Dust Collector Filter Best Practices

A dust collection system in a plant keeps the workplace running smoothly. One of the most important practices in ensuring dust collector safety and productivity is filter maintenance. Most dust collector filters require regular cleaning, maintenance, and changing. Refer to the tips below for simple best practices to ensure filter maintenance is done correctly.

Tip #1: Be sure your reverse pulse is connected and working properly

Reverse pulse (often called pulse jet) cleaning is connected to the compressed air line and shoots “pulsed” air in the opposite direction of the filtered dirty air to knock off dust particles and dust cake off of the filter media into dust drawers or drums for collection and removal. The pulse air will expand the filter media within its filter frame breaking up the dust cake and thus being blown free.

Recommended compressed air pressure for proper cartridge cleaning is 90-100 PSI. Consult your dust collector manual to determine if your specific model requires a different PSI. Turning up the pressure of your compressed air does not equal better pulse; too much pressure can damage your filters over time.

Cleaning your filters does not mean they will not need to be changed. Regularly pulsing your filters will extend their life.

In our blog: Dust Collector Filters: Clean or Replace, we discuss pulse jet cleaning, and when it’s time to completely replace filters.

Tip #2: Have a maintenance plan in place

Performing regular maintenance and filter checks on your dust collector will ensure your system works properly. Repairs and system downtime will cost more overall than the time and money for maintenance. Filter checks should be a standard practice as they are key to the overall collector’s performance.

If your dust collector has a differential pressure gauge, be sure you know what range is “normal” and check it often so it does not run in the red. You will want to schedule your filter change out before they become clogged and unusable. When your filters are clogged, this could lead to bypass and then dirty air returning to the clean space through the clean air plenum

If you are considering replacing one filter rather than all the filters in your dust collector, please read our blog: Benefits of a Complete Dust Collector Filter Change Out.

Download the AirMax Maintenance Checklist to better assist you in scheduling routine maintenance.

Tip #3: Don’t delay on changing your filters

Depending on your dust collector and your specific application, your filters may need to be changed as often as every three months, or they may last as long as a year. Keeping an eye on your filters will reduce the chance of them becoming clogged, not working properly, or worse yet shutting down production.

Scheduled change outs reduce the chance of your facility filling up with smoke as well as facility downtime. We go in more depth on this topic in this blog: How Often to Replace Dust Collector Filters.

Bonus Tip #4: Have back-up filters

Keep a full replacement set of filters in stock at all times as this will also combat unnecessary downtime. If you don’t have the warehouse space, AirMax stocks hundreds of standard filters at all times and can typically ship out in the same week. We offer easy online ordering,  or you can call our filter experts to discuss options for your specific dust collector.