How to Detect a Dust Collector Leak

How to detect and solve a dust collector leak.

Have you noticed a continuous emission of dust from your collector? It's usually indication that the problem is inside your system. Here are some of the more common causes to look out for.
Causes of Leaking Dust Collector

• Missing or dislodged filters


• Seal has been compromised or damaged


• Broken seams on bags


• Filter(s) have a hole

If you're not able to diagnose your problem with a quick visual observation, then a simple die test is your next step. A die test uses fluorescent leak powder and concentrates it at it's entry points into the clean air plenum. It's these entry points that are your leaks. Check out this short video guide that talks about the main causes, how to perform a test, and how much leak powder you'll need for your dust collector system.



Video Transcript:

Hi I'm Bob from US air filtration.

Have you ever seen dust coming out of your dust collector and thought, I've got a leak somewhere, now how am I going to find it?

Well today we're going to talk about some ways you can find those leaks.

And to illustrate this I'm going to refer to a top-load pulse jet bag house.

Although the same principles will apply to pretty much any type of collector you may have.

First you want to look for obvious visual problems by examining both the clean and dirty sides of the collector if possible.

Are there any filters missing or dislodged from the cell plate?

Do any of the filters look like the seal has been compromised or damaged?

Can you see any holes tears or broken seams on the bag?

If you can't find the leak after conducting your visual inspection, then we recommend performing a leak test using leak detection powder.

Leak powder is an inert colored powder that is introduced into the dust stream.

It follows the dust through the collector and through any leaks that exist into the clean air side of the collector.

It leaves a brightly colored trail along its path that becomes very visible under a black light.

Once the leak powder has been introduced turn off the collector and get inside it.

Close any doors that will allow light in and turn on the handheld black light.

You will then see the highly visible fluorescent powder concentrating at its entry point into the clean air plenum.

These entry points are your leaks.

Leak powder comes in many different colors so you can retest in a different color when necessary; to confirm that all the leaks have been fixed.

Leak powder typically comes in a case with four five-pound buckets. We can provide larger packaging if you need it.

About 1 pound of leak powder is required for every 1,000 square feet of filter cloth in your collector.

We can provide you with detailed instructions in the calculation worksheet so you know how much leak powder to buy.

Contact us to get this information. Or to have one of our representatives answer any questions you may have about leak tests.

 

Related Resources:

https://www.usairfiltration.com/dust-collector-change-out-check-list/