Dust collection and extraction
Dry dust collection and process extraction — from a single machine to a whole workshop. From PP-BF baghouse filters to cyclones, precipitators, hoppers and fans, the system is selected as one calculation.
Where it is used
What the system consists of
The filter is only part of the system: pre-cleaning, dust discharge, aerodynamics and controls are calculated together. For each unit — what is worth knowing.
Up to 1,000,000 m³/h. The core dry-cleaning device: dust collects on the outside of the bag and a compressed-air pulse drops it into the hopper. Types: pulse-jet, shaker, reverse air, combined; installed on supports, racks, roof or indoors.
- Correctly selected, they last 24–48 months
- ΔP-controlled cleaning saves 15–20% of the energy
- Explosion protection is mandatory for organic dust
Media and temperature limits
- Polyester — up to 130 °C
- Nomex® (aramid), bag — up to 200 °C (peak 240 °C)
- PPS (Ryton), bag — up to 190 °C (peak 220 °C)
- Fibreglass, bag — up to 260 °C
- PTFE membrane — set by the substrate, up to 260 °C on glass fibre
- Cartridge — up to 130 °C (peak 135 °C)
- Antistatic and FR (flame-retardant) versions
Typical specification
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Air flow | 1,000 – 1,000,000 m³/h |
| Air-to-cloth ratio | 0.8 – 1.5 m/min |
| Operating temperature | −20 … +260 °C |
| Residual dust | ≤ 10 mg/Nm³ |
| Pressure drop | 800 – 1,500 Pa |
| Cleaning | pulse on ΔP or on timer |
How a baghouse works
- 01Inlet
Dusty air enters the filter chamber.
- 02Capture
Dust settles on the outer surface of the bags.
- 03Clean air
Clean air passes through the bags and leaves the system.
- 04Cleaning
A pulse of compressed air shakes the dust off the bags — on ΔP or on a timer.
- 05Discharge
Dust is discharged from the hopper by a screw or rotary valve.
Where it works and where it does not fit
- Dry, non-caking dust
- High inlet loading — above 20 g/m³
- Abrasive media, with wear cuffs fitted
- High temperatures — with the right media selected
- Sticky and wet dust without precoating
- Operation below the dew point — the media cements
- Oil mist without an oleophobic finish
- Aluminium and magnesium dust — wet collection required
Frequently asked questions
Baghouse or cartridge collector?
A cartridge suits compact fine filtration: the pleat gives 10–22 m² where a bag gives 1.5–3 m², and takes 40–60% less floor space. But with inlet loading above 20 g/m³, abrasive or hot dust a baghouse is more reliable; for welding and laser fume the cartridge velocity must stay at 0.6–0.7 m/min or below.
Cleaning on a timer or on ΔP?
ΔP-controlled cleaning saves 15–20% of the energy, and switching from timer to ΔP pays back in 4–9 months. A weak pulse blinds the media and raises ΔP; too frequent a pulse destroys the media from inside.
How long do bags last?
Correctly selected, 24–48 months. A cyclone upstream of the baghouse on abrasive dust extends bag life by 1.5–2 times. A bent cage wears the bag through in months, and a 3–4 mm error in diameter drops the bag into the hopper.
What is needed for explosive dust?
For flour, wood, aluminium, grain and coal dust antistatic media alone is not enough: antistatic media and casing earthing, calculated explosion vent panels, non-return valves in the ductwork, spark arresters and detectors and a rotary valve under the hopper are required. Aluminium and magnesium — wet collection only.
When is a HEPA stage needed?
Where the limit is tighter than 5 mg/Nm³ or the dust is toxic — as final polishing after a bag or cartridge filter, fitted only downstream of an F7–F9 stage. Mandatory for toxic and carcinogenic dust; every filter comes with a test certificate.
See the equipment in 3D
Related guides
Cyclone, baghouse, cartridge collector, scrubber or ESP — a selection table by dust, temperature and duty.
Open →Baghouse or cartridge collectorCompact fine-dust duty versus high loading, temperature and severe operation — how to compare the two technologies.
Open →Filter bag mediaA filter bag media selection matrix by temperature, gas chemistry, moisture, abrasion and specialist finishes.
Open →TroubleshootingSymptom → cause → check → action: a matrix for high ΔP, dust leakage, short life, wet cake and unstable measurements.
Open →Need a calculation for this area?
An engineer replies with a selection and specification within one working day.