Donaldson Torit

Donaldson is the largest dust collector company in the world, and they’ve partnered with Messer Cutting Systems since 1990. The Donaldson DFE^® Series has been customized for Messer Cutting Systems’ processes and features a downward airflow pattern and Donaldson MERV* 15 True Nanofiber Filtration Technology.

As the inventor of the cartridge dust collector, Donaldson Torit^® provides the most complete range of cartridge collectors that cost-effectively enhance productivity and manufacturing efficiency. Our cartridge collectors are engineered to capture the broad spectrum of dust particles that can inhibit production environments.

EPA-sponsored research has found that the downward flow of the dirty air stream reduces re-deposition since it incorporates gravity when moving dust particles toward the hopper.

The size of a dust collector is dependent on the required airflow to contain the fume and particulates. Generally speaking, the wider the cutting table, the greater the airflow required to contain the dust, and consequently, the larger the dust collector required. Other variables also influence airflow, including the size of the table, the fraction of the table covered by the workpiece, and the number of open zones within a table during the cutting process. Downdraft tables are often partitioned (or zoned) to reduce the total airflow required to capture dust effectively, thus reducing the size of the collector. The collector size is tailored based on several factors including the number of cutting heads, the cutting technology (laser, plasma, oxy-fuel, etc.), the material being cut, cutting speed and torch on-time, and cutting table type. For larger workpieces, multiple cutting machines may be integrated within a single downdraft table.

The airflow through the cutting table must be sufficient to generate a downdraft velocity at the surface of the table to overcome rising fumes. The downdraft velocity is the minimum velocity of air required to prevent fumes and particulates from escaping the cutting table and for thermal cutting applications is typically 150-250 ft/min but can vary with table design and size.

The use of a dust collector will improve air quality in industrial settings such as manufacturing, processing, and machining plants. Simply put, it removes contaminants from the air and environment.

An underperforming dust collector is often the result of very high dust loading, ineffective cleaning, or a combination of the two. Left unchecked, these problems can result in unplanned downtime and increased operating costs.

So, while this is not necessarily an exhaustive rollout of potential issues, listed below you will find a handy checklist of measures to avoid costly shutdowns and frequent filter changes.

The fine particulate generated by thermal cutting applications requires high-efficiency cartridge collectors to perform well. Surface-loading, nanofiber media, and downward airflow patterns increase collector performance dramatically. Nanofibers aid in the removal of the very fine particulate from the airstream through several filtering phenomena including, interception, diffusion, and impaction. The nanofibers increase the overall efficiency of the filter media, and they force the particulate to accumulate at the surface of the media where pulse cleaning can be effective. The downward airflow pattern is also critical for stabilizing differential pressure on thermal cutting applications. As the cleaning system pulses, the downward airflow assists with evacuating fine particulate and fume from the surface of the filter. Cartridge filter media without nanofibers often allow particulate to embed within the media fibers, resulting in a reduced airflow to the cutting table and shorter filter life.

As with any process, customers should perform a hazard analysis before selecting a dust collection strategy. Sparks are typically present in any thermal cutting process, and collected dust may be a combustible presenting explosion and/or fire risks. An integrated Messer Spark Trap may reduce these risks. Ignition source mitigation strategies should be a consideration for any dry dust collector strategy. In addition, consideration of risks capturing particulates from different metals should be included. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publishes a number of standards to help mitigate risks associated with combustible metal dust.

In recent years, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) significantly reduced the permissible exposure limits (PEL) of many dust types such as hexavalent chromium. This can be an issue for applications that cut metals with chromium such as stainless steel, which is significantly higher than other common metals such as carbon steel or aluminum. A monitoring filter may be required in facilities that re-circulate air to reduce emissions from a cutting process.

Considering the filtration challenges posed by thermal cutting applications, manufacturers should consult filtration experts at Donaldson or Messer Cutting Systems for dust collection solutions that meet the requirements of the agency having jurisdiction (AHJ), protect cutting machinery, and minimize worker exposure to the harmful fumes and particulate these applications generate.

Look to Donaldson for advanced and reliable dust, fume, and mist collectors and filters engineered to provide outstanding filtration efficiency and energy savings. No matter your industrial filtration requirements, we can provide the right solution for your company.

The predominance of all those blue collectors across a wide array of industries is testimony to Donaldson Torit’s industry leadership. We stand behind our products. For decades, Donaldson Torit® has offered manufacturers advanced and reliable dust, fume, and mist collectors and filters engineered to provide outstanding filtration efficiency and energy savings.

Using Donaldson Torit® replacement filters can significantly improve the performance of dust collectors. Uniquely engineered for longer filter life and higher efficiency, our filters provide the best value to our customers.

Our continual investment in research and development has led to our position as the world’s largest manufacturer of industrial air filtration solutions. As the inventor of the cartridge collector, Donaldson^® Torit^® has led the way for continuous innovation with award-winning products such as Torit^® PowerCore^® dust collectors and filter packs.

We offer the broadest range of solutions to meet your exact needs. We are experts in recommending the best dust collector solution tailored to you. No other manufacturer comes close to matching the innovation and breadth of technical expertise that Donaldson Torit incorporates into its dust collection solutions.

Our vast service and support network includes project management, start-up assistance, and troubleshooting by a field-based network of experts. We offer service and support at all stages from up-front engineering to knowledgeable field resources, to after-sales and service. Worldwide support provides customers with advanced solutions and service, no matter the location.