Designing and maintaining a baghouse system requires careful calculation and optimization of multiple design variables to ensure reliable performance, regulatory compliance, and long-term durability.
To assist engineers, plant managers, and maintenance teams in this process, we’ve developed a series of practical online calculators for the most important baghouse design variables. Each tool is based on proven industry practices and will help you get closer to the ideal performance targets for your application.
Air-to-Cloth Ratio
The air-to-cloth ratio represents how much airflow (in cubic feet per minute, or cfm) passes through each square foot of filter media. Getting this ratio right is key to maximizing filtration performance and filter life.
Interstitial Velocity
Interstitial velocity refers to the upward air velocity between filter bags inside the baghouse. This calculator helps you evaluate whether your design maintains proper spacing and air movement between bags.
Can Velocity
Can velocity measures the vertical speed of air in the space beneath the filter bags (the “can” area above the hopper). Use this calculator to assess if your system geometry supports efficient airflow.
Total Filter Cloth Area
This tool calculates the total filter media area needed based on your airflow and target air-to-cloth ratio. It helps you estimate how many filter bags you’ll need and ensures the collector is appropriately sized for your process conditions.
Leak Testing Powder
Leak testing powders are used during inspections to detect leaks in filter bags or baghouse housing. This calculator estimates the amount of powder needed based on your collector size and the number of compartments.
Precoating Powder
Precoating powder protects the filter media and improves initial performance. Use this calculator to determine the correct amount of precoat powder needed per square foot of media.
Air Velocity
Air velocity is the speed at which air moves through the dust collection ductwork. This calculator helps ensure you maintain safe and effective transport velocities throughout your system.
Duct Size
Duct sizing refers to the calculation of the appropriate diameter for your system’s ductwork based on how much air needs to be transported and at what velocity.
A Note of Caution
While these tools are designed to help you plan and maintain your dust collection system effectively, the results should be used as a general reference. Real-world conditions, dust characteristics, regulatory requirements, and system layout introduce additional complexities that may not be captured in a simple calculation.
We strongly recommend speaking with a dust collection expert before finalizing any design or making major equipment decisions. A professional evaluation can help you avoid costly mistakes, downtime, or safety risks down the line.