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SPCL36104-S Suction System
9.8
FINE TUNING OF AIRFLOW THROUGH CARTRIDGE DUST COLLECTORS
9.8.1 If your system includes a Cartridge Dust Collector, you may refer to the
manufacturer’s manual for adjustment procedures and general principles of operation.
The following paragraphs describe how Dust Collectors with filter cartridges and
“reverse pulse cleaning” interact with Empire’s air blast systems.
9.8.2 General Principals of Operation
Background:
Dust Collectors generally are used to convey dust, which is not usually very abrasive.
When coupled to an abrasive blast system however, these Dust Collectors may
experience greater wear (especially to the filter cartridges) if not adjusted properly.
Ideally, to ensure the most efficient blast finishing, ALL of the broken-down media
and material that is blasted off the parts should be carried away immediately.
Otherwise you will be blasting parts with a combination of good media and dust,
which is not as efficient. This collection of waste products consists of very fine
particles that are somewhat abrasive.
THEY MAY BE VERY DAMAGING TO
THE FILTER CARTRIDGES IF THE SYSTEM IS NOT PROPERLY
ADJUSTED.
The following required adjustments are important:
9.8.3 Adjusting Airflow using the Slide Gate
A new Dust Collector with new filter cartridges has the ability to pass TOO MUCH air
initially. The slide gate on the outlet of the Dust Collector should be set
AT LEAST
50% closed.
This setting may be adjusted if Blast Cabinet visibility is poor, or if the blasted media
is not adequately conveying up to the Reclaimer. The slide gate may need to be
opened slightly as the filter cartridges get seasoned.
9.8.4 “Seasoning” the Cartridges
Although “seasoning” is not a Dust Collector adjustment, it is an important concept to
understand since the other adjustments presented here all may affect successful
seasoning of the cartridges.
Many Cartridge Dust Collectors are shipped directly to the customer since they are not
required to performance test the blast system at Empire. We have dedicated in-house
Dust Collectors for use when testing new machines. Since they are shipped direct, the
cartridges are totally CLEAN when first put into service. THEY MUST BE
“SEASONED”, which means they must pick up a natural coating of dust. This is
achieved during the first few days of operation. This natural coating is necessary to
the proper performance of the filter cartridges.
