Quick Summary
Following a maintenance plan for your bin vent or cartridge dust collector will help you address any issues before they create a larger issue. Included is a standard maintenance plan you can use as-is or as a template to create a customized maintenance plan for your plant.
How do you ensure your dust collector is running at peak efficiency? By being proactive with a maintenance plan.
Following a maintenance plan for your bin vent or cartridge collector will help you address any issues before they create a larger issue. Some benefits include:
- Longer filter life
- Reduce unplanned down time throughout the year
- Prevent a dust collector explosion
On-Going Maintenance Procedure
(may not apply to all models)
- Check compartment differential pressure model inside the panel for normal operating range
- Observe if timer properly operates all pulse valves
- Check hopper dust level. Dust collectors are not designed to hold material
- Check the air pressure to the solenoid valves. Air pressure to the header should range between 70 and 90 psi. NEVER MORE than 100 psi. If more pressure is required to clean the filters then there is a problem with the filter media and or a problem with the particulate flows and density. High air pressure will cause failure in the diaphragm valves
- Lubricate fan bearings monthly if applicable
- Check damper valves for proper seating
- Inspect filter media monthly for wear and replace if necessary, as indicated by dust emission from discharge of fan or stack.
- Paint to guard against corrosion
- Maintain door seals and gaskets and replace when they lose resiliency or become damaged. Do not paint seals or gaskets at any time
- Air Moving Equipment: Fans should be mounted on rigid foundation or supports. For specific requirements, see fan manufacturer instructions in this manual
- Check the anchor bolts periodically to see that the vibration has not loosened or damaged the fittings. Bearings should be periodically lubricated in accordance with the bearing manufacturer’s lubrication instructions. Bearings should be removed, inspected, and replaced, if necessary, as soon as excessive fan shaft vibration becomes apparent. Also, check the shaft itself for such damage as scoring or heat cracks. Never over lubricated bearings
- Impellers should be inspected at regular intervals for imbalance due to deposited materials on the blades. Critical clearances between impeller, inlet rings, and fan housing should be checked and maintained in the same conditions as when the fan was installed. Similarly, the conditions of key ways and/or setscrews should be checked
- Belt tension should be maintained to prevent undue slippage or unnecessary stress on bearings (both motor and fan)
- Most fan motors are mounted on sliding bases. Make sure the base is secure
- Large fan motors may be supplied with a pivoting motor base. This type of base automatically controls belt tension to respond to each change in load when properly adjusted. The tension is determined by the amount of offset of the motor with respect to the pivot point. To level the motor, loosen the cradle bolts at the ends of the pivot and adjust the take up screws on the lower part of the base until the motor is level. Tighten the cradle bolts
- Worn belts should be replaced; thus, spar V-belts should be maintained in stock. To change V-belts, loosen the bolts holding the motor to its base, remove worn belt and replace with new one. Make adjustments for proper tension and tighten bolts securely
- V-Belt sheaves should be replaced when groove wear interferes with the efficient functioning of the drive
- For fans with a modulation inlet damper, check the linkage for binding monthly
To help get you through each step of your maintenance plan, we have also created a handy check list you can use.
Dust Collector Maintenance Checklist