Metals - Industrial Gas Filtration & Generation Division | Parker US
Parker offers dust collection equipment and filters that you can trust

The particles that are released during the metals and machining processes are dangerous, you need dust collection equipment and filters that you can trust

How Can We Help You?

Air Quality and Dust Collection, A Major Priority

Metals and Machining covers a wide array of applications, and no matter which area you are in we have the expertise to be a valuable partner.

Over the past few years, EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) regulations have become increasingly more stringent, requiring the metals and metalworking industry to upgrade their current operational ventilation systems to comply with regulatory standards. There may also be a need for additional airflow capacity in existing or new areas. Even with the focus on optimizing the operation of existing dust, mist, and fume collection systems, many plants may consider the necessity for new capital equipment or alternative filtration technologies.

Want to Know More About the Particulate in Your Plant?

Characteristics of Contaminants in the Metals and Machining Industry

Contaminants generated from metal grinding may consist of surface coatings on the component, the base material being worked on, and the abrasives or materials from the tool. The particulate size distribution is very broad due to the variety of materials included in the process and is generally between 1-20 µm. The particulate may be abrasive and pose a combustion or explosion hazard. Contaminants from machining processes fall into three broad categories:

  1. Mists and fumes from metalworking machines when coolant lubricant is used to extend the tool life and prevent workpieces from deforming due to heat stress during machining. The amount of coolant smoke and mist generated by these machines depends on the stock size (diameter), the type of machining performed (boring, thread rolling), the operation's rotational speed, and the cut's depth. In general, the larger the stock, the faster the rotation and the deeper the cut, resulting in heavier smoke and coolant mist emissions.
  2. Dust and fine particulates from dry processing machines and cutting applications range in size and properties depending on the dust type. The emissions from these dry processes are metal oxides similar in particle size to those generated in welding processes. The thickness of the material being cut, the cutting time per piece, and the hours of operation affect pollutant generation and loading. Smoke generated from the thermal cutting operation includes products of volatilization, dry metal oxides of the material being cut, coatings, and atmospheric contaminants.
  3. Buffing and polishing operations produce three contaminants: fine grit from abrasive wheels, fibers from the buffing wheels, and waxy powders from rouge. Process dusts range from small spheres to elongated fibers. The particulate may also be combustible or explosive when collected.

Baghouse and dust collection systems create dirty gases that pass through a fabric filter in a baghouse that are typically 1-100 microns in size. Extensive dust properties must be evaluated and understood for the filtration system to work correctly and provide high efficiency and long filter life. Examples of properties include particle size, density, moisture content, stickiness/flowability, temperature, reactivity, toxicity, and flammability.

Metal Fume Hazards

Exposure to fumes over time and in abundant concentrations has been linked to respiratory, neurological, and fertility problems, including Metal Fume Fever and Parkinsonian Syndrome (manganism). Metalworking processes containing chromium, such as stainless steel or chromate coating, are particularly hazardous and linked to various forms of cancer. In addition to health risks, uncontrolled weld fumes reduce worker productivity, product quality problems, factory maintenance issues, and environmental concerns.

Baghouse & Dust Collection Training

Our training programs are designed for you if you are responsible for day-to-day baghouse or dust collection systems and equipment in your metals and machining plant. We offer in-person seminars and complimentary Principles of Dust Collection webinar series, and we also visit plants and conduct on-site training tailored to your operation, your people, and your specific needs. We will work with you to set up an agenda and addresses specific challenges you are facing in your plant.

We teach everything from industry terms, definitions, concepts, and filter cleaning systems to the basic dust collector design and operating parameters. In our training courses, we educate to help you improve your day-to-day operations, understand various means of troubleshooting as well as how to save on maintenance and energy costs. Learn more about which training option makes sense for you and your team.

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