Designed for you
As we design and build all of our own filters we have been able to develop a range to meet the needs of all aspects of the metal production and manufacturing industries. Our standards of construction vary but we usually use a mild steel construction – however the method of construction needs to consider wear characteristics and product flow for heavy dust loads.
Whether the application is process related – where the product being handled is a process ingredient (process venting) – or the application is handling fugitive emissions from the process (dust extraction/LEV) – we have a solution that will fit your need.
All of our filters come with ATEX rated options meaning potentially explosive and volatile products can be handled safely and they can also be built to comply with Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) where applicable. Click here to see our filters.
As with the filter design we also offer a wide range of filter cartridge and bag materials so are able to handle any product whether it is sticky, cohesive or extremely fine. This includes HEPA rated medias to H14 class and also solutions to provide resistance against hydrolysis, temperature, moisture, PH levels, etc.
Our in-house design team are able to provide a filter to fit almost any space constraints so we can ensure we provide the right fit for your work-space.
Why do you need dust control?
Dust control is vital in any manufacturing industry. A well-built, fit-for-purpose dust control system will:
- Protect operators from harmful dust
- Prevent explosions
- Reduce housekeeping and minimise breakdowns
- Improve product quality by preventing cross contamination
- Protect the environment
Dust from metals dust can be a health hazard for your operators depending on the products being used, plus the high value of the material being handled means that there is often a need to reclaim the filtered product. In addition to protecting workers and dust reclamation – preventing cross-contamination may be a consideration as well.
Protect operators
Employees are the most valuable asset to any business. As well as a moral obligation to protect your work force you have a legal obligation under COSHH to control emissions into the workplace.
Prolonged exposure to welding fumes can be hazardous to health. Metals and minerals being processed can pose a risk if they escape into the atmosphere. There may be products in use that, if exposed to them by breathing them or touching them, can cause adverse side effects such as respiratory illness, skin reactions and other physiological effects. For example:
The toxicity of nickel metal and inorganic nickel compounds vary, depending on their solubility (how easily they dissolve). However, general short-term effects can include:
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irritation of the skin on contact with solutions of soluble nickel salt
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eye irritation from exposure to nickel dust, fumes, or splashes from nickel containing solutions
Longer-term effects can include:
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allergic reactions in the skin and respiratory tract and asthma;
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inflammation of the lungs; cancer of the lung and nose, particularly the sinuses
Exposure to silica dust can also cause serious skin conditions and even damage to the lungs and airways. The main dust related diseases affecting construction workers are:
- Lung Cancer
- Silicosis
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) )
- Asthma
A Health risk encountered by people working in foundries is the exposure to a number of harmful substances including:
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Fine respirable dust which contains silica, large quantities of inhalable and respirable dusts, ferrous foundry particulates and metal dust and fumes
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Other substances such as formaldehyde, phenol, acid fumes and isopropyl alcohol can be present if using a sand stabiliser during the casting process
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Other possible hazardous substances dependent on the nature of the foundry can include chlorine, aluminium, lead, cadmium, cobalt and nickel
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If the foundry is also involved within spraying activities workers can be exposed to solvents as well
The HSE sets a long term Workplace Exposure Limit for every industry and a full list can be found on the HSE website. Breaching of these standards can result in severe penalties, loss of productivity due to employee sickness and even legal action. For small or large businesses, looking after employee health by reducing dust exposure is vitally important.
Reduce Housekeeping & Minimise Breakdowns
If dust emissions can be controlled at source this will prevent egress of dust into the wider production environment. Less or no dust in the production environment means housekeeping tasks can be minimised. It also means that machinery productivity won’t be impaired by being clogged up with dust. This will save on maintenance requirements and prevent costly breakdowns making the process more productive and reducing operator intervention, thereby saving money.
Product Quality
If cross-contamination with other materials occurs in your process it can impact on product quality and safety and can result in an unusable end product which has a negative effect of productivity and profitability.
The nature of the products being produced within the metals industry often means it’s important to avoid cross contamination and a well-designed and effective process filtration or dust control system can help to achieve this.
Some materials are costly so maximising product yield is an important consideration. Again, we can help you to achieve this with an effective filtration system.
Protect the Environment
With processes that are vented to atmosphere you have a legal obligation to comply with emissions according to EPA. The Environmental Protection Act 1990’ (EPA) for waste management and control of emissions into the environment requires your business to keep emissions at a certain level and by filtering your air and removing contaminants; a Dustcheck system will ensure you meet this legislation.
What steps can you take to reduce dust?
Dustcheck process filtration and dust control solutions will help prevent and control dust and emissions and solve all of the issues that go with it. You can also find industry standard guidance and advice on the HSE website with sections that deal specifically with dust control.