Removing and controlling the dust generated by our manufacturing processes has become an issue that is forefront in the minds of employees and regulators. As we learn more about the effects of dust and pollutants on our environment, it is apparent that removing dust is vital to our health and the quality of the products we produce. In today’s business environment, it is a given that dust must be safely contained, removed and discarded.

Traditional Options

Dust collection options are numerous and range from large units moving 23,000 CFM for assembly lines to small shop vacuums commonly used with hand tools. For 30 years, manufacturers have been building vacuum equipment to collect and contain dust, but the one constant problem is that the dust is so fine, often just 3 micron in size, that it quickly clogs any vacuum being used to collect it.

Many vacuums have been produced to specifically address this issue through the use of blower motors, compressors and other devices to back-flush or shake the filters clean in order to maintain suction power. The main problem with these machines is their high cost (some as high as $15,000), which is often not affordable for the average manufacturer or small business.

Vacuums with external manual shakers were developed to fill the gap caused by expensive vacuum equipment. These types of vacuums work, but they require the user to stop what they are doing and manually shake the filter clear. This type of disruption can become costly since it takes away from production time.

A New Solution

When using vacuum equipment to collect dust, it is vital that the vacuum is able to maintain suction from start to finish. However, most vacuums eventually begin to lose suction, which causes dust to escape and is a tell-tale sign that the filters require maintenance or replacement. In 2004, new technology* was developed that uses vacuum and ambient air to automatically and continually flush filters clear of dust and debris during operation, with no blowers, shakers or compressors needed.

The technology uses ambient air to reverse-flush the filters by pulling the air in reverse through the filters using the force of vacuum. Patented in 2006 both domestically and internationally, this new advancement internally prevents the vacuum filters from clogging or becoming faced with dust and debris during operation. This development for portable mid-range dust collection units is capable of keeping the filters clear of dust and debris for indefinite periods of use, increasing the filter life by 80% or longer, increasing production, reducing maintenance time, and lowering filter replacement costs—all vital components when controlling the cost of dust collection.

In addition, the new system costs an average of 30% less than traditional vacuum equipment. When it comes to capturing dust generated from brick operations or even everyday manufacturing machinery, this new technology offers a cost-effective solution for increasing productivity and reducing maintenance time and cost, all while insuring the good health of employees and the business as a whole.

*Pulse-Bac Technology^®, developed by CDCLarue, Industries, Inc.

For more information regarding dust collection, contact CDCLarue Industries, Inc., 9384 Ridgeview St., Tulsa, OK 74131; (918) 216-6100; fax (918) 216-9700; or visit www.pulsebac.com or www.cdclarue.com.