Cartridge collectors use pleated filter media to deliver high filtration area in a compact footprint, cleaned by pulses of compressed air. Best suited to fine, dry, non-abrasive dust such as welding fume, grinding dust, and powder handling.

Shaker and baghouse collectors use fabric bags and handle higher dust loading and higher temperatures than cartridges, at the cost of a larger footprint. Best suited to heavy-volume, coarser material.

Cyclone collectors separate material by centrifugal force with no filter media, so they handle very heavy or abrasive loading without blinding. Often used as a pre-separator ahead of a cartridge or baghouse rather than as the only stage.

Wet scrubbers capture dust in a liquid medium. Specified where the dust is combustible, hot, sticky, or presents a deflagration risk that a dry collector would concentrate.

Source capture arms extract contaminant at the point of generation rather than filtering the whole room. Far more effective per CFM than ambient filtration, and usually the first thing to evaluate for welding and fume applications.

What type of dust collector do I need?

It depends on the material, dust loading, particle size, temperature, moisture, and whether the dust is combustible. Fine dry dust in moderate volume typically points to a cartridge collector. Heavy or coarse loading points to a shaker or baghouse, often with a cyclone as a pre-separator. Combustible or hot material may point to a wet scrubber. The material characteristics drive the decision more than anything else.

Should I use source capture or ambient filtration?

Source capture removes contaminant where it is generated, before it reaches the operator's breathing zone or disperses through the building. It requires far less airflow for the same protection, which means lower fan energy and less conditioned air pulled out of the building. Ambient filtration is a supplement for what escapes capture, or a fallback where the source moves or cannot be enclosed. Evaluate source capture first.

Does dust collection affect my building's air balance?

Substantially, and it is routinely overlooked. A collection system exhausting to atmosphere removes conditioned air that has to be replaced. Without matching makeup air, the building goes negative, the collector underperforms its rated airflow, and the facility develops draft and backdrafting problems. Size the makeup air alongside the collection system, not after it.

How much does an industrial dust collection system cost?

Cost is driven by required airflow, filtration type, ducting complexity, and controls, so the range across projects is wide. Send us the application — the process, the material, the number of pickup points, and the facility layout — and we will produce an equipment selection and budget pricing.

Who installs dust collection systems in Michigan?

Collection systems are installed by mechanical contractors. Radiant Energy Systems supplies AQC equipment and produces the system design. If you are a facility manager without a contractor for the work, contact us and we will connect you with one in your area.