CENTRAL VACUUM
and cartridge filters as a central system
for its 40 vacuum-assisted sanders. The
vacuum is linked into a pipe system that
runs about 250 feet. The CFM vacuum
can be used for process integrated
spot suction cleaning as well as central
vacuum system applications. They replaced the old system with an industrial-strength central system that employs a
pulse, self-purging cartridge system.
“Every 20 seconds, the vacuum
pulses compressed air at the filters to
knock off the dust. Plus, there are four
fine filters that continuously rotate, so
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Wood dust causes a variety of problems
for many woodworking plants because
of the vast quantities that fly up from
machines, stick to hard surfaces, and infiltrate the air ducts. The biggest problem is
the potential health hazards for workers.
Exposure to wood dust, especially
dust from hardwoods such as oak and
birch, the primary woods used at Oak
Designs, may cause external and internal
health problems. Adverse health effects
The dirt on dust
Earlier, Oak Designs had required all
workers to wear dust masks, costing
the company about $120 in disposable
masks every three days. Since the new
system was implemented, workers are
no longer required nor need to wear the
masks because the factory is so clean.
while one filter is being cleaned, another
is in use,” says McCarthy.
Since installation, wood dust and its
inherent problems have almost been
eliminated at Oak Designs. “We used
to have to confine our sanding to a
separate part of the building,” says Justin
Boutin. “Now we actually finish in the
same area as we sand, which is highly
unusual under these conditions.
“Dust is obviously harmful to your
lungs and can cause big problems down
the road, so we wanted to eliminate that
potential danger for our employees,” he
says. Earlier, Oak Designs had required all
