Not only does the material that is being picked up and vacuumed make a difference, but so does the environment. Only purchase a vacuum cleaner that is certified by a reputable organization like UL, CSA or ETL. There are some additional factors to keep in mind when considering an "explosion-proof" vacuum. Tips for finding the right "explosion-proof" vacuum cleaner
Picking up heavier metals requires higher lift specifications. This is directly related to the power of the airflow and the ability of the industrial vacuum to lift heavier, more dense material. A higher CFM increases the volume when picking up fine powders.Īnother way to assess whether an industrial vacuum cleaner is powerful enough for the application is to measure the static lift. The speed of airflow is measured by cubic feet per minute (CFM) and this force collects particles and dust into the vacuum. When picking up dry materials, airflow is one of the most important details to consider. How powerful is it?Ī vacuum’s power isn’t based solely on the horsepower of the motor. ULPA filters are most commonly used for cleanroom applications or environments where critical cleaning is vital. The high-quality filtering of ULPA is achieved by a slow filtering process that doesn’t exceed 0.025 micrometers per second. These filters remove at least 99.99 percent of particles that are 0.12 micrometers in diameter. HEPA filters capture microscopic substances, such as dust mites and other airborne particles, that can be hazardous or produce health issues within a facility.Īn ULPA, or ultra-low penetration air filter, is even more effective at capturing the smallest particles. Two types of filters are available - HEPA and ULPA.Īccording to OSHA, a HEPA, or high-efficiency particular air filter, is defined as a filter that is at least 99.97 percent efficient in removing particles of 0.3 micrometers in diameter.
The answer may vary among industries, as some environments need to adhere to stricter maintenance guidelines. Many facility managers often question what kind of filter is best for an industrial vacuum for dry pickup. What type of filtration system is required? It’s important to select an industrial vacuum cleaner that will meet specific certifications. Some models may be better suited for certain types of hazardous/flammable materials, which may be in light powders or combustible liquids. At the start of the process of potentially purchasing an "explosion-proof" vacuum, think about the type of materials that need to be cleaned up. With any maintenance equipment, it is important to consider the environment and find a solution that is designed specifically for the task. All images courtesy of Goodway Technologies Goodway Technologies’ VAC-EX-120-9-SS is designed for collecting dry, combustible powders such as flour, sugar and additives.
However, before purchasing just any industrial vacuum cleaner, facility managers should ask themselves a few questions to find the best solution to meet their facility guidelines. A practical and efficient solution for facility managers to meet this cleaning need is a specialized industrial vacuum cleaner that meets specific certifications. One way to reduce the risk of a combustible explosion is to safely collect and eliminate combustible dust from the work area. The vast majority of natural and synthetic organic materials, as well as some metals, can form combustible dust." However, that doesn’t mean other sectors can neglect taking proper precautionary steps.Īny processing facility that produces airborne material should consider an investment in a certified industrial hazardous material pickup vacuum, sometimes referred to as "explosion proof." According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OHSA), "A combustible dust explosion hazard may exist in a variety of industries, including: food (e.g., candy, starch, flour, feed), plastics, wood, rubber, furniture, textiles, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, dyes, coal, metals (e.g., aluminum, chromium, iron, magnesium and zinc), 3D welding (a form of 3D printing) and fossil fuel power generation. The industries with the highest number of dust incidents included food products, metals and lumber. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board looked at 105 incidents from 2007 to 2018 where dust was involved in an explosion or fire. History has proven airborne particles can be extremely hazardous, resulting in deadly explosions and fires at processing and manufacturing plants.Ī study done by the U.S. Safety encompasses many different things within a factory or production facility, but properly collecting combustible dust ranks high on the to-do list. While facility managers juggle multiple responsibilities, one task that should take top priority is ensuring a safe work environment for all employees.
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