extract fumes from the air. To determine the exact nature of the portable dust collector they require and to find a model that fits those requirements, interested parties would be wise to consult with a knowledgeable dust collector professional. Good dust collector manufacturers, such as those found in this directory, will also make sure that whatever they sell you complies with regulations set forth by the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as any standards set forth by their industry or region.