Powder Show Sessions Q&A: Dust Collection

Diane Cave, P.Eng, at Element6 Solutions, will be at the podium for three educational sessions at this year's Powder Show (April 25-27, Rosemont, IL). 

Cave works from the company's Nova Scotia office as the regional manager of Eastern Canada.

The sessions are: 

We asked Cave to give us a short description on each, along with a few other related questions. Here are her answers:

Fundamentals: Basics of Dust Collection

(Tues., April 25, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.)

Q. What can you tell us about what will be covered in this presentation?

This presentation will cover the pieces and part of a dust collection system, and how each part works and the piece of equipment’s roll in the dust collection design. We will then go through a high-level static pressure calculations for a system, because static pressure is what drives a dust collection system.

Q. What will attendees get from the session, other than the obvious?

The attendees will get a basic overview of the part of a dust collection system and how it should work. Also, why proper design is important and not just slapping it together. 

Q. Is the course for both newbies in the industry and well-seasoned veterans?

The session is designed to be a fundamental session for people that basically know what a dust collector is and that’s about it. But it is pretty in depth and I think even if you are a session professional in the realm of dust collection you could get something out of the session, if nothing else than seeing my super fun graphics! Really anyone that has, operates, or is looking to install a dust collection system could benefit from this session.

Effective Dust Control Hood Design

(Tues., April 25, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.)

Q. What can you tell us about what will be covered in this presentation?

This session will go over the things to think about when designing a hood such as placement, material speed and containment. I will discuss how all the outlined factors affect the airflow requirements and sizing of the hood. I will finish off with a few examples on how to size hoods for effective dust capture and collection.

Q. What will attendees get from the session, other than the obvious?

The attendees will obtain an understanding of the important factors affecting hoods, where to go to get the information and how to design basic hoods. We won’t get into anything too tricky with the examples.

Q. Is the course for both newbies in the industry and well-seasoned veterans?

This session is geared for people that have some knowledge of dust collection. Not to say that if you don’t know anything about dust collection you won’t get anything out of the class; you might just have a few more questions. Anyone having issues with hoods, looking to install hoods (or a new system), or just having a general interest in the topic will benefit from this session.

Troubleshooting Dust Collection Issues

(Tues., April 25, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.)

Q. What can you tell us about what will be covered in this presentation?

This session will go over common issues that happed with dust collection systems, either through use, modifications or initial poor design. The session will cover the common causes and fixes for these issues. With the aim at assisting the attendees with some of issues they may be having with their dust collection systems.

Q. What will attendees get from the session, other than the obvious?

The goal is to give the attendees some potential solutions to dust collection issues they might be having or at least a few things or tricks to try or even some design changes that might help.

Q. Is the course for both newbies in the industry and well-seasoned veterans?

This session is for anyone that has issues with dust collector, or if you want to learn about potential issues and how to fix/avoid them. The material will assume that the attendees have a certain base level understanding, but it doesn’t mean that if you’re new to the industry you’d be completely lost attending.

Industry Trends

Q. What are some trends that you have seen in powders and solids?

People seem to be using more controls and monitoring, and their awareness for combustible safety/knowledge seems to be on the rise. 

Q. What are some things to watch for in the near future (two to three years)? 

I think the trend for monitoring and automation will continue to increase. And I think that the trend to use 3D scanning and other smart workflows will continue to increase to streamline design for all types of systems.

Element 6's Virtual Plant Design (VPD) workflow delivers a rapid prototyping, end-to-end 3D modelling experience. The solution saves time, virtually eliminates the necessity for endlessly reworking plans, and reduces engineering costs by a considerable factor. This process is available to all clients regardless of size and budget.

For more Powder Show information and to register go to International Powder & Bulk Solids Conference and Exhibition.