IQS Newsroom Articles on Portable Dust Collectors
Portable Dust Collectors
Portable dust collectors, or source collectors, minimize air particle contamination in workshops, plants and manufacturing facilities at the source. Typically small in size, portable dust collectors have an air filtration system that is self-contained within the unit, adding both mobility and maneuverability. Portable dust collectors solve air pollutions problems by drawing in contaminated air, trapping harmful particles and releasing clean air back. Particularly useful in workplaces where employees move from station to station, common applications for portable dust collectors include the collection of welding smoke, plastic dust, chemical odors, pharmaceutical dust, soldering fumes, grinding dusts, dust debris and other fine particles. Industries that benefit from portable dust collectors include pharmaceutical, metal grinding, woodworking, composites, buffing, blasting, welding, chemical mixing and processing.
Portable dust collectors are simply media, electrostatic or cartridge dust collectors that can be moved around to various workstations for localized dust collection. Portable dust collectors typically are made mobile by casters attached to the bottom of the base or by handles or straps by which they can be carried. Containing a single filtration system, portable dust collectors are intended to extract contaminated air particles and capture them. The attached arm is usually externally supported by adjustable support mechanisms and includes handles on the hood and the first tube so that the arm can be easily maneuvered. The hood is designed to collect contaminated air and direct it into the exhaust dust system through an air diverter that provides a higher face velocity and a more uniform air flow. The portable dust collection system is activated by an electrical panel located on the top of the collection unit. The panel typically consists of a filter gauge, on/off switch, toggle valve and an NPT connection. The on/off switch activates the electric motor, which is located inside of the collection unit. The power is generally supplied through a power cord, but smaller units may be battery-operated.
Portable dust collectors provide many advantages in addition to their standard dust collection capabilities. First, portable dust collectors are easy to move and position, allowing added convenience in the dust collection process. Furthermore, they can ease allergies by removing irritants in the air, avoid fires or dust explosions, and prevent damage to important machinery or equipment in the workplace. Portable dust collectors are also available in a wide range of sizes and added features, such as the addition of high efficiency particulate (HEPA) filters. For individual processes, portable dust collectors are used for easy dust collection at multiple workspaces; useful in tool rooms and woodworking shops for processes such as welding and wood sawing, portable dust collectors capture dust particles in the constant stream of air which is pulled down through suction hoods and captured. As the dust collecting industry advances, smaller and more efficient portable dust collecting equipment is being developed to meet increasingly strict environmental regulations.