Industrial Vacuum Cleaners – General Guide
Essential Features of Industrial Vacuum Cleaners
- HEPA filters are an optional accessory in many available vacuum cleaners. Vacuums with non-HEPA filters are less efficient and can lead to unacceptable concentrations of respirable dust released from the vacuum into the air.
- Equipping these vacuum cleaners with the recommended filtering dust collection bags and HEPA filters will reduce initial air flow compared to operating with no dust collection bag and a less efficient filter. Employers must make sure that the vacuum system they purchase and use will provide the air flow needed to capture all or nearly all the dust at the tool.
- Many vacuum cleaners have a means for removing dust from filters without opening the vacuum cleaner. Vacuum cleaners that lack this feature are likely to require manual filter cleaning at least once an hour. These machines may not be acceptable, as opening the machine and changing the filter will release dust in significant quantities.
Operating Cost Factors
- The cost of dust collection bags and filters per kilogram of dust collected will vary considerably from vacuum system to vacuum system. Some vacuums can be used without a dust collection bag, and dust must be dumped out of a collection bucket. However, this can release a significant amount of silica dust. Use of these machines without the collection bag is also likely to seriously reduce the life of the HEPA filter.
- Some machines have a cartridge type primary filter that is at least 99% efficient in collecting particles down to 1 micron. That filter protects a HEPA filter from most dust. In these machines, most of the dust can be removed from the primary filter in less than a minute. Tens or hundreds of kilograms of concrete dust can be collected before the primary filter needs replacing. HEPA filters are likely to last longer than the primary filter.
- In machines that use a dust collection bag as a primary filter, plugging of the bag may require it’s replacement before it fills. The life of the dust collection bag is determined by the amount of dust it holds before the flow falls before the minimum required. Replacement bags cost $12 or more, depending on the machine and the type of bag selected.
- Machines that deposit the collected dust in an external plastic bag have lower bag costs per kilogram of dust collected and minimal amounts of dust are released while changing the bag. The time required to change bags is also less than for internal collection bags.
Performance and Maintenance Requirements:
- The efficiency of dust capture at the tool will depend on the air flow provided by the vacuum cleaner.
- With adequate air flow there should be no visible escape of dust for many tasks.
- The amount of air flow needed for drilling will generally be less than for grinding or sawing.
- Larger diameter, higher speed grinders will require more flow than smaller diameter units, given similar dust shrouds.
- Some dust shrouds may require less air flow than others for a given tool.
- Manufacturers’ instructions for maintenance must be followed.
- In general, normal use of any vacuum cleaner leads to reduced air flow.
- Some vacuum cleaners automatically clean filters every minute, while others require the operator to stop work and follow the recommended cleaning procedure.
- At some point the cleaning procedure will fail to restore adequate flow and one or more filters will need to be replaced.
- In the longer term, motors will wear out and need replacing. That will usually be signalled by a total absence of noise and air flow.
- Cracks or holes in a hose, as well as internal hose wear can also reduce or obstruct flow, leading to the need to replace the hose.
Where to Find Vacuum Cleaners:
- You should only purchase machines from large well-established vendors that specialize in this equipment.
- Select a vacuum that will match the tools that you typically use. Better yet, purchase a system that includes a vacuum that attaches to tools made by the same manufacturer.
- The vendor should be able to provide training on the proper use and maintenance of the equipment.