35+ Years of industrial filtration experience
Is It Time? 5 Signs to Replace Dust Collector Cartridge Filters
Countless industries depend on dust collector cartridge filters to clean the air in their plants, facilities, and workshops. Dust collector filters are built to withstand high-volume dust loads and feature a pleated design to provide more surface area.
Because their design allows air to flow through them easily, dust collector filters are highly effective at capturing dust and other airborne contaminants.
The most important thing to remember about dust collector cartridge filters is to change them on-time.
Changing dust collector filters regularly will prevent dust and other contaminants from accumulating in the airstream and decreasing the filter efficiency. Keeping up-to-date on dust collector maintenance and filter changes maximizes filter life, compressed air, and energy savings.
1. Changes in Air Quality
If your facility vents filtered air back into the building, any noticeable difference in the quality of the air could indicate the filters aren’t working efficiently. Visible dust or fog in the air, increased employee complaints about respiratory issues, or measurements of elevated airborne particulates are all indicators that it may be time to replace the filters.
Changing dust collector filters regularly ensures that regulations are met and prevents the risk of poor filter performance.
2. Differential Pressure
Differential pressure or DP, measures the difference in pressure between the clean and dirty side of a dust collector. When dust builds up on cartridge filters, it makes it harder for air to pass through and creates unequal pressure that makes the DP higher.
Machine operators and maintenance technicians should be kept aware of the dust collector manufacturer's recommended differential pressure to prevent excessive run time and filter failure.
3. Overextended Filter Lifespans
When dust collectors are equipped with technology that measures filter performance and filter changes, it's almost impossible to forget when it's time for replacements. When dust collectors don't feature this type of technology, machine operators and maintenance techs have to rely on manufacturer-recommended replacement specs.
Replacing dust collector filters regularly helps the entire dust collection system run at its most efficient by improving air quality, keeping maintenance costs down, and meeting regulations.
4. Using Incompatible Filters
In order for filters to be effective, they must meet the specifications of the dust collection system and the demands of the application - this means filters are the right dimensions and are made of the right filter media.
If you need assistance determining or sizing the proper dust collector filters, complete this form, and our team will provide you with a free quote!
5. Regular Wear & Tear
Regularly inspect the clean-air side of the dust collector for leaks and the cartridge filters for tears. Don't forget to clean the DP gauge, tighten loose gaskets, replace end caps, etc.
Monitoring dust collectors for wear and tear helps prevent the risk of equipment malfunction and production loss. To ensure that your dust collector filters last longer and perform at their best, here are a few pro tips to consider during routine maintenance:
1. Use High-Quality Filters Designed for Long-Lasting Performance
Investing in high-quality replacement filters, like those we offer, ensures better filtration, a longer lifespan, and enhanced air quality. Filters with superior materials and designs (e.g., pleated filters or nanofiber technology) require fewer replacements and perform more efficiently under high dust loads.
2. Regularly Inspect Seals, Gaskets, and Connections
Leaks around seals and gaskets can drastically reduce the efficiency of your dust collector. Perform regular inspections to check for signs of wear, damage, or misalignment, and make repairs immediately to prevent dust from escaping. Keeping seals and gaskets intact helps ensure optimal airflow and filtration performance.
3. Avoid Overloading the System
Ensure your dust collection system is appropriately sized for your application. Overloading the system can cause premature filter clogging and increased maintenance. If your application produces large amounts of dust or operates continuously, make sure you have enough filtration capacity to meet the demands.
