Dust collection systems are an important part of manufacturing facilities to minimize dust exposure and contribute to a safe environment for employees. But dust collectors are not pieces of equipment that you can install and forget about. They require regular maintenance to operate properly and efficiently.
Some preventative maintenance may be done by in-house personnel. On a daily basis, they record the pressure drop on filters, look for anything out of the norm in equipment performance, and may check the drum. However, in-house maintenance technicians have the responsibility of keeping all equipment up and running in the facility. They may prioritize process equipment over other types of equipment, including dust collectors. Especially at facilities where teams have been reduced, in-house maintenance personnel may be busy responding to issues as they come up. They might not have time or resources for preventative maintenance on dust collectors.
This is why having a service agreement with a third party, like the DenTech service team, offers several benefits, including ongoing support, reduced downtime, and peace of mind.
Ongoing support that matches customer needs
DenTech offers yearly service agreements tailored to customers’ needs. Customers determine the frequency of visits, depending on factors including system usage and processes in the facility.
For example, service agreements may include visits on a quarterly, bi-annual, or annual basis. Service agreements outline how often filters are changed and how often the system is cleaned. Preventative service agreements also offer discounts on Donaldson Torit® filters and parts. In some cases, these savings may even cover the cost of preventative maintenance visits.
According to Donaldson, an important safety requirement is to change filters “when airflow reaches a differential pressure (above the specified maximum specifications) or 120 – 150daPa / 4.8 – 6.0 in. wg.” Many factors affect airflow, including type of dust and how many shifts the unit runs. Checking filters on a regular basis and changing them when needed helps the system run efficiently.
If a customer is not sure of what their system needs, DenTech can visit the customer to determine appropriate preventative maintenance for the system.
Reduced downtime, thanks to thorough inspections
Service agreements include regularly scheduled inspections, so that dust collectors are shut down, and technicians can inspect them from top to bottom.
Preventative maintenance is performed by technicians who receive regular compliance training. The DenTech service team is qualified to inspect and repair dust collection systems from any manufacturer brand.
In accordance with NFPA 91, we inspect hoods, ductwork, fittings, and all other parts of the dust collector. Our technicians can identify an issue and replace parts before the equipment fails. DenTech technicians have replacement parts in the service vehicle. If repairs are needed and the facility approves the work, the technician can do the repair during the same visit, rather than schedule for a separate time.
With regularly scheduled visits, preventative maintenance:
- extends filter life
- contributes to lower overall energy consumption
- minimizes costs of emergency service and expedited shipping
- reduces the chances of an unexpected shutdown
Peace of mind that dust collection systems are well-maintained
As part of service agreements, technicians create reports that document the inspection, what maintenance was performed, and any recommended repairs. Reports include data on the motor, electrical readings, filters, airflow, doors, gaskets, cleaning system, and dust discharge. This offers a record of the state of equipment at the time of inspection, and the customer can reference it as needed.
DenTech service technicians follow standard procedures, so maintenance is performed consistently on each visit. Customers can rely on DenTech technicians to keep dust collection systems operating properly, especially in facilities with hazardous dust.
Preventative service agreements offer ongoing support, reduced downtime, and peace of mind. Partnering with DenTech allows customers to ensure their dust collection systems operate efficiently and contribute to a safe working environment for employees.
A final note
Without preventative maintenance, a dust collection system may have operation issues, develop clogs, and have worn-out parts. In those cases, DenTech service technicians can visit customers to determine what isn’t working properly in the system. Then they can make repairs to get the dust collection system up and running again.
But waiting for equipment to develop issues can lead to unexpected downtime and unplanned expenses. A better approach is to have regular preventative maintenance in place. Then service technicians can catch potential issues before they lead to lost production time.
For more information on preventative maintenance for dust collection systems, contact DenTech.
