A case study printed in a recent edition of the Micro Air Newsletter described how a weld shop was able to capture Hexavalent Chromium laden smoke and dust by using a strategically placed TM1000.

As often happens when searching for solutions for vexing problems, it was a matter of trial and error.  The operation being tested was welding stainless steel, and the tests were conducted using a SKC model sampling device placed inside the welding hood, in line with the workers’ breathing zone.  The goal was to get the micrograms of Hexavalent Chromium to the current OSHA standard of 5 micrograms per cubic meter.

The first test failed, even thought it was evident that the TM1000 was capturing and containing the smoke and dust.  This left the testers baffled.

The second test under the same conditions a week later also failed.

The weld operation was then moved from the middle of the open shop floor to an isolated corner of the room, away from other weld stations that might be allowing cross contamination.  This time the test was completely successful, prompting the shop owner to purchase a TM1000 for each weld station.

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Need Equipment NOW?
We have a variety of used and demo equipment ready for immediate shipment.  Pictures and specifications of available used equipment are available on our website.

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Firetrace Protects Dust Collectors from Fire
Like all metal cutting machines, precision laser cutting machines produce waste (metal “dust”).  Attached to many of these machines are Dust Collectors designed to pull the waste away through a cartridge filtering system.  Since the cutting process involves metal and a laser, sparks are a natural byproduct.  Occasionally, a spark from the cutting area flows into the dust collector.  When this occurs, the metal “dust” can ignite.  

A Firetrace Indirect Low Pressure (ILP) system provides the perfect ‘fire protection’ for these machines (Firetrace does not provide explosion protection).  The ILP System uses 20 lbs. of Class D powder as the fire suppressing agent because of the metallic nature of the combustible dust.  The Firetrace Detection Tubing run above the collection cartridges can quickly detect a fire, and discharge nozzles placed in the dust collector can saturate the area with powder upon system activation.  Additional safety features can include a Pressure Switch to shut down exhaust fans when the system detects a fire and a manual release for additional safety.  The system can also be connected to the building’s fire alarm system.  (used with permission of Firetrace Automatic Fire Suppression Systems.)

Air Purification Inc. can assist you in determining if the Firetrace System will help with your combustible “dust” issues.

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Air Purification Inc. was recently named the recipient of GlasFloss Industries 2007 Silver Sales Award, confirming our commitment to being a leader in all aspects of the air filtration industry.

Shannon Orr is shown receiving the award from GlasFloss’s Wynn Yamamoto. 

Upcoming Trade Shows

Look for our booth at the following shows. Our website also has the latest trade shows where Air Purification, Inc. will be exhibiting.

• May 29th:  Raleigh Facilities Maintenance Show – NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, NC
• Oct. 8th & 9th: Knoxville Industrial Expo – Knoxville Expo Center, Knoxville, TN
• October 15 & 16: Carolina Industrial & Facility Maintenance Show, Carolina First Center, Greenville, SC
  
• Nov. 5th & 6th – Roanoke Industrial Expo – Roanoke Civic Center, Roanoke, VA

OSHA Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program

Effective March 8, 2008, OSHA has issued Directive Number: CPL 03-00-008 addressing the policies and procedures for inspecting workplaces for combustible dusts.  Workplace fires and explosions have been linked to such items as metal dust from aluminum and magnesium, wood dusts and others.  For more information on the combustible dusts and the OSHA directive, click on the links below:

Combustible Dust in Industry: Preventing and Mitigating the Effects of Fire and Explosions

Combustible Dust Poster (PDF)

OSHA Fact Sheet - HazardAlert: Combustible Dust Explosion (PDF)

OSHA Instruction - Directive No. CPL 03-00-008
Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program (PDF)

NEWSLETTER
Volume 5
Spring 2008

Also In This Issue

• Used Equipment for Immediