How to Troubleshoot a Dust Collector

An operational dust collector and dust masks help protect workers.

Plant productivity and heavy airborne dust do not have to go together, but worker illness, fines and lost productivity usually do. This is where a dust collector in good working condition is vital. It helps clear the air of harmful particles you can see and those you cannot. Filter issues could be remedied fairly quickly, while other problems may be more challenging to fix. And seconds do count. While it's recommended these steps be completed by a licensed, certified and professional technician, at least you can be aware of what is likely to cause your dust collector to fail.

Things You'll Need

• Dust collector
• Safety goggles
• Voltage tester

Instructions

1. Empty and thoroughly clean the internal filter. Filter cleaning should be put on a maintenance plan since filters tend to clog up over time. Slow conveying and high loads contribute to the problem. If the issue is not resolved, continue.

2. Replace the internal filter. If the issue is not resolved, continue.

3. Examine the vent air solenoid for proper 110 voltage signal because this will affect the operation of the automatic unloading and reloading of your dust collector. Clean out any dirt from the area and then reassemble. You will need to dissemble and reassemble the bottom section(s)/valve. If the issue is not resolved, continue.

4. Tighten loose hose clamps and then close openings found around O-ring couplings. Vacuum return lines, dust return lines and material vacuum leaks could inhibit vacuum power, so this could solve the problem. If the issue is not resolved, continue.

5. Check the air pressure on the three-way vacuum valve. Clear any blockages and then raise air pressure to 80 to 100 psi to remedy leaks, and then check that the range of conveying vacuums are 10 to 12 inch Hg (pressure gauge). Issues with the three-way vacuum valve can occur when the filter clogs up too quickly. If the issue is not resolved, continue.

6. Raise the unload time if the timer has failed and then verify that the electrical circuit is operational.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask an electrical technician to compare the wiring diagrams with your dust collector's actual setup because incorrect wiring could be the cause of a persistent problem.

• If one circuit supplies power to other machines, check all other process line equipment to make sure they are not adding to existing dust collector issues.

• Due to extreme voltage hazards, troubleshooting dust collectors should be conducted by a professional electrical technician.

• Turn off the power to the dust collector before having it serviced.

• Turn off compressed air and wear safety goggles when you are servicing the unit or are within a few feet or closer to where it is being serviced.

References

• Conair Group: Dust Collector - Section 6: Troubleshooting