Save Money on Filters by Maintaining

Dust Collector Discharge Devices

by John Staskiewicz, Donaldson Company, Inc.

One item often overlooked with dust collection

systems is discharge devices, with the most common
types being the drums or rotary valves. Proper
maintenance of an air-tight seal for these devices is
critical for keeping excess dust away from the filters
during normal operation of the dust collector. If the
air seal is not maintained, two things can occur:
1. Outside air can come in from the bottom of the
collector. This will take away air from the process
dust control.
2. The purpose of an air-tight seal at the discharge
device is to allow smaller and lighter density dust
to fall and be moved away from the filters. So the
second and more important consequence of not
maintaining the air seal is that if air is allowed
to come into the collector from the bottom, the
upward air rushing in will return the lighter dusts
back into the collector where it will then be redeposited back onto the filters. This phenomenon
will cause a higher differential pressure and
shorten filter life.

Consider a typical 55-gallon drum type discharge

arrangement. (Figure 1) Usually these drums are
connected to the bottom of the dust collector with
a flexible hose. For the discharge system to operate
efficiently, the integrity of each component should be
inspected periodically. Check the hose to see if it is
properly connected to the collector and lid. (Figure 2)
Also check the hose for wear and to see if any holes
have developed. Replace as necessary. Check the
drum cover to ensure the lid is not bent or the gasket
worn or missing. If the lid or gasket is damaged,
replace as necessary. Finally, inspect the drum itself
since this item is handled most often. Check the drum
for its integrity and to be sure it is round and contains
no holes. A bent or damaged drum will prevent a
good air-tight seal with the lid cover. (Figure 3)

Figure 2. Discharge system with damaged hose

Figure 1. Typical 55-gallon drum discharge

arrangement of hose, lid and drum

The other discharge device to consider is the rotary

valve; it should provide a seal that does not allow
outside air to enter the dust collector. With flexible
rubber wipers in rotary valves, its important to

Donaldson Torit

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inspection. With screw conveyors, it is important to
have the inspection covers gasketed to maintain air
and water tightness. Since the screw conveyors are
flat surfaces, rain water can accumulate and be drawn
into the conveyor causing material blockage and
unnecessary down time. Inspect the screw conveyors
routinely and listen for any air whistling that may
occur. If the gasket is missing or cover plate bent,
repair or replace as necessary.

Figure 3. A damaged drum can negatively impact

filter life

inspect the rotor and wipers once a quarter for worn,

missing or torn rubber since these imperfections
can allow outside air to enter the collector. Damaged
wipers should be replaced as necessary. When it
comes to machined rotor valves, the rotor-tip-tohousing clearance tolerance must be monitored
to ensure the clearance does not exceed the
recommended manufacturers clearance or excessive
air leakage may occur through the valve causing the
filters to fail sooner. (Figure 4)
Those operations that use screw conveyors with
a downstream rotary valve discharge also require

Donaldson Company, Inc.

Torit
P.O. Box 1299
Minneapolis, MN
55440-1299 U.S.A.

Figure 4. Rotary valve creates a seal between the

collector and drum

Paying attention to and maintaining a dust collectors

discharge device can pay off in terms of extended filter
life and cost savings.

Tel 800-365-1331 (USA)

Tel 800-343-3639 (within Mexico)
donaldsontorit@donaldson.com
donaldsontorit.com

Save Money on Filters by Maintaining Dust Collector Discharge Devices

2012 Donaldson Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Information in the document is subject to change without notice.