Dust and dirt are the main culprits that make up part of occupational hazards in most industries. Virtually all machines used in industrial applications nowadays will generate some type and level of dust. One of the key machines to get rid of dust and dirt of all kinds in your environment is a vacuum cleaner. This, however, does not refer to the regular vacuum cleaner used in residential applications and retail and office setups.
The type of vacuum cleaner used in these industries is a heavy-duty one specifically designed for industrial floor cleaning. When buying your machine, there are several elements you should consider before making your final choice. The crucial one is the type of filter used for the vacuum cleaner. The filter is primarily meant for the removal of dirt and dust in the air and the floor. The following are the filter options available for industrial-grade vacuum cleaners:
Light Filters
These are cotton-based filters which will retain approximately 99.8% of the dust particles in your industry. The filters can clean up dust particles with sizes even as small as three microns. The napped cotton used in light industrial filters also enhances dust filtration from your environment by enhancing the depth of the filter. Light industrial vacuum cleaner filters are non-sticky and contain a smooth PTFE membrane that increases the passing of dust particles through them. They are ideal for industries which produce considerable amounts of fine dust.
Heavy Filters”
These comprise a standard polyester-based material and will retain around 99.1% of the dust particles in your environment. They can filter out dust particles of 1.5 microns in size. The heavy filters used for industrial vacuum cleaners are pleated and have a star shape which will boost their surface area.
Microfilters
These are at times used with light industrial vacuum cleaners. They retain 99.5% of the dust in your environment and can filter dust particles measuring at least two microns. Microfilters are fitted over the motor’s bottom in your vacuum cleaner and will be a barrier to even the smallest dust particles. They are mostly a component of graduated filtration systems in some vacuum cleaners.
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters
These are used for cleaning highly toxic and hazardous dusty environments. HEPA filters are 99.999% efficient in the removal of dust particles and will remove particles measuring even 0.3 microns. There exists ultra-low penetration air (ULPA) which retain 99.999% of dust particles with micron ratings of at least 0.12. Manufacturers will have different certifications for their HEPA and ULPA filters to guarantee that they meet certain industry standards.
Porous Polyethylene Filters
These are used in wet/dry vacuum cleaners. They comprise a polyethylene material which is corrosion, water, and mildew-resistant. Porous filters also have pores in a labyrinth-like pattern which trap particles in its deep channels. They filter dust particles with at least one micron and are completely washable.
There are different variations of the filters used in industrial-grade vacuum cleaners. They, however, all fall into one of the above categories. With the right filter for the contaminants in your industry, you are ensured of a safe working environment and minimal debris on your machines which might affect their operation.