The world of industry and its manufacturing processes systematically generate dust particles, organic and inorganic vapors and solvents that are harmful to employees. However, there is no single industrial extraction solution for the treatment of these dusts and solvents.
After detailing the risks of exposure for workers, we will now list the different solutions used by industry for the treatment of dusts and solvents arising from production activities.
Risks of exposure to dusts and solvents
l’Assurance maladie Risques professionnels and the French government have long been concerned with the risks faced by industrial workers who breathe solvent dusts and vapors in their working environment. Its studies focus on risk prevention.
Where do the risks come from?
Regardless of the source of these particles and pollutants, public authorities draw the attention of managers to the need to prevent the risks of exposure to these products.
Dust emissions can be generated by wood industry processes or production facilities. The manufacture of chemicals and hydrocarbons generates numerous organic and inorganic solvents and vapors.
Preventing the risk of exposure to dusts and solvents
If the industry that generates these pollutants has no possibility of using substitute products that pose no risk to the respiratory system, it has a duty to propose measures to install dust and solvent filtration or capture systems.
Mixed systems for dust and solvents
When both dust and solvents need to be treated, two types of filtration need to be combined in the same equipment.
Particle filtration (for dust and particles) ;
Molecular filtration (for gases: vapors and solvents).
If the dust concentration is high, a dust collector with filters that can be regenerated by a cleaning device and activated carbon terminal filtration should be chosen. If the dust concentration is low, a mechanical saturation filter(non-regenerable disposable filters) and activated carbon terminal filtration may be chosen.
Mixed systems for handling dust and solvents can be of several types: fixed or mobile, small or large capacity, they must be adapted to the working environment. Their suction and filtration power can vary according to the nature of the dust and solvents.
If the priority need is to treat dust, we’ll use a dust treatment system, to which we’ll add a solvent treatment system. For example, a dust collector with an additional solvent treatment stage. On the other hand, if the main problem concerns solvents, we’ll use a solvent unit and add a dust treatment unit (pre-separator). For the record, activated carbon does not filter dust. It degrades on contact with it. To avoid saturating the carbon filter too quickly, it’s important to treat the dust first.
Some use cases
Here are a few concrete examples of industrial applications.
Composite materials workshops (carbon fiber and fiberglass)
These workshops can be found in the defense industry and in the manufacture of boats and racing cars. During the resin application phase, solvents are treated. During sanding or cutting, the majority of the dust is treated, but the heating of the resin surfaces can also release gases. Where large quantities of dust are involved, an industrial dust collector with automatic cleaning is used, with regenerable, cleanable filters. As the dust filter does not stop the gaseous fraction, an additional activated carbon filtration stage must be installed.
Paint rework on production lines
Where paint is present, solvent treatment is required. A saturation filter will separate paint molecules, and a 2nd stage of activated carbon (gaseous pollutants) will be installed. They can be treated using ePURBOX mobile filtration units.
Plastic injection molding
In the case of injection molding, plastic dust and fumes are generated. Given the thermal degradation of plastic, the gaseous pollutant will have to be treated with activated carbon.
Laser cutting, laser marking on plastic or 3D printer
The thermal degradation caused by these activities generates smoke (a gaseous pollutant) and solid pollutants. These can be treated with ePUREx 1000, 2000 or 3000 filter boxes.
Gluing
The automotive and aeronautics industries use this gluing technique. It generates gaseous pollutants, and resanding generates dust emissions.
Are you an industry professional? Are you looking for the ideal system? Don’ t hesitate to ask us for the data sheet corresponding to your application needs.
