Effective wood waste and dust management is essential throughout the wood industry, however, it doesn't need to be a daunting prospect. We explore what effective extraction systems are comprised of and how they work to make your workplace safe.

Why do we need extraction for wood dust?

Put simply, wood dust extraction is required to protect both people, property and production from the harmful or nuisance dusts / shavings created by woodworking, manufacturing or milling processes.
These can be within primary wood applications such as a saw mill or secondary wood applications such as kitchen unit manufacture.
Clean air is a must to ensure the safety of a company workforce & integrity of production quality.

System & Solution Types

Wood dust extraction systems, in fact extraction systems in general, can be categorised by the following two groups:
High Extract Volume, Low Pressure (HVLP) & Low Extract Volume, High Pressure (LVHP) – each of these types of system, although designed to perform the same protective function, go about their business in completely different ways, each operating using opposing principles while offering unique points of benefit & value that must be correctly matched via consultation to the customer's application.

An example of High Volume, Low Pressure system found in a primary wood application would be a typical NFSZ3000 ATEX approved baghouse dust collector installation, this type of system would generally be configured to capture dust at source via automated direct machine connections or articulated / localised capture points to be conveyed within appropriately dimensioned smooth bore, sealed QF ductwork at a specifically designed airflow velocity – in this type of installation larger volumes of air are required at relatively low pressure, paired with intelligent control systems these can be highly efficient options.

An example of Low Volume, High Pressure system  found in a secondary wood application would be a typical ATEX approved ‘on tool’, Flex filter DX high vacuum installation, in this type of system much lower air volumes are required but at much higher operating pressures (-12KPA to -45KPA), capture would again be at source but this time due to the skilled tradesman led operation this will be by way of direct hand tool connections with automatic vacuum valves, this ensures instant extraction where it is needed – the additional added benefit of this system is the option to use as a centralised clean up vacuum system across the production facility, offering the ability to eliminate the need to blow down or brush up.

Each of these types of systems are always configured & installed with the latest in ATEX / legislative compliant ancillaries and are available with intelligent insight control technology.

For your peace of mind, every system supplied, designed and installed is done so in compliance with the latest HSE guidance & COSHH regulations.

Key Features & Elements

 

Capture:

This is the method by which the dusts or shavings created during the production process are extracted, types shall always differ system to system & a robust and thorough consolation process a must – examples can be, direct connection, on tool connection or articulated arm – it is imperative to achieve efficient capture using the most appropriate method & correct capture velocities whilst not interfering with production itself.

Transport:

This element makes reference to both the air movement device (Fan set or VAC plant) & the specially dimensioned ductwork / pipe work that conveys the collected material to the dust collection matrix – correct design of this pipework system along with appropriate transport / conveyance airflow velocities are critical.

Safety Components:

Within an ATEX rated dust extraction system aside from the primary components, equally important are the components that will ensure the safe operation of the system – via thorough consultation & partnership with the client, each dust collection system designed to handle potentially combustible dust such as wood dust must ensure the appropriate risk mitigation measures are in place – common control components include, explosion relief panels, flameless venting devices & isolation or barrier valves.

Filtration:

The heart of every dust extraction system is the dust collector itself, what looks like a simple and unassuming metal box at the back of a factory, is in fact a specially selected and configured piece of engineering designed to interface correctly with the application at hand, filter the extracted air appropriately & to perform reliably & robustly year after year – If you look after your dust collector & the market leading filtration media within, in turn it will look after your people & your production.

Filter Cleaning System:

Every Nederman dust collector cleaning system boasts the best in efficient cleaning technology, but which is right for you? Shaker / Reverse Pulse Jet / Regeneration? Along with the perfect fit collector & perfect fit system, our teams will help you reach the right conclusion.

Material Discharge:

Hand in hand with the specially configured dust collector is the correct method of safely discharging the material ejected by the dust collector cleaning system, there are many ways to do this, integral duct collection bin, twin feed out valve or even rotary valve, which is right for you will depend on your dust loads and your application.

Ancillary Components:

As with most technology, rates of development & intelligence are swift and impressive, these days, your dust collection system is no different, Whether it is a need for automatic dampers that interface with CNC units or a full and complete condition monitoring system - Nederman Insight offers customers a host of digital solutions tailored in much the same way as our systems themselves