About dominickdalsanto

Dominick is the sales director and sales technical advisor for industrial dust collection equipment manufacture. Personally took the lead on key projects each year from sales engineer to field advisor to project manager to business relations.

Entries by dominickdalsanto

Top 5 Common Baghouse Misconceptions — And Why They Matter

If you’re trying to get the most out of your baghouse system, there’s one simple rule to keep in mind: go back to the basics.

It might not sound exciting, but fundamentals like starting up the system properly and cleaning only when needed (based on differential pressure) can make a huge difference in performance and bag life.

You’d be surprised how many plants overlook these essentials. And often, it’s because of a few persistent myths about how baghouses actually work. So let’s clear the air and take a closer look at five common misconceptions that could be holding your system back.

(And just a quick heads-up: if you’re using PTFE or Teflon-coated bags, these points might not apply in the same way.)

Misconception #1: The Bags Do the Filtering

fisherman casting a net and catching small and big fish. In dust collection, when a dust cake is formed in the filter, the smaller particles cant go through

The dust cake in the filter is like having big fish in your net, which collect small fish that normally would go through the holes of the net.

It seems logical to assume the filter bags are what filter the dust, right? But that’s partially right.

In reality, the real filtering happens in the dust cake—the fine layer of dust that builds up on the surface of the bag. This “control layer” is what traps the smaller particles. Without it, fine dust can slip right through and get embedded in the bag fabric. That’s how you end up with prematurely blinded bags that have to be replaced long before their time.

This is why proper startup is so critical when you install new bags. If you rush the process and start collecting full-load dust too soon, there’s no chance for that initial dust layer to build properly. And once the media gets clogged internally, there’s no cleaning it out. That’s why we recommend using precoat powder when the bags are new, to contribute to form an initial dust layer.

Misconception #2: Over-Cleaning is Better Than Under-Cleaning

It’s easy to fall into the “cleaner is better” mindset. After all, that’s true for most things—just not baghouses.

Blinded pleated filters with a thick dust cake

Undercleaning usually happens when the cleaning system is in poor condition or is set incorrectly. The result is excessive dust cake that will choke off the airflow.

Over-cleaning can be worse than under-cleaning. Why? Because every time you pulse clean the bags, you’re removing the dust cake layer that does the actual filtering. If you clean too often—especially on a time-based schedule rather than based on differential pressure—you’re stripping the bags down to the raw fabric over and over again. This opens the door for fine dust to embed in the media and causes early blinding.

And here’s the kicker: most emissions from a baghouse happen during the cleaning cycle. So if you’re cleaning more than you need to, you’re not just wearing out your bags—you’re potentially increasing emissions and wasting compressed air too.

Misconception #3: Filtering Wears Out the Bags

This one is sneaky because it seems true on the surface. You might think, “The more dust that goes through the system, the more wear on the bags,” right?

Not quite. It’s not the filtering—it’s the cleaning that wears them out.

Every pulse of air flexes the bag fabric. Over time, that flexing weakens the fibers, opens up the weave, and lets dust in. Add to that the mechanical stress of thousands of cleaning cycles, and you’ve got a recipe for premature bag failure.

If you wait until the differential pressure really justifies a cleaning, you’ll reduce how often the bags flex—and that extends their life significantly.

Misconception #4: Short Temperature Spikes Aren’t a Big Deal

Another common myth is that short temperature spikes—ones that go just a bit above the filter media’s rating—don’t really hurt anything.

That’s not true. Even brief exposures to high temperatures weaken the tensile strength of the filter media. And the damage is cumulative. The media may look fine after the spike, but a few days or weeks later, you start seeing bags fail during normal operation.

We’ve seen this happen at foundries running close to the temperature limit for their bags. One sudden spike, even for just 30 minutes, and a week later they’re pulling bags with ripped seams and fabric tears. The material just couldn’t hold up under the usual cleaning cycles anymore.

Check here the different filter medias and their corresponding temperature rating.

Misconception #5: You Don’t Need to Inspect Bags Until You See a Problem

It’s easy to fall into the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mindset when it comes to baghouse maintenance. But waiting until there’s a visible problem—like a spike in emissions, a drop in airflow, or a jump in differential pressure—usually means the damage is already done.

Routine inspections are super important, even if the system seems to be running smoothly

Filter bags degrade gradually, and many issues start long before you see any obvious signs. Tiny tears, seam separation, chemical attack, and wear from cleaning cycles often begin on a small scale. If left unchecked, these issues can turn into full-blown failures that lead to downtime, permit violations, or even safety risks.

That’s why routine inspection and preventative maintenance are critical, even when everything seems to be running fine. Visual checks, spot bag testing, and scheduled compartment inspections can catch early signs of trouble—like bag hardening, embrittlement, or abrasion—before they impact performance.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how your baghouse really works—and what doesn’t cause problems—is key to running a more efficient and reliable system.

And remember: if something seems “off” with your baghouse, don’t just assume it needs more cleaning. Sometimes the best thing you can do is let the dust do its job.

August 26, 2025/by dominickdalsanto

Baghouse FAQs, Dust Collection 101, Safety

Can I Get Fire-Proof Baghouse Filters?

Recently, we received a request from a purchasing agent at a woodworking facility looking for “fireproof” baghouse filters. It was his first time ordering anything for the company’s baghouses, and one potential filter supplier had told him to look into “fireproof media like Nomex” (i.e., aramid) for use in their collector. Needless to say, he was a bit surprised when we explained that no such thing existed — and that his so-called “filter expert” had given him potentially disastrous advice.

Read article: Introduction to Combustible Dust Explosions Common to Baghouses

Fire and Explosion Dangers to a Dust Collection System

The most serious risk to a dust collection system (and the facility using it) is a combustible dust fire or explosion. Materials such as flour, wood, iron, aluminum, sugar, and many others become extremely combustible when in powder form. In addition to fires, combustible material inside a dust collection system finds the perfect combination of oxygen, dispersion, and confinement to explode with extreme force.

High-Temperature Fabrics and Flame-Resistant Finishes?

Even if the dust being handled isn’t combustible enough to explode or sustain a fire, sparks and embers can still damage the baghouse filters. Even when a spark or ember cannot ignite the dust, it can still ignite the filters themselves.

Aramid baghouse filters (trade name Nomex) is widely used because of its resistance to relatively high temperatures and to abrasion.

General applications for Aramid felt includes highly abrasive dust and chemical applications with high temperatures

Most dust collector filters are made from synthetic materials such as polyester, polypropylene, aramid, or fiberglass. While some fabrics like aramid (Nomex) and fiberglass have a higher maximum operating temperature, they are NOT fireproof. This temperature rating refers only to the process gas temperature, not to direct contact with sparks or flames. If hot embers make contact with these fabrics, they can still burn holes or even ignite the filters.

Additionally, certain manufacturers offer “fire-resistant” or “flame-retardant” treatments for various filter media types. While these coatings can provide an extra layer of protection, they will not fully prevent damage from sparks or embers that contact the filter bags.

Read a case study involving combustible dust: Case Study – Combustible Dust Safety in Aerospace Manufacturing

Fire/Explosion Prevention and Protection — Two Different Objectives

To protect your system from damage, there are two categories of solutions: prevention and protection.

Prevention devices include:

Explosion isolation valve connected to ductwork outside the facilities

🔶 Spark arrestors, which break embers into small pieces, extinguishing them before they reach the dust collector.
🔶 High-speed abort gates and diverter valves, which redirect airflow to stop ignition sources from entering the baghouse.
🔶 Inerting systems, which introduce inert gases or powders to reduce the risk of ignition in high-risk processes.

Protection devices focus on minimizing damage after an incident occurs. These include:

Newly installed explosion vents

🔹 Explosion vents (also called pressure relief vents) that safely relieve excess pressure.
🔹 Fire suppression systems, such as high-speed sprinklers or dry chemical injection systems, which extinguish fires or explosions quickly.

Both prevention and protection systems are also critical for stopping fires or explosions that start in the ductwork from reaching the baghouse.

To comply with fire safety regulations (such as those from OSHA and the NFPA), a combination of both prevention and protection is often required. Only by skillfully integrating both can a facility create a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the risks associated with combustible dust.

See other Combustible Dust Accessories

Conclusion — “Fireproof” Bags? Don’t Be Misled

There’s no such thing as a fireproof filter fabric. Be wary of anyone offering such a product — they are either misinformed or not being honest with you.

Facilities that face significant hazards from combustible dust should consult an experienced baghouse engineering provider or a fire safety expert to develop a comprehensive mitigation strategy. Even facilities not dealing with combustible dust can still experience fires if sparks or embers reach the baghouse. Your system might not explode, but your filters can still catch fire — and they will, if you’re not careful.

August 6, 2025/by dominickdalsanto

Dust Collector Maintenance, Dust Collector Troubleshooting

Are Your Air Headers and Pulse Valves Causing Poor Cleaning in Your Baghouse?

By Dominick Dal Santo

If you’ve ever walked past your dust collector and felt a blast of air strong enough to knock off your hard hat, it’s probably your air headers crying for help.

Rusty compressed air header in a dust collector

Recently, on a site visit, I came across headers so corroded and leaky they looked like they’d been through a war zone. The technician walking with me casually mentioned, “Oh yeah, we patch those a few times a year.” In fact, they were so used to leaks, they had makeshift braces holding the headers down to keep them from rattling loose during pulse cleaning. No pressure gauge in sight, just a whole lot of compressed air going to waste.

Let’s talk about how to prevent that from happening to your system — or how to fix it if it already has.

Why Air Headers and Pulse Valves Matter

rusty air header

Pulse-jet baghouses rely on clean, high-pressure air stored in headers to deliver sharp bursts through pulse valves. These bursts keep your filter bags clean and your system breathing easy. But if the headers are corroded, leaking, or the valves are misfiring, you’re not cleaning — you’re wasting energy, damaging bags, and likely spending way more than you think.

The Real Cost of Doing Nothing

Patching up air headers over and over might seem like a budget-friendly solution — until you count the cost of compressed air loss, labor, lost efficiency, and unplanned downtime.

Here’s a ballpark comparison:

Task	Estimated Cost
Temporary patch (3x/year)	$3,000–$5,000 (labor + air loss)
Replacing header with mild steel (again)	$2,000–$4,000
Replacing with stainless steel once	$5,000–$7,500
Unplanned shutdown due to failure	$10,000–$50,000+

The numbers add up quickly. And that’s without counting the frustration of explaining to upper management why another baghouse went down in the middle of production.

Why Stainless Steel Is Worth It

Stainless steel air headers not only look fancy, they’re functional. They resist the corrosion that eats away at mild steel, especially in humid or outdoor conditions. Install them once, and they’ll likely outlast the bags themselves.

Important tip: When installing SS headers, avoid contact with dissimilar metals (like carbon steel mounts or fasteners). Use insulating wraps or gaskets. Otherwise, you’ll get galvanic corrosion, and you’ll be right back where you started — but now with a more expensive problem.

Water in Your Lines?

One of the leading causes of internal corrosion in air headers is water in the compressed air lines. It sneaks in from improperly drained receivers, faulty dryers, or sometimes just plain humid air.

Purge valves or auto-drains at the bottom of your headers automatically open to release the water, helping to get rid of this moisture before it can collect and cause corrosion. If you don’t have these — it’s time.

What About the Pulse Valves?

Routine inspection and replacement of pulse valves and diaphragms (typically every 1–2 years, depending on conditions) keeps your cleaning sharp and efficient.

Your pulse valves are the workhorses of the cleaning system. But if they’re sticking, leaking, or misfiring, they’ll throw your firing sequence off — and cleaning gets spotty. That means:

🔹 Bags cake up
🔹 Differential Pressure goes up
🔹 Fan has to work harder
🔹 Energy bills climb
🔹 Filter life drops

Routine inspection and replacement of pulse valves and diaphragms (typically every 1–2 years, depending on conditions) keeps your cleaning sharp and efficient.

Multiple Headers? Sync the Firing Sequence

If your collector has multiple air headers, it’s critical that your pulse control system fires valves in sequence — not all at once. Simultaneous firing can cause a pressure drop across all headers, making pulses weak and ineffective.

A simple test: For most applications using felted filter media, compressed air at roughly between 70 and 100 PSI may be recommended for proper cleaning of the filter elements. Check that pressure holds steady (or quickly recovers) during a full cleaning cycle. If it’s dropping like a rock, you’ve got either misfiring valves, leaks, or undersized air supply.

A Little Prevention Goes a Long Way

If your baghouse is a central part of your operation, then keeping your headers, valves, and air lines in top shape it’s essential.

Stainless steel headers, moisture control, working purge valves, and a good pulse sequence setup will pay for themselves in a year or less. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll get to keep your hard hat on next time you walk past the collector.

