Dust Collector Maintenance Guidelines

The quality of air that someone breathes in is essential to one’s health. There is a high risk of severe health issues when it comes to air quality, especially with jobs that may release impurities (some unseen) into the air. A dust collection system works by eliminating most of these particles before they enter someone’s lungs. A very important role for a piece of equipment that very few people know anything about.

Routine maintenance is vital to everything.  Following a regular maintenance plan can help equipment run efficiently for a long time. This is no different for a dust collection system. This system is a valuable piece of equipment that helps to maintain proper air quality in a room or building. It is essential to establish and follow the appropriate guidelines to maintain that dust collector, so it will work to the best of its ability.

Create a Plan

Establish a plan to make sure to inspect the dust collector regularly. The size of the system will determine the complexity of the program. For example, industrial sized units could quite possibly need SOP’s (Standard Operation Procedures) created that can read like a novel, while the small everyday workshop might create a quick reference sheet. But the common theme between them both is to set up daily, weekly, quarterly, and even yearly inspections to keep the unit operating properly. The most important part of any plan is to follow it.

Empty the Bin or Bags Regularly

Keeping the bins and bags clean will allow the dust collector to work more efficiently. But avoid completely cleaning the bag out thoroughly. There needs to be a little weight in the bag to keep the system from sucking up the bag. To ensure that there is some buildup of dirt and debris avoid getting rid of all the “caked” debris that has built up in the bag. Just shake out loose debris (while wearing a mask) into a garbage bag and then dispose. Do not use water.

Make Sure Hoses are Tight

Next, making sure that hoses are tight should be part of the daily inspection piece. A loose hose can lead to a myriad of issues. Make sure to tighten hoses daily and there is no visible damage to the hoses. No sense in using the dust collector if it is just sending all those particles back out into the air due to a faulty hose.

Keep Filters Clean

The main job of the system is to filter out the particles from the air. A filter that’s clogged or not well kept, will not be very useful to cleaning out the air. Changing and cleaning filters often will help to make sure that the dust collector works properly. And it is true, if you follow the system of dust collector tips, your system will be long last.

Check the Fan

Fan blades are important to help circulate the air in the system. Sometimes dust build up can lead to the fans not operating properly. Use a vacuum to remove any loose dust or debris that has built up on the fan blades regularly. After finishing vacuuming use a damp cloth to carefully wipe off the fan blades of any leftover dust or debris.

Vacuum Out Electrical Boxes

One of the top reasons for a system to malfunction or fail is due to faulty wiring due to buildup of dust and debris in the electrical boxes. Plus, there is risk for something much worse to occur, fire. Carefully use a vacuum, to clean out electrical boxes making sure not to damage any wiring.

Conclusion

The key to keeping any piece of equipment running at peak performance is developing a preventative maintenance program and sticking to it. In no way should these steps replace the manufacturing guidelines but used for guidance in developing that maintenance plan that will keep that dust collector system operating at peak performance.

And if you install your dust collector system, you should monitor the system perfectly. Because you are not an expert. So before maintenance any dust collector, be sure, the system installed by an expert.