Dust-laden air is drawn through an intake and directed to the filtration compartment. The air is pushed or pulled through the bags. Dust collects on the inside or the outside of the bag, depending on cleaning method. A layer of caked dust accumulates on the filter media surface.
When the filter bag no longer has sufficient pressure from the air, a sensor takes the unit offline (for some systems) and the cleaning process begins. When the compartment is clean, the system begins filtration again.
Filtered air exits on the other end of the system.
In a shaker-type unit, the airflow is periodically shut off and the dust is shaken off into the collection hopper.
In a reverse air filter, dirty air is pulled through the collector. The filter bag is supported by a metal frame to keep it from collapsing under pressure. Dust collects on the outside of the bags. For cleaning, a fan rotates and air is gently blown in reverse through the bag. This gently blows the caked dust off to fall into the collection unit. Some reverse air units can continue operation while this happens.
A pulse jet design uses high-pressure compressed air jets to shake caked dust off the filter bag. This method is very efficient and does not require that the filtration unit be offline to clean. However, it places stress on your filter bags and can require more frequent filter bag replacement.
A sonic cleaner uses sound waves to blast dust off the filter fabric. This method is very gentle and can increase the lifespan of your filter bags.
Dust collection equipment requires regular maintenance and filter replacement for maximum effectiveness.