Wet dust filters not only ensure regulatory compliance but can also improve worker comfort and production flow.

The potentially explosive dust resulting from metal finishing operations is a major concern among fabricators today, not only due to safety hazards but also because recent changes in NFPA regulations have toughened compliance.

The grinding and sanding of metal work pieces produces fine metallic dust that—even after filtration—can be exposed to sparks and result in smoldering, catching fire, or even a dust explosion in circumstances when ordinary dry dust collection methods are used. The situation becomes even more hazardous when the dust from certain metals is “mixed” in a dry collection system. Mixing aluminum and steel dust, for example, is an accident waiting to happen.

Combustible metals that are common in manufacturing and machining operations include aluminum, lithium, magnesium, niobium, tantalum, titanium, zirconium, and even cold rolled steel.

By switching to wet collectors, many companies are upgrading their protection against dust fires and also improving air quality for workers at the same time. Some wet collection systems can also be customized to improve ergonomics for workers by positioning work pieces at more comfortable levels or facilitating access of hoisting equipment that eliminates the need of workers to lift heavy items. Such improvements may also lead to improved production flow.

Another advantage of many wet dust collection units is that they filter explosive dust directly into water inplant, thus eliminating another potential hazard site at the duct. These devices comply with federal regulations (NFPA and OSHA) without interfering with manufacturing processes.