Safety - DenTech Industrial

September 7, 2022

Dust collection and explosion protection for a confectionery manufacturer

Many manufacturing processes produce small dust particles that may be combustible. Under the right circumstances, this dust may create a fire hazard or explosion.

What actions do you take in your facility to minimize the risk of fire or explosion hazards?

DenTech Industrial works with customers to develop custom solutions that fit their needs.

Read on for examples of solutions we’ve installed for customers.

DenTech installed a Donaldson Downflo® Evolution (DFE) dust collection system for more effective cleaning, and reduced energy losses. DenTech designed, built, and installed an AyrDyne electrical control panel that includes safety system integration and maintenance monitoring. For explosion protection, we installed several devices, including a flameless explosion vent on the dust collector and an isolation valve on the ducting.

Explosion protection system for sugar producer

We worked with a sugar producer to update explosion protection devices in their facility. DenTech fabricated hygienic mounting pads, bottle assemblies, and other custom components. Our team installed MEX detectors, FAB units, bottle assemblies, and piston fire bottles.

Updated controls to reduce risk of fire

DenTech worked with an aerospace manufacturer to integrate fire protection solutions into their dust collection systems. We added temperature sensors, duct smoke detectors, compressed air isolation, and control modifications to their existing dust collection system.

Our team supplied a custom interface panel that provides system shutdown to further protect the process and equipment. With these modifications in place, the manufacturer can better monitor and control conditions that may lead to a production shutdown.

Talk to our team about explosion protection methods for your facility.

May 18, 2022

Facility needs change throughout the year and so do your employees’ needs. Make sure you’re considering how seasons affect work conditions.

In the summer, one topic on employees’ minds might be how warm it feels on the plant floor. The maintenance staff may have concerns about areas overheating, like the air compressor room.

These are valid concerns, and there are several options for addressing them.

DenTech Industrial offers many solutions for air ventilation in facilities. These solutions result in improved employee comfort and safer work areas.

DenTech’s first step is to understand the temperature conditions in your facility.

Is the ambient air too warm overall?
Are specific areas or rooms of the building too warm? What are the sizes of those spaces? What produces heat in those areas?
What types of solutions make sense given the existing systems in the facility?

After understanding these factors, DenTech will recommend solutions to manage air temperature. Below are some examples.

High-volume fans

High-volume fans can be installed to circulate ambient air. Fans create stratification for cooling effects.

Roof ventilation fans

Roof ventilation fans pull hot air out the top of the building.

Ducting for the air compressor room

Ducting can be installed to ventilate the air compressor room and move hot air outside. This reduces the chance of overheating in the air compressor room.

Air loop in the compressor room

In the summer, an air loop moves hot air from the compressor room to the outside of the building. In the winter, the air loop still moves hot air out of the compressor room. Then the hot air returns into the building to help with heating.

Summer/winter bypass in dust collector

In the summer, the bypass discharges heated air from the dust collector to the exterior of the facility. In the winter, the bypass pushes heated air from the dust collector through a filter, and then the air returns into the building.

Evaporative cooling

An evaporative cooler is a rooftop unit that draws in warm air and cools it through the evaporation of water. The cooled air is then returned to the building through ductwork. Ducting directs the cooled air to areas where employees work, so that the air temperature is more comfortable for them.

Air temperature management includes a broad range of equipment and solutions. Work with our experts to determine the right solution for your custom needs.

June 11, 2021

The use of automation and robotics in manufacturing facilities is on the rise.

According to a global survey by McKinsey, 83% of executives surveyed in the U.S. reported faster adoption of automation since the start of COVID-19.

Companies are increasing their use of industrial robots, too. The Robotic Industries Association reported that the number of yearly robot orders in 2020 grew by 69% in life sciences, pharmaceutical, and biomedical markets. Additional growing markets are food & consumer goods (56%) and plastics & rubber (51%).

We’re seeing that although automation and robotics have been growing trends for years, COVID-19 accelerated needs for these kinds of solutions. The surges in online shopping and e-commerce increased demands for efficient warehouse and distribution processes. Manufacturing facilities across industries needed new solutions to keep their employees safe, maintain production, and adjust to changing customer demands and supply chain issues.

Regardless of designing a new system or upgrading an existing process, automation and robotics offer several benefits for safety, efficiency, and visibility.

Enhanced safety

Safety controls and motion controls reduce chances of employee injuries. Robots can be used to complete tasks that may cause harm to people, such as doing repetitive movements or working with hazardous materials.

Improved efficiency

Upgrading manual processes to automated solutions helps speed up production, reduce errors, and maintain better quality control.

Increased visibility

Sensors monitor equipment and conditions to gather data on production flow and potential issues. Automated processes offer the ability for remote access and control, so that staff can understand what’s happening in the facility without being onsite.

DenTech’s skilled in-house team can work with you to develop automation and robotics solutions. We design, build, program, and install custom solutions including systems integration, machine retrofits, and control system upgrades.

Featured Project

We worked with a flooring manufacturer to update their material handling process. The flooring manufacturer came to DenTech with a concept for changes to improve efficiency. DenTech took their concept and turned it into working drawings that guided fabrication, mechanical installation, and electrical installation.

Over the course of two months, our team installed various pieces of equipment for the material handling system. We designed, fabricated, and installed a large material hopper, and we installed a Donaldson Torit Downflo® Evolution cartridge dust collector.

View the Project

May 17, 2021

We’re committed to safety and know how important it is for every company running machines. Our full-service, in-house team has the skills and experience to help you improve machine safety in your facility and keep employees out of harm’s way.

DenTech will work with you to address issues proactively, so you can ensure your facility complies with OSHA standards, minimize workplace hazards, and reduce employee injuries.

We start with a risk assessment to evaluate the functional safety of equipment and systems. After we identify safety issues and make recommendations for reducing risks, we develop custom solutions for you.

Whether you need machine safety guarding, electrical controls, automation, safety training, or a combination of solutions, our talented team can manage the project from start to finish.

Featured Project

We worked with a packaging manufacturer to address safety issues and minimize risks in their facility. DenTech completed a risk assessment, and then we created a concept to apply to several machines.

Our solution included hard-guarding framing, updated control panels, and upgraded motors and mechanical components. With these changes in place, the manufacturer increased safety measures and improved machine performance in their facility.

Read the project