Would you like some help getting pulse valves, a new air header or purge valves?

July 23, 2025/by dominickdalsanto

Baghouse Design, Dust Collection 101, Purchasing Supplies Tips

What Kind of Dust Collector Do I Have? Guide To Baghouse Styles

Often the hardest part about purchasing replacement parts for your dust collection system is identifying what kind of dust collector you have. Use this guide to quickly learn how to identify which dust collector style you have and get your quotes faster.

Knowing Your Dust Collector is Key To Getting Better Quotes For Replacement Parts and Services

When a potential customer calls or emails us requesting pricing for replacement filters, parts, or services for their dust collection system, we often run into the same problem. “Can you tell me what kind of dust collector you have?” we ask, followed by “um…I don’t know.” Yes, it is quite common for customers to not know what kind of dust collector they have, let alone the specs for their filter bags, pulse valves, control boards, etc.

Knowing the details about your dust collection system is vital for obtaining information and pricing for products/services such as:

🔹 Replacement Filters: Bags, cartridges, pleated elements; filter cages
🔹 Replacement Parts: Pulse valves, control boards, door gasket material, leak testing powder/lights, venturi, mounting hubs, etc.
🔹 Service Work: Filter replacement services, refurbishing of existing dust collectors, training courses, technical inspections, etc.
🔹 Engineering Services: Replacing or modifying an existing dust collector, changing filter materials, upgrading to pleated filter elements, etc.

At times, customers may have some obscure part numbers they’ve pulled off a rusty metal plate on the collector… sadly, these almost never result in any meaningful information, since most dust collector OEMs either assign random serial/part numbers to their units or do not provide reference sheets for their products. As such, maintenance personnel, purchasing agents, or others assigned to get pricing for these items do not have the necessary information for us to determine what they need.

With this in mind, we have prepared the following guide to identifying the various types of dust collector styles and configurations.

For determining what kind of replacement filter bags your baghouse requires, please see the article: How To Choose The Correct Dust Collector Filter

Main Types of Fabric Dust Collectors

All fabric filters operate on the same basic principle of passing dust-laden air through a fabric material to capture and remove particulates. The main differences between various dust collectors are the way the filters are cleaned and the type of filters they use.

NOTE: Fabric filter dust collectors (i.e. baghouses) are the most common kind of dust collection system used in industry. Electrostatic precipitators, wet scrubbers, and cyclone collectors are also used, often in conjunction with fabric filter units. For this article we will consider only fabric filter dust collectors.

The three kinds of dust collectors according to cleaning styles are:

🔸 Pulse Jet – Bags are suspended from a tubesheet at the top of the unit and cleaned by blowing compressed air into the filters from above. Bags are supported by metal wire cages. Cleaning can be accomplished while the unit is running (i.e. online cleaning) using blasts of compressed air directly into rows of bags. The vast majority of units manufactured in the last 30 years are pulse jets. Included in this style are Bin Vents. These small units are basically just small pulse jets with no hopper that dump directly back into the storage vessel when pulsed. These units can be converted to pleated filters.
Notice the bags attached to the shaker rack at the top and at the bottom to thimbles using bag (hose) clamps.

🔸 Shaker – Bags are attached to a rack or tubesheet shaken by motor(s) to release buildup dust cake and clean the bags. New installations of these systems are uncommon due to inefficiency and high cost of use.
🔸 Medium Pressure Reverse Air – In these systems, bags attach to a tubesheet with a snap band top and then use a metal wire cage for support. Bags are cleaned by a rotating cleaning arm that directs a constant steam of clean air down into each bag as it rotates. It uses essentially identical bags as a top load pulse jet; some use oval-shaped bags in place of round bags/cages. These can also be converted to pleated filters.
- ► NOTE: Medium-pressure reverse air systems (Such as Donaldson RF series) while not as widely-used as pulse jets, are still found in many industries. These units use bags nearly identical to top-load pulse jet bags.
🔸 Low Pressure Reverse Air – In these systems, bags are attached at the bottom to a tubesheet with large mounting hubs or thimbles, and then suspended from chains and conical springs or “J-Rods” with conical springs and then tensioned from above. Bags are cleaned when the dirty air inlet is closed and a secondary cleaning inlet is opened, then a second system fan (reverse air fan) blows air back into the baghouse from the top, and creates positive pressure collapsing the bags and causing the dust cake to fall off into the hopper. These are almost always very large units (500+ bags), compartmentalized to allow for continuous operation (cannot clean online), and found on foundries, mills, boilers, etc.

Pulse jets account for the vast majority of filters in use today. For that reason, let’s examine the various differences between pulse jet styles.

Identifying Variations of Pulse Jet Dust Collectors

Bottom load dust collector shown from bottom

View from underneath a tubesheet in a bottom load dust collector. Note the fixed venturi and mounting hubs where the bags and cages are attached.

🔵 On Bottom Load Dust Collectors (or bottom entry) units, the dirty air plenum is accessed through a door or hatch on the side of the unit (usually near the hopper break) with a walkway inside. The bags are attached to mounting hubs or thimbles on the underside of the tubesheet using a bag clamp (i.e. hose clamp). Replacing the filters requires the technician to enter the dirty side and release the clamp at the top of the filter and then remove the dirty filter and cage from the unit. These units typically take raw edge top, disk bottom bags, and split collar cages. The cages go inside the bag and then the excess fabric is folded over the edge of the cage, and then pushed up onto the mounting hub/thimble and then secured with a clamp.

Modular Pulse Jet Dust Collector with walk-in plenum style

Real-life example of a top load pulse jet dust collector with walk-in plenum. Notice the doors on the catwalk.

🔵 Top Load Dust Collectors (or top entry) permit access from above the tubesheet, on the clean side of the baghouse, usually by removing a top hatch/door and then stepping down onto to the tubesheet. The filters go down into the tubesheet hole from above and then are secured into the holes by either a snap band or use some kind of hold down hardware.

Some top-load units have an enlarged clean air plenum that allows technicians to walk in and remove the bags and cages entirely within the structure. These are called Walk-In-Plenum Top-Entry baghouses. Aside from the enlarged clean air plenum, these units are identical to top hatch/top-entry units. Due to the limited overhead clearance, these units may require two-piece cages to be used.

Top load style units almost always take snap band bags or a variation. Common cage designs include rolled top flange or flat flange. Some cages also have a separate venturi that drop into place, or are part of the cage top. Top entry units can also use pleated filter elements specifically designed for top load units.

Now that you have determined your style of pulse jet baghouse. Next, let’s examine the filters and cages to determine which kind you need.

Identifying The Different Filter, Cage, Cartridges, and Pleated Filter Variations

Next, you must identify the specifics of your filter bags and cage design. Many think that there are “standard” baghouse filters and that all they need is to mention a part number or a make of a baghouse, and the specs can be “looked up” and found. The reality is that in almost all cases, a detailed bag spec is required to get a proper quote.

Generally, to receive an accurate quote for dust collector filters requires the following specs:

✅ Dimensions (length & diameter)

- ► Flat width (most accurate measurement possible for a round bag)
✅ Top/Bottom Design
✅ Fabric
✅ Treatment/Finish (if any)
✅ Less-common special items
- ► Grounding wire
- ► Anti-collapse rings (reverse air only)
- ► Center or bottom wear strip (for two-piece cages or high abrasion applications)

The most common Top/Bottom Construction Styles according to baghouse style:

Top Load Baghouses – Common Bag/Cage Combos

🔵 Filter Bag: Snap band top, disk bottom

Snap band designs are used for top-load dust collectors
- ► May include additional wear strip at the bottom of the bag or in the middle (two-piece cages)
🔵 Cage: Rolled top, pan bottom
- ► Drop-in venturi or integral venturi
- ► Two-piece cages more common for Walk-In-Plenum variations

Bottom Load Baghouses – Common Bag/Cage Combos

🔵 Filter Bag: Raw edge top, disk bottom
🔵 Cage: Split collar (rolled band) normal or high groove, rolled flange (rolled band), flat flange, top, pan bottom

Selection of Filter Fabrics and Treatments

This depends on what material is being handled and air conditions inside the system (i.e. temperature, presence of acid/alkali gases or other reactive chemicals, etc. Cost is also a factor as some more resilient fabrics would be cost-prohibited in certain applications.

🔶 Low-Temperature Fabric Materials (250F or less) – Polyester (PE), Polypropylene, Cotton, Acrylic and Nylon
🔶 High-Temperature Fabric Materials (250F – 500F) – Aramid (Nomex), Fiberglass, PPS, P-84, PTFE (not to be confused with PTFE coating/membrane)
- Food Grade fabrics also exist for applications requiring FDA-approved materials.
🔶 Treatments/Finishes and Membranes are used to increase resistance to certain conditions or compounds. Common treatments included humidity/moisture (hydrophobic), oils and hydrocarbons (oleophobic), acid resistance, glazed, singed, egg-shell, PTFE treatment (not membrane) and others.
- - ► A very special kind of treatment is PTFE membrane, which imparts higher collection efficiencies, easier dust cake release (i.e. easier to pulse clean), and extends useful service life. Membranes do not require precoating and can be cleaned more forcefully than normal bags.
Envelope-Shaped bags do exist (Maybe consider converting to newer style bags or pleated.)
🔶 Certain less-common design features include:
- ► Hold-down hardware (used on older models to hold bags and cages to the tube sheet)
- ► Non-standard bottoms such as sown flat, open bottom, star-shaped, etc.
- ► Non-standard tops such as cord, double-beaded-snap band, hangers, grommets, etc.

While the majority of bags are round, there are some older units that used envelope, oval, or other oddly-shaped bags for one reason or another. If this is the case, a accurate measurements and/or photos and samples are required to duplicate.

The thickness of the tube sheet may be required when replacingsnap band bags and cages. Since this varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, it’s often best to verify this before sending your request for a quote. This is especially important when converting older bag and cage styles or when installing pleated filter elements.

Baghouse Cages

Cage designs vary depending on the pulse jet variation. The main variables for baghouse cages are:

🔵 Dimensions (length x diameter)
🔵 Top/Bottom Design
🔵 Material
- ► Mild steel/carbon steel, galvanized, epoxy coated, or stainless steel (304, 318, etc.)
🔵 Number of vertical wires and horizontal wires
- ► Certain applications/fabrics call for more wires, e.g. fiberglass bags may take 12, 16, 20 or 24 wire cages)
- ► Rarely, cages require additional horizontal bracing. Most cages have horizontal wires every 6″
🔵 One or two-piece configurations
- ► Several different types of two-piece connection styles exist, the most common are “fingers” and twist-lock.

Dust Collectors with Cartridges and Pleated Filters

Many cartridge collector manufacturers intentionally avoid giving detailed spec sheets, reliable part numbers, or designations to force the customer to continue to buy replacements from them.

In place of bags and cages, some dust collectors use cartridges. Identifying the correct replacement for these can be tricky. Many cartridge collector manufacturers intentionally avoid giving detailed spec sheets, reliable part numbers, or designations to force the customer to continue to buy replacements from them.

In many cases, cartridge collector manufacturers sell units at a loss and then make up the difference by charging high prices for replacement cartridges. While cartridge collector designs vary widely, it is always possible to get replacement cartridges from an aftermarket vendor at discounted rates compared to the original manufacturer.

Generally, to get a quote for a replacement cartridge often the following information is required:

✅ Any part, serial, or model numbers on the cartridge
✅ Collector manufacturer, serial/model numbers
✅ Detailed measurements (Inside diameter, Outside diameter, overall length, and width (ID, OD, OAL, and W respectively)
✅ Type of fabric (see above for differences in fabrics and treatments)
✅ Number of pleats in the fabric (at times pleat depth as well)
✅ Top and Bottom construction (open/closed, open/open, gasket types, etc.)

As with bags, the best option is to send a sample for us to duplicate. When this is not possible, a series of detailed photos, along with the measurements and information above, will ensure a compatible replacement is found.

Pleated Filter Elements

A pleated filter element is NOT the same as a cartridge. Pleated filters often replace traditional bags and cages in both top load and bottom load pulse jet collectors.

In many cases, manufacturers design newer baghouses to use pleated filter elements (also called pleated bags) in place of standard bags and cages. Though similar, pleated elements differ from cartridges in both application and operation.

Generally, they are not suitable for high temperatures and excessively abrasive dust.

Pleated filter quotes require the same basic information as bag quotes, namely, dimensions, fabric/treatment, and baghouse style (bottom load or top load).

See the article Pleated Baghouse Filters: A Smarter, More Cost-Effective Solution!

Now You Can Get a Quote For Replacement Filters

Now you should be able to identify what kind of dust collector you have and what kind of filters it uses. This should enable you to gather the information needed for a pricing quote on replacement filters, or engineering services.

Now when you call in and ask for a quote you will be able to provide the needed information for our sales associates to help quote your filters and cages.

🔸 Baghouse.com Associate: “What kind of baghouse do you have?”
🔹 Your Answer: “We have a top-entry, pulse jet baghouse.”
🔸 Baghouse.com Associate: “What kind of filters and cages does it take?”
🔹 Your Answer: “The bags are snap band top, disk bottom, aramid (Nomex) with PTFE membrane, 6″ x 120″, with a 6.25” tubesheet hole, with a QTY of 400. The cages are rolled-top, with integral venturi, 12 vertical wires, made from galvanized steel, QTY 400. “
🔸 Baghouse.com Associate: “Excellent! I can get you pricing on that right away.”

Still confused after this article? It’s ok, that’s what we are here for. Give us a call at (702) 848-3990 or email us here and we will be happy to walk you through the process. And if all else fails, you can always send us a sample filter to examine and leave the rest to us.

Read and download our FREE Guide on How to Measure Baghouse Bags and Cages

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July 9, 2025/by dominickdalsanto

Purchasing Supplies Tips

How Can I Buy My Dust Collector Filters Cheaper?

When the time comes to replace your worn-out baghouse filters, what do you normally do?

Certain filter OEMs make people believe they are locked into a proprietary filter design that only they can supply and that without this one piece, their system won’t work efficiently

Do you just call up the original baghouse system manufacturer or sales rep that supplied you with it armed with a filter part number or gibberish product codes and then wait just to get a sky-high price?

Certain manufacturers deliberately sell their units cheaper and then make people think they are locked into a proprietary filter design that only they can supply, and thus, they charge outrageously high prices for them.

This is common with many cartridge collector OEMs, whereby they win the initial unit sale by undercutting other manufacturers and then plan on making their profit on the expensive replacement filters later on. This marketing technique is commonly called the “razor blade” system, for its well-known use by makers of disposable razors and cartridges.

At that moment, you may wonder, “Can I buy my dust collector filters cheaper?” Well, the simple answer is YES!

Here at Baghouse.com, we offer replacement filters, cartridges, and pleated filters for all makes and models of dust collectors, including the most popular brands, such as Farr, Donaldson/Torrit, and more. Our prices often come in significantly cheaper than buying directly from the original dust collector manufacturer, sometimes as much as 50% less!

The Real Reason They Only Give Vague Part Numbers For Your Baghouse Filters

Many dust collector manufacturers and sales rep organizations that resell other OEM’s dust collectors will go to great lengths to keep you from getting pricing from aftermarket filter manufacturers. This is because they often charge far more than the going market rate for replacement filters. They do this by holding back information that you can use to get a quote elsewhere by using vague and nonsensical part numbers.

We can compare it to buying a new car. The dealer told you that to keep the car in the best mechanical shape, you need to have the car serviced and maintained only at the dealership with “genuine” parts. But as we know, high-quality parts and servicing can be found in many places and at a more economical price.

The same applies to purchasing dust collector filters. When you first bought your baghouse system, the manufacturer may have provided nothing more than a part number for your baghouse filters. This is an attempt to keep you buying parts from them. OEMs usually don’t tell you any details about your filters. Nothing about the size, the material, the type, etc, just a part number. Some OEMs go even further and provide no parts list at all! So when you need to replace the filters all you have is the part number or model/serial number of the unit. So you may think that have no choice but to purchase your filters and other parts directly from them, at whatever price they decide on.

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Would you like to explore the possibility of replacing your common filter bags for pleated filters? Read this article! Pleated Baghouse Filters: A Smarter, More Cost-Effective Solution!

Save on Your Replacement Baghouse Filters by Ordering Direct with Baghouse.com

Baghouse.com filters are manufactured to meet the highest quality standards

By going directly to a filter manufacturer like Baghouse.com, you can reduce your spending on dust collector filters by 20% – 50% compared to purchasing them through your system supplier. Baghouse.com filters are manufactured to meet the highest quality standards and can be found in thousands of facilities across North America in some of the toughest applications.

Additional info: How To Get The Best Price For Baghouse Filters?

What Kind of Baghouse Filters Do You Have?

To receive a quote on your filters, all we need is some basic information about your filters:

🔹 Style: Bag, cartridge, pleated filters (Note: Cartridge part numbers are more consistent and can often be cross referenced)
🔹 Basic dimensions: Length and diameter (or flat width)
🔹 Filter Media: Base fabric such as polyester, aramid, fiberglass, etc., and treatment or coating if present such as singed, glazed, oleophobic coating, flame retardant, PTFE membrane, etc.
🔹 Filter Construction: Common styles include snap band top for top load pulse jets; raw edge top for bottom load pulse jets, metal hanger top for shaker baghouses, etc.

With this information, Baghouse.com can provide you with the highest quality and most economical dust collector filters for your system. No more being locked into the high prices provided by your system supplier.

To find out more information about purchasing your dust collector filters and to obtain a quote please contact us by clicking here.

March 25, 2025/by dominickdalsanto

Baghouse FAQs, Dust Collector Maintenance

How Can I Tell When I Need to Replace My Baghouse Filters? (FAQ Series)

"Why should I replace my baghouse filters?"

Severely caked baghouse filters—when dust buildup becomes excessive, it restricts airflow and reduces system efficiency. Time to replace them!

There are two main reasons why this can happen:

The filters become compromised. Over time, filters can develop holes or tears, allowing dust-laden air to pass through unfiltered. This can lead to increased emissions and reduced system efficiency.

The filter media becomes clogged. As dust accumulates, it embeds deep within the filter fabric, restricting airflow and making it harder for your system to operate effectively.

"It’s been a few years since we last changed our baghouse filters. How do I know if I need to replace them?"

Baghouse filters typically last 1-3 years, but this varies based on operating conditions. Some can last longer with proper maintenance, while others wear out sooner in more demanding environments.

Here are some clear signs that it’s time for a replacement:

Filters that have reached the end of their service life and are blinded cause the suction at the pick up points to become weaker, increasing the dust inside the facility

✧ Filters are no longer cleaning effectively. If dust is deeply embedded in the fabric, even strong compressed air pulses won’t clean them. The recommended differential pressure is usually between 3″ and 5″ inches of dP. If even after the cleaning the differential pressure stays consistently high, this means that your system is working harder but collecting less dust.
✧ Dust is leaking from the system. If you notice dust escaping into the air, your filters may have holes or tears. This compromises air quality, efficiency, and potentially puts you out of regulatory compliance.
✧ Reduced suction at pickup points. If dust isn’t being captured as effectively as before, clogged filters might be restricting airflow. This can cause weaker suction, higher fan energy consumption, and inefficient dust collection.

Read more about this in the article: Should I Change My Filters on a Schedule?

"Are there other factors that affect when I should replace my filters?"

The three key entities involved in dust emission regulations are OSHA, NFPA and AHJ

♦️ Air quality regulations – Staying compliant with local, state, and federal air quality standards is critical. In industries like pharmaceuticals or food processing, failing to meet these standards can result in fines or production shutdowns.

Read our Complete Guide to Dust Collection Compliance: Meeting Regulatory Requirements and Ensuring Workplace Safety

Some types of fine powders or sticky materials tend to clog filters much faster than dry, free-flowing dust

♦️ Type of dust collected – Some particulates, like fine powders (e.g., flour, cement, carbon black) or sticky materials (e.g., resins, oils, or chemical dusts), tend to clog filters much faster than dry, free-flowing dust like wood or grain dust.
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♦️ Moisture levels – Humidity and condensation can cause dust to cake up and blind the filters. This is common in cement plants or foundries where temperature variations cause moisture to form inside the collector, leading to hard-packed dust that won’t release during cleaning cycles.
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Baghouse filters damaged by a spike in high temperatures

♦️ Operating temperatures – If temperatures fluctuate and drop below the dew point, moisture buildup can damage filters. This often happens in applications with hot gas streams, such as asphalt plants or power generation, where gases cool too quickly and lead to condensation that shortens filter life.
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♦️ System design and workload – If your dust collector was undersized or is handling higher dust loads than originally intended, filters may need replacement more frequently. For example, if a woodworking shop expands its production but doesn’t upgrade its dust collection system, the filters will wear out faster due to increased sawdust accumulation.

Read more about this in the article: How Often Should Baghouse Filters be Changed?

"Should I replace all filters at the same time?"

Yes, replacing all filters at once is recommended for consistent airflow and efficiency. Mixing old and new filters can create airflow distribution problems, causing some filters to clog faster than others. If you must replace only a few filters, ensure it’s less than 5% of the total filters to avoid imbalances.

Regular inspections and maintenance can help extend filter life and keep your dust collection system running efficiently. If you’re unsure whether your filters need replacing, reach out to a dust collection expert for an assessment.

"Can I extend the life of my baghouse filters?"

Absolutely! With the right maintenance, you can significantly extend the life of your baghouse filters.

Here are some of the best ways to do that:

✔ Optimize Your Cleaning Cycles – More cleaning doesn’t always mean better performance. If your system is pulsing too frequently, it can wear out filter bags prematurely. Instead of running the cleaning system on a set timer, consider using a differential pressure-based cleaning system, which only pulses when needed. For example, we recently worked with a metal fabrication plant that switched from a fixed cleaning cycle to an on-demand system and saw their filter service life nearly double!
✔ Ensure Proper Installation – A poorly installed filter can leak from the start. If the snap band filters aren’t seated correctly, dust can bypass the filter, leading to even more problems.
✔ Control Moisture and Temperature – If your operation has high humidity or temperature swings, moisture can cause dust to cake onto filters, making them nearly impossible to clean. This is common in cement plants or food processing facilities where steam or moisture is present. Using a pre-coat agent (like limestone powder) or heating the air before entering into the collector above the dew point can help keep filters from getting clogged with wet, sticky dust.
✔ Choose the Right Filter Media – Not all filters are created equal! If your process handles abrasive dust (e.g., sandblasting operations), high temperatures (e.g., asphalt plants), or oily particles (e.g., metal machining), you might need specialized filters.
Read Article: Filter Medias Explained
Simple monthly inspections can help catch early signs of wear, like small leaks, excessive pressure buildup, or unusual dust accumulation.

✔ Perform Regular Inspections – Don’t wait for a major problem to check your filters. Simple monthly inspections can help catch early signs of wear, like small leaks, excessive pressure buildup, or unusual dust accumulation.

We hope these answers help you! If you have any other questions, please reach out to us to speak with one of our dust collection experts. We’re happy to assist you in keeping your system running at its best.

March 10, 2025/by dominickdalsanto

Dust Collection Blog, Dust Collector Troubleshooting

How to Maintain and Operate Your Dust Collector Using Differential Pressure

Powder & Bulk Solids Magazine Cover

This article was published in the January 2025 Edition of the Magazine Powder Bulk & Solids. You can also read it in this link:

How to Maintain & Operate Dust Collectors Using Differential Pressure

Baghouse.com personnel monitoring the differential pressure in a cartridge collector

Regularly monitoring the differential pressure will give us insight on how our system is operating

Differential pressure is the key data metric used to determine how a dust collector is operating. Monitoring this variable is like checking the blood pressure of a human body. Just as blood pressure indicates the health and efficiency of the circulatory system, differential pressure provides a vital measurement of how well the dust collector is functioning.

System operators and maintenance technicians must keep a close watch on the differential pressure at all times to ensure proper operation of the system. They must also monitor the differential pressure in order to plan maintenance as well as any modification to the system such as to increase capacity or improve efficiency.

What Differential Pressure Tells Us...

…About Your Dust Collector Filters

Blinded filters with large temporary dust cake buildup will have higher leaking

● If The Differential Pressure Is High

○ Consistently high DP is a sign that your filters are blinded (i.e. fabric fully saturated with dust particles). Once blinded, filters can no longer be cleaned and must be replaced.
○ Blinded filters or even filters with large temporary dust cake buildup will have higher emissions (i.e. leaking). Check with opacity meters or broken bag detectors to verify emissions levels
○ Insufficient air to cloth ratio for application will result in the bags being overloaded with dust and the cleaning system will be unable to effectively clean the bags.

● If The Differential Pressure Is Low

○Abnormally low DP (below 3″) can be a sign of holes, tears or loose seams in the bags or that the filters are not installed properly (misaligned snap band on top load models, loose bag clamps on bottom load units).

…About Your Cleaning System

Inadequate bag cleaning will result in higher DP since the dust cake will build up faster than it can be cleaned off

● If The Differential Pressure Is High

○ Inadequate bag cleaning will result in higher DP since the dust cake will build up faster than it can be cleaned off
○ In a pulse jet dust collector this could be caused by low compressed air pressure, contaminated air (dirt, water, or oil in air reservoir), misaligned installed blow pipes or misaligned/missing cage venturi.
○ If the cleaning cycles (i.e. air pulses) are not set correctly the bags will not be cleaned properly. (“On Time” is how long the pulse valve is opened. If set too long the air burst will be too weak to clean the bag. If set too short it will not release enough air to clean the entire length of the bag.)
○ The order the bags are cleaned (called “firing sequence”) should be staggered (1, 4, 2, 5, 3, 6) so that successive rows are not cleaned one after another (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,).

● If The Differential Pressure Is Low

High compressed air will lead to early bag failure, often creating abrasion problems or even creating holes in the fabric

○ Over-cleaning of bags will place undue wear on the filters and lead to early failure.
○ While if the compressed air pressure is too high it will clean the filters better, it also will lead to early bag failure, often creating abrasion problems or even creating holes in the fabric.
○ Since emissions are at their highest when the filters are pulsed, over pulsing leads to increased emissions

…About Problems with Your Dust Collection System

● If The Differential Pressure Is High

○ Sudden changes in DP can be caused by upset conditions or changes in the process the system is venting. Any problems in the dust collector could be sign that something potentially far more serious is taking place further upstream from the unit.
○ Consistently high DP might be a sign that the system is undersized and not able to keep up with the load placed on it.
○ Worn out baffle plates, dropout boxes, and poor airflow design lead to overloading of filters and high DP.
○ Excessive dust build-up in the hopper can lead to dust reentrainment and overload the filters.
○ Wet or sticky dust, which is difficult to clean, can be a sign of leaks near the hatches or cracks in the baghouse structure that allow moisture or cold air to enter causing condensation on the filters.

● If The Differential Pressure Is Low

○ Cracks or holes in the structure, or the tube sheet of the dust collector can cause significant reductions in DP and lead to an enormous surge in emissions.

Beware of False Readings!

If operators have incorrect readings it could result in damage to the system, increase emissions, or even fire and combustible dust hazards

As mentioned in previous articles, it is vital to make sure the differential pressure readings coming from the unit are accurate. To this end, it is best to make maintenance on the airlines, gauges, and controllers a regular part of the dust collector’s preventative maintenance program.

Conclusion

How many maintenance and operation decisions regarding your baghouse dust collector are impacted by differential pressure?

All of them!

Do you have questions about differential pressure? Do you have some strange readings and are not sure what they mean? Please call us or email us at info@baghouse.com and let us see how we can help you!

November 14, 2024/by dominickdalsanto

Dust Collection Blog, Dust Collector Maintenance, Industrial Health and Safety

4 More Ways To Avoid Undersizing a Dust Collection System

In addition to the points we mentioned in our article How to Avoid Undersizing a Baghouse Dust Collection System, here are a few additional methods to help ensure you get the right system for your operation:

Baghouse variables such as air-to-cloth ratio, power consumption, fan capacity, installation footprint, bag material, cleaning cycle type, required bag life, etc., need to be considered when designing the system

1. Set Technical Standards

On medium to large jobs (say $1 million+), pay an A/E, or a trusted baghouse consultant, to write a spec setting minimum technical standards for air-to-cloth ratio, power consumption, fan capacity, installation footprint, bag material, cleaning cycle type, required bag life, etc., and spelling out exactly what NFPA/OSHA performance standards will have to be met. The installed equipment will actually have to pass a field test before the vendor gets the last 10% of his fee, or a performance bond will have to be posted by the vendor. This type of detailed spec will scare off 90% of the “corner cutters.” Then, pay a testing company to actually do the test.

2. Verify Vendor Experience

For smaller, low-cost projects, you can still ask each vendor for a contact list of their past customers who have installed their equipment for applications similar to yours in the last 3 to 5 years.

Again, this will eliminate any vendors who lack experience with your type of problem or who enjoy shafting their customers. Then, actually make the phone calls and talk to the plant engineer responsible for keeping the unit operating. You will be amazed at how much information you can get for free from both happy and unhappy past customers.

"The vendor assured us that the system would handle our needs, but it was undersized from the beggining. We’re constantly replacing filters and dealing with high-pressure drops. In hindsight, I realize we should have consulted a dust collection expert before making the purchase."

Laura M., Plant Engineer, Metal Fabrication Shop

3. Compare Multiple Vendors

Instead of just contacting two or three vendors with your in-house preliminary spec, contact five or six, and ask for quick, ballpark, budgetary quotes. Within a few weeks, you will know which vendors are unrealistically below (or too high above) the “pack” to further bother with. Do this for 2 or 3 projects and you should get an excellent idea of which one or two vendors in your area are a trustworthy, economical fit for your operation, and you can just use them in the future.

4. Plan for Future Growth

When specifying your dust collection system, always consider your plant’s potential for future expansion. Systems that are undersized today will be even more problematic if your operations scale up. It’s a good idea to leave some room for increased airflow or additional filter capacity if your facility is expected to grow in the coming years.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of ending up with an undersized dust collection system that costs you more in the long run due to operational inefficiencies, fines from non-compliance, and higher maintenance costs.

November 11, 2024/by dominickdalsanto

Baghouse FAQs, Dust Collection 101, Dust Collector Maintenance

Should I Change My Filters on a Schedule?

All Industrial Baghouse filters require periodic changing to new filters. But the question is, when?

The time to change filters on an industrial dust collector is not by any means uniform across all industries. Many times it’s not even entirely clear who has the responsibility to make the necessary changes, maintenance planners, operators, plant management, production staff, compliance engineers, etc.

How Most Plants Decide When to Change Filters

Ignoring the signs of blinded filters can lead to costly fines

Regrettably, most plants conduct filter changeouts quite haphazardly and randomly, having have no plan whatsoever. Some just pick a moment and decide to replace them without any particular reason other than a “feeling” that they are old. Others ignore all signs of degrading capacity and efficiency until they receive notice after an inspection finding them well in violation of emissions limits. Quite often a decision to replace the filters occurs after some kind of safety hazard becomes evident (e.g. elevated ambient dust levels or combustible dust hazards, etc.) or when the filters have literally fallen apart and they can no longer function without replacing them. On other occasions it only comes to the attention of the decision makers when the boss finds her car covered in dust in the parking lot.

Obviously, such an approach has serious drawbacks. These include the potential for fines and sanctions for elevated emissions. Besides the obvious effects on production performance, worn out filters can also directly contribute to safety hazards from combustible dust and excessive ambient dust levels. Additionally, this kind of approach makes it impossible to plan and budget for filter replacement, meaning a large capital expenditure occurs without warning. This can lead to an unexpected shutdown that could involve significant downtime.

The Fixed Scheduled Method

It does not take a business genius to realize that the approach outlined above is not feasible and far more costly in the long run than being proactive about filter replacement. For this reason, a good number of plants instead decide to go a different route and in their minds “play it safe” by scheduling their filter change outs at fixed intervals. Usually they will get an opinion regarding the “recommended service life” of their particular filter from the bag supplier or an outside air pollution control consultant. These so-called “experts” may recommend a replacement schedule of anywhere from 1 to even 6+ years.

By scheduling the changeout in advance these facilities think they are avoiding the mistakes of the others, namely the unexpected shutdowns, the possibility of exceeding emissions limits, controlling dust hazards, etc. While this is true to an extent, it makes no allowance for the fact that filter failure does not occur in exactly the same way in every application. The causes of filter failure are complex and involve more than just time under use. Process conditions, upset events, weather, maintenance, capacity, manufacturing, cleaning settings, operation parameters and other factors all affect how long a set of filters will last. By arbitrarily setting a date for changeouts and not basing it on actual bag performance they will replace the filters sooner than needed or risk running the filters too long.

The Better Way - Replace Only When Needed Using Triboelectric Monitoring

Our stack emission monitoring devices are tailored to integrate into your specific application, regardless of your industry or application

In contrast to the above methods, many facilities have realized the benefit of basing this decision on actual performance data from their baghouses. In this regard, no other monitoring device comes close to the capabilities of a triboelectric dust monitoring system such as the Auburn TRIBO series. Armed with trending emissions data gathered in real time, maintenance planners can accurately predict when filters will begin to fail (i.e. no longer capable of meeting emissions limits), thus allowing them to plan ahead for filter replacement and avoid unexpected shutdowns.

"Before we started using a triboelectric monitoring system, filter changes were a guessing game. Now, we can precisely plan replacements based on actual collected data, and it's saved us both maintenance man hours and money."

M. F - Plant Manager at a Cement Facility

This predictive maintenance approach saves money on filter change outs by allowing planners to beginning sourcing quotes for filters in advance and lining up labor for change out thus avoiding additional charges for expedited delivery and rush mobilization. It also allows for the shutdown to be scheduled at the most opportune time, such as during a quarterly maintenance outage.

In addition, continuous monitoring with triboelectric systems means that if any unexpected problems do occur before the change out, such a leaking filter, or damage from upset conditions in the process, compliance engineers can immediately detect a problem quickly and arrange for repairs before it escalates.

"Honestly, relying on 'gut feelings' to replace filters led us to costly mistakes in the past. With predictive data from our triboelectric system, we plan filter changes during regular maintenance, avoiding disruptions and unnecessary expenses."

S. L - Maintenance Coordinator at an Aluminum Foundry

Conclusion

Despite the wishes of many plant managers, filter changeouts do not go away if ignored. Neglecting to address the issue with a concrete strategy only causes more problems, some with the potential to force shutdowns or cause catastrophic damage. On the other hand, preemptively changing filters based solely on a rigid timetable, regardless of performance and actual operating conditions “leaves money on the table”, with the plant forced to purchase more filters and shutdown for changeouts more often than necessary.

In contrast to these two extremes, with the help of triboelectric dust collector monitoring systems operators and maintenance planners can see exactly when the filters will need to be replaced and can plan accordingly. This will lead not only to direct savings on filters and changeout labor, but also better operation and more stable performance.

Would you like to see how a triboelectric monitoring system could help you extend the life of your filters? Contact us today!

October 22, 2024/by dominickdalsanto

Dust Collection 101, Dust Collector Maintenance, Operation & Optimization, Dust Collector Troubleshooting

The Importance of Correct Compressed Air Pressure in a Pulse Jet Dust Collector

Air Compressor Gauge in a Pulse Jet Dust Collector

The pressure supplied by the compressed-air system must be high enough to clean the entire length of the bag during the pulse.

In our previous article The Importance of Dry and Clean Compressed Air in a Pulse Jet Industrial Dust Collector, we discussed the importance of using dry and clean compressed air. Along with this requirement, it is also very important that the compressed air is set at the correct pressure.

Optimize Dust Collector Compressed Air Pressure to Balance Filter Life, Efficiency and Airflow

The pressure supplied by the compressed-air system must be high enough to clean the entire length of the bag during the pulse, but not so high that it damages the upper portion of the bag. Insufficient cleaning of the bag may gradually increase pressure drop and reduce the useful bag life.

If the compressed-air pressure is too low, which is usually more common than excessive pressure, it may be caused by wear of the compressor rings, leakage in connections, or excessive draining of the reserve of the compressors by other equipment tied to a common supply line. Additionally, if the pulse valves, air header tanks or connecting pipes on the unit itself have leaks, then the absolute pressure or the effective pressure at the blowpipe will be lower.

If the compressed-air pressure is too low, it may cause excesive wear of the compressor components

For most applications using felted filter media, compressed air at roughly 70 PSI (Per Square Inch) is adequate for proper cleaning of the filter elements. Pressures between 100 and 120 PSI may be recommended for some difficult applications where other options to improve cleaning efficiency are not viable. Operators running their systems at pressures above 100 PSI should first consult a dust collection expert at Baghouse.com for advice and recommendations on how to improve performance.

Compressed air pressures below 70 PSI may be required under special circumstances such as when using cartridges, pleated filter elements or with certain filter medias such as fiberglass. These situations often call for special design and sizing of the dust collector in order to function correctly.

Guidelines for Setting Compressed Air Pressure on a Pulse Jet Baghouse

If filters are not cleaning sufficiently, raising the air pressure may be one of several things to try to improve operation.

The following general guidelines can help you to set the the correct pressure of compressed air for your baghouse:

— Start at 60 PSI and go up as needed by the application. At no point should it go above 100 PSI unless advised to do so by a reputable dust collection systems engineer.
— Pleated filter systems and cartridge systems may use much lower PSI for cleaning depending on the design of the unit and the application (airflow, dust load on filters, how hard the dust is to pulse off, moisture problems, etc.)
— If filters are not cleaning sufficiently, raising the air pressure may be one of several things to try to improve operation. However, it alone will not solve the problem in most cases. Often, fixing other problems such as high can/interstitial velocity, will improve things so that you can actually lower the PSI and have better cleaning.

For help optimizing your dust collection system please contact Baghouse.com for more information or to arrange a site visit and/or training course.

September 7, 2024/by dominickdalsanto

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