Description
Donaldson is the largest dust collector company in the world, and they’ve partnered with Messer Cutting Systems since 1990. The Donaldson DFE® Series has been customized for Messer Cutting Systems’ processes and features a downward airflow pattern and Donaldson MERV* 15 True Nanofiber Filtration Technology.
As the inventor of the cartridge dust collector, Donaldson Torit® provides the most complete range of cartridge collectors that cost-effectively enhance productivity and manufacturing efficiency. Our cartridge collectors are engineered to capture the broad spectrum of dust particles that can inhibit production environments.
EPA-sponsored research has found that the downward flow of the dirty air stream reduces re-deposition since it incorporates gravity when moving dust particles toward the hopper.
Industries Served:
- Metal & Machining
- Agriculture
- Mining & Minerals
- Pharmaceuticals
- Wood, Paper, and Pulp
- Industrial Processing
Donaldson Torit dust collector options for cutting:
- 14 standard collector sizes available.
- Standard direct and floor mounted fans available.
- 15 True Nanofiber Filtration Technology.
- Horizontal filter arrangement with downward airflow.
- Numerous collector options include airflow controllers and discharge devices.
Determining the Right Size Dust Collector for Cutting
The size of a dust collector is dependent on the required airflow to contain the fume and particulates. Generally speaking, the wider the cutting table, the greater the airflow required to contain the dust, and consequently, the larger the dust collector required. Other variables also influence airflow, including the size of the table, the fraction of the table covered by the workpiece, and the number of open zones within a table during the cutting process. Downdraft tables are often partitioned (or zoned) to reduce the total airflow required to capture dust effectively, thus reducing the size of the collector. The collector size is tailored based on several factors including the number of cutting heads, the cutting technology (laser, plasma, oxy-fuel, etc.), the material being cut, cutting speed and torch on-time, and cutting table type. For larger workpieces, multiple cutting machines may be integrated within a single downdraft table.
The airflow through the cutting table must be sufficient to generate a downdraft velocity at the surface of the table to overcome rising fumes. The downdraft velocity is the minimum velocity of air required to prevent fumes and particulates from escaping the cutting table and for thermal cutting applications is typically 150-250 ft/min but can vary with table design and size.
How do Donaldson dust collectors work?
The use of a dust collector will improve air quality in industrial settings such as manufacturing, processing, and machining plants. Simply put, it removes contaminants from the air and environment.
An underperforming dust collector is often the result of very high dust loading, ineffective cleaning, or a combination of the two. Left unchecked, these problems can result in unplanned downtime and increased operating costs.
So, while this is not necessarily an exhaustive rollout of potential issues, listed below you will find a handy checklist of measures to avoid costly shutdowns and frequent filter changes.
Checklist:
- Compressed air pressure must be always within the limits of constructor recommendations.
- Compressed air should be oil and water-free.
- The quantity of compressed air available should be sufficient for all users that perform simultaneous tasks.
- The hopper is not meant to be used for storage. Evacuation equipment (rotary airlocks, screw conveyors, etc.) should be sized to unload the hopper before any accumulation occurs. Check and empty the dust bin regularly to prevent dust from the hopper from coming into contact with the filter element.
- Know about pressure drop: Increasing pressure drop across the collector affects the ability of the dust collection system to capture dust. A simple but important safety requirement is to change filters when airflow reaches a differential pressure (above the specified maximum specifications) or 120 – 150daPa / 4.8 – 6.0 in. wg.
- Filters look dirty? Good! The rule in dust collection is that you don’t touch filters even when they look dirty because this is proof they are working well. Dust cake on filter elements facilitates filtration. The only way to tell if filter elements are saturated and should be replaced is to look at the pressure drop of either the differential pressure gauge on the collector or the controller. Specifications vary according to the constructor; for example, the maximum pressure drop for Ultra-Web® cartridges is 150daPa / 6.0 in. wg. At this pressure drop, the cartridges are saturated and the compressed air pulsing system can no longer run full filter cleanout.
