Dust Collector Systems

BENEFITS OF DUST COLLECTOR PULSE VALVES Dust collector systems, like every product, have gone through technological upgrades and innovative changes to make them more valuable to the customer, by eliminating more dust and particulates from the air. BY MICHAEL RUSSO

Pulse valves are often used in dust collector systems for the grain, agriculture, and feed production industries.

Dusty environments in industries such as concrete, met- thereby lowering the cost of system operation. alworking, mining, steel mills, grain, agriculture, and Ideally, pulse valves should provide a high peak pressure feed are particularly susceptible to costly damage and blast of air, not only to achieve more effective dust collection downtime, due to particulates getting into machines. Dusty filter bag cleaning, but also to extend filter life. Insufficient air is a hazard to workers’ health; particularly in the food and peak pressure and slow valve response time result in poor filbeverage industries, where humans or animals must fight ter cleaning and wasted compressed air, an expensive consumpowder dust in the air. able, and a key element in market differentiation.

Many of these industries use specific equipment for handling, storage, and drying operations. Cereal, protein powder, Pulse valve design and starch product industries are increasingly incorporating When considering pulse valve characteristics, key attributes aggressive anti-bacterial chemicals meant to help eliminate sought by OEMs, engineers, purchasing managers, and end-usthe risk of contamination of food that is in contact with these ers alike include robust performance, reliability and ease of machines — but these chemicals may also be damaging to use. Today’s more popular pulse valves offer users a simplified equipment over time. design that helps to maximize valve performance, translating

It is easy to see why the industries men- into longer system uptimes. tioned above would use a dust collector sys- These valves are specifically developed for tem. However, consider other industries that filter cleaning of dust collectors and baghousmay not have much powder in the air, but es in reverse pulse jet systems. Those appliproduce a large volume of particulates, such cations require high peak pressure, high flow as automotive factories, chemical producers, rates, long life and extremely fast valve openand power plants. Frequently removing dust ing and closing for effective filter cleaning and particulates from the air of these auto- while minimizing compressed air waste. Some mated applications requires the use of specif- pulse valves are specified to provide a long opic equipment that is resistant to a variety of erating life with over one million cycles. materials including aggressive agents. For the functional design of a pulse valve,

It is imperative that companies incorpo- there are multiple connection options, includrate highly efficient dust collector systems ing threaded, dresser and even a quick-mount to eliminate or reduce as many maintenance option that enables faster, easier, and more concerns as possible. Pulse valves are used secure installation. This is a major benefit to clean bag-type or cartridge-type filters in for initial installation and replacement situaa dust collector system. These valves send a tions. Further, it helps if the pulse valve can high-energy pulse of air through the blow be mounted in any position without affecting tube creating a shock wave down the filters operation. Options for built-in silencers to reto remove dust. Higher air acceleration and Pulse valves are used to clean duce noise and prevent foreign particles from quicker valve response time helps clean filter bag-type or cartridge-type filters entering the valve are also important. bags better and consume less compressed air, in a dust collector system.

Pulse Valve Innovations

As with any technology, the ability to hold tighter tolerances for each component has driven performance and life expectancy forward. Plants must operate safely in hazardous or explosive environments and must comply with strict safety regulations. Pulse valves need to meet global approvals, including UL, CSA, RoHS, ATEX, CE, and other certifications suitable for worldwide use. Be sure that you’re working with a company that provides a range of optional waterproof and explosion-proof solenoids for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, and one that offers extended ambient temperature ranges.

Solution-solving Capabilities Whether someone is an OEM, engineer, or purchasing manager, there are multiple concerns that affect every buying decision. It’s not only about the latest technology, but also how easily that technology integrates with what they currently work with, how efficient the new technology will be, how long it will last, its maintenance needs, and how it will affect other components and costs they presently have.

When working with a valve company, the ability to provide quick delivery and outstanding technical support can help ensure smooth operations for your facility. Be sure you can get the components you need when you need them. Long lead times can slow down or shut down your processes. When talking with your supplier, be sure to ask if they offer an express shipment program to ensure the quick delivery of products. Long lead times can cause a lot of trouble, especially for

Mining is another key industry that relies on dust collector systems.

OEMs. Same-day shipping with ensured availability is ideal and can be an important factor in avoiding extra downtime in the plant. MRO

Michael Russo has been with Emerson since 2007 and is the Product Marketing Manager, Dust Collector Systems. In this role, he leads ASCO’s industrial marketing direction and strategic vision for dust collector systems. He has been involved in new product development efforts and has been aligned with customer needs and requirements. He was previously Senior Key Accounts Specialist. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing from Monmouth University. He can be reached at: Michael.Russo@Emerson.com.

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