Grinding lines, shot blasting and aggressive cutting are hard on equipment. Dust is abrasive, hot and voluminous, so controls must be robust, maintainable and quick to adapt. A modular approach keeps uptime high and costs predictable.

Understand the load

Profile dust type, particle size and moisture. Note duty cycle, peak production periods and spark or heat risks. This decides filter classes, pre-separation needs and materials for hoods and ducting. Plan for under-load airflow, not theoretical free-air numbers, and build in headroom for filter loading.

Modular, swappable elements

Use modular solutions so high-wear parts change fast: sacrificial pre-filters, bolt-in abrasion liners, quick-release capture hoods and standardised duct sections. Stage filtration—pre-separation or coarse panels first, then fine media (H13/H14 where respirable hazards exist). Keep like-for-like spares on hand to minimise downtime.

Protect airflow and prove performance

Fit differential pressure gauges across filters and set simple change-out thresholds. Add airflow measurement points near hoods to confirm capture velocities after maintenance. Where loading is extreme, parallel units provide redundancy and allow service without stopping the line.

Materials and safety

Choose abrasion-resistant ducting and radius bends to reduce wear. Where sparks or hot fragments are present, consider spark arrestors and keep combustible waste in metal containers. Seal joints properly; leaks erode capture and increase housekeeping.

Service rhythm and cost control

Schedule short, frequent interventions: shake-down or swap pre-filters, inspect liners, and vacuum settled dust from enclosures. Track parts consumption and pressure trends to refine intervals and budget.

Practical takeaways

• Design around the real dust load and duty cycle, not nominal specs.
• Stage filtration with sacrificial pre-filters to protect fine media.
• Standardise modules and keep spares for fast change-outs.
• Measure differential pressure and capture at the hood to verify.
• Select wear-resistant materials and manage heat/spark risks.

Build it to be maintained. Modular, measurable systems stay effective under punishing conditions and keep production moving without compromising safety.