ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST
Paul Igo, Technical Director at The Preparation Group, discusses how to select dust extraction for mechanical surface preparation.
Surface preparation, including removal and finishing operations,
generates dust for example, concrete and stone produce dust-
containing silica. And the removal of epoxy, adhesive and elastomeric products also presents a health hazard.
The risks can be minimised by fitting industrial vacuums to the equipment to remove dust directly as it is being produced. Operators can also avoid exposure to any residual particles by wearing suitable personal protective equipment including dust masks and breathing apparatus.
As dust extraction has always been an integral part of The Preparation Group’s contracting operations, we understand that the correct selection of equipment is paramount. The dust extraction unit selected must match the operational output of the chosen tools or equipment and the process.
Dust contamination is created when there is a lack of understanding of the motor/suction power and filtration capabilities and an ineffective dust ‘bin’ or bagging system. For all projects, industrial grade extraction is essential and not all vacuums are the same. For maximum efficiency and durability, look for robust, energy saving models that can multi-task.
What do you need to know? The project size and specification; the size and capability of the equipment selected for the task; site power; the material composition; the type, volume and density of ‘waste’ that will be created by the process and the specified filter grade.
For small equipment and hand tools and for light applications, a single motor vacuum may be suitable for the task.
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usually powered by 3 phase electric, which contain large volumes of dust and that also benefit from ‘reverse air pulsation’. This is a process where a ‘pulse’ is generated through the filtration system to remove the dust more effectively from heavy duty filters and into the dust container.
The next consideration must be the size of the ‘bin’ or bag attachment in which the dust is contained. The capacity must be suitable to extract dust produced by the process and large enough to ensure that you can operate plant effectively for the duration of the project. It is not practical to have to continually empty the ‘bin’ or to seal bags.
For use with medium sized planers, grinders and small shotblasters more powerful vacuums are required. Look for models with two or three motors that are individually powered, allowing the operator to select the level required for the specific task. Statistics show that for most daily operations, 80% of the time only 50% of the available power is needed without impeding on suction capacity and performance. Vacuums such as The Preparation Group’s 202DS and M450 Industrial vacuums have this energy saving feature.
For bigger plant, there are large filtration units or heavy duty vacuums,
With any operation, it is essential that the correct filter is fitted. Most contractors do not consider this and rely on the manufacturer’s guidance. In many projects clarifying the filter grade capacity and the level of filtration in comparison with the intended process and the level or type of dust produced is essential. There are three main types of filters; L, M and H (low, medium and high). A vacuum must be fitted with an L or M type filter in order to correctly function, but can also be fitted with an additional H grade filter for collecting very fine particle dust and containing asbestos. A vacuum fitted with an H filter is by definition an H-type Vacuum. L grade filters are only suitable for containment of sand shed particles and the simplest applications.
Vacuums fitted with an H grade filter should have an ‘H’ sticker on them. To double check that one is fitted, take the head off the vacuum to confirm that there are two filters inside – one will be an H filter.
For further information see The Preparation Group’s Vacuum range brochure.
www.ppcgroup.co.uk FEATURE | 25
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