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The device works by creating circuitous paths that give sparks and embers more time to lose the energy that they contain as they are directed to a safe area while adding very little static pressure loss to the system

Spark Arrestor Prevents Dust Collector Fires

Aug. 6, 2012
Vertical filter cartridges provide efficient pulsing of dust Channel baffles in the inlet protect filters from dust and separate larger particles Modular construction handles varying air flow volumes  

Camfil Farr APC introduced a new spark arrestor that provides protection for its Gold Series® cartridge dust and fume collection systems for industrial use. The Gold Series systems clean dust and fumes from workplaces, with a modular design that offers field flexibility and short manufacturing lead time; a heavy-duty carbon steel construction for long service life; and a solid-state collection module built of 7-gauge carbon steel: the door, hopper, inlet, and panels are built of 10-gauge steel.

The vertical design of the Farr filter cartridges provides efficient pulsing of dust, thereby eliminating the uneven dust loading associated with horizontally mounted cartridges; and the high entry cross-flow inlet eliminates upward can velocities associated with traditional hopper inlets in industrial dust collectors. The channel baffles installed in the inlet protect the filters from incoming dust and separate the larger particles directly into the hopper, reducing the load on the filters.

The new spark arrestor works without perforations or screens to take control of sparks and channel them away from the filters and into the dust collector's hopper, reducing the chance of fire. Applications include welding, plasma cutting, laser cutting and other spark-producing operations that do not involve combustible dust. (Combustible dusts require a spark trap that directs the sparks to a suitable container isolated from the dust collector.) 

Unlike conventional perforated plate-type arrestors, the Camfil Farr APC device works creates circuitous paths that give sparks and embers more time to lose the energy that they contain as they are directed to a safe area, while adding very little static pressure loss to the system. In addition, it is less likely to plug and accumulate material than perforated spark baffle systems. The inlet transition is reversible and provides horizontal or vertical entry without compromising control of the spark.  Modular construction of the arrestor makes it possible to handle varying air flow volumes. Each module can handle a maximum of 10,000 cfm, but the optimal volume is 7,000 cfm where static pressure is less than 2 in. w.g. The unit also contains an access door to clean out debris that may enter the dust collection system.  The new spark arrestor is offered as an option on new or existing Gold Series dust collectors.

Visit www.farrapc.com.

About the Author

Robert Brooks | Content Director

Robert Brooks has been a business-to-business reporter, writer, editor, and columnist for more than 20 years, specializing in the primary metal and basic manufacturing industries. His work has covered a wide range of topics, including process technology, resource development, material selection, product design, workforce development, and industrial market strategies, among others. Currently, he specializes in subjects related to metal component and product design, development, and manufacturing — including castings, forgings, machined parts, and fabrications.

Brooks is a graduate of Kenyon College (B.A. English, Political Science) and Emory University (M.A. English.)