What are dry filtration systems?
There are several different types of solid particulate filtrations systems on the market, but there are two main categories that include most of the equipment that is supplied with this function: ‘dry’ filter units and ‘wet’ filter units. Selecting the right dust control and air filtration equipment requires specialist knowledge, expertise, and experience because of the number of design considerations that are involved for each individual application and different characteristics of dusts that need to be collected.
As professional and specialist factory consultants FESS Group can help you get the right dry filtration system for your operations to ensure everything is running as efficiently as possible.
The basics of dry filter unit separation
Dry filtration systems use permeable filter media to keep solid particulates away from a gas stream, relying on impaction, interception, diffusion, and electrostatic attraction.
Normally, the dry filter units that are used in industrial applications will have a method of automatic cleaning to unblock filtered particulate from the media (dynamic filters). However, not all units are designed to be basic barriers without the need for media regeneration (static filters). Inertial impaction and interception are two ways a dust particle can make contact with a filter fibre, and diffusion is the random interaction of a dust particle with the filter fibre. Whilst electrostatic attraction is when a particle is pulled into contact with a filter fibre.
As particulates accumulate on the filter elements, the differential pressure (static pressure measured on each side of the filter media) increases. Depending on the type of application, this may require occasional cleaning (e.g., in applications with high dust loads and automatic cleaning systems) or complete replacement of the filter component.
Dry filter systems can be beneficial in a wide range of applications in several industries, and provide a reliable, low maintenance, and highly efficient solution. Experienced M&E contractors can help you integrate dry filtration systems into your business, so you can start enjoying these useful benefits.
Constraints of dry filter units
Dry filter units that use membrane style medias typically have filter elements in either pleated cartridges, pleated cassettes, flat bags, or tubular bags. Common problems with these formats are they all essentially use a permeable media which needs filtration to happen on the surface and through the depth of the material in specific cases.
Therefore, these types of filters that remove particulates from air are pushed to their limits when there is high moisture content, which can saturate the filter media, or when the particulates being filtered are very sticky and difficult to remove with an automatic cleaning system.
Summary of dry filtration systems
Advantages
- High filtration efficiency
- Cleanable media
- Minimal maintenance
- Simple disposal of dust
- Broad range of applications
Considerations
- Unsuitable for highly explosive dusts
- If sparks are present, elimination will be needed
- Dangerous when explosive and sparks are present
- Unsuitable for high liquid moisture levels
- Restricted for adhesive dusts
Industry applications
- Food manufacturing
- Pharmaceutical
- Agriculture
- Construction materials/Aggregates
- Minerals
- Biomass
- Plastics and rubber processing
How can FESS Group help?
If you’re looking for mechanical and electrical (M&E) services or a factory layout consultant to help you organise your operations to make them as efficient and cost-effective as possible, whilst eliminating waste, we can help. Contact our team today to discuss your factory needs.