Baghouses and dust collectors are a vital part of many industrial production processes. They keep dust and other solid particles from entering the workplace or being released into the air outside. They keep employees safe and cut down on toxins that might have otherwise been released into the atmosphere. For all the good that baghouses do, they cannot work well if they are not maintained and repaired properly. Baghouse repairs and operating costs can also increase dramatically with a poorly maintained baghouse. Thankfully, you can take steps as part of your regular maintenance and upkeep to avoid repairs and keep your baghouse functioning properly for years to come.
1. Do a regular differential pressure check.
Differential pressure (dP) is one of the most basic measures to ensure that your baghouse is working properly. Although the dP will vary on a new baghouse with new filters, it will stabilize over time. Once it stabilizes with a consistent pressure drop, you can monitor the pressure and note any irregularities.
Differences in the dP can signify a bigger issue, including internal or external problems. Differential pressure changes serve as a good indicator that it is time to do some maintenance.
2. Inspect filter media.
Checking the filter media should be part of regular maintenance. It can show whether the baghouse is operating efficiently and whether baghouse repairs are needed. For example, the dust cake on most felted bags is a sign of good filtering. A simple inspection will allow you to spot leaks, holes, or even moisture.
If the dust cake is hard, that could be a sign of a moisture problem. You may have poor-quality compressed air or a high moisture content in the process gas. Addressing these issues right away will lead to better overall performance.
3. Be sure to frequently empty hoppers.
In most situations, hoppers should not be used to store material. It is used as a collection method, but it should be emptied regularly. Having too much material in the hopper can lead to plugged or clogged gas inlets, disrupting the airflow. In some serious cases, it can result in a combustible dust hazard.
4. Monitor the exhaust fans for issues.
The exhaust fan is specifically tailored to each type and volume of the baghouse. If it is not working properly, then that affects the efficiency of the entire baghouse. If the fan has an imbalance, worn belts, or other loose components, that will affect its ability to move air properly. Without a properly functioning fan, the baghouse simply cannot do its job.
Do a regular inspection of exhaust fans during cleaning periods or while doing other repairs. A simple once-over of the exhaust fan on a regular basis can go a long way.
5. Perform regular leak testing.
Leak testing will help you find areas to perform preventive maintenance. These areas might not be causing problems yet, but they could be an issue down the road. Filters will occasionally fail prematurely, and leak testing will help you spot those issues.
An increase in emissions will prompt further investigation into specific bags that are causing problems.
6. Keep up with regular bag and filter changes.
The manufacturer will provide information about how often you should change the bags and filters. Maintaining these change-outs will increase performance and reduce downtime due to clogged filters and worn bags.
Use the original manufacturer or a trusted after-market provider to get new equipment—and always use the recommended size and tolerance for your baghouse.
Learn more about CAMCORP dust collection systems and products by contacting our team.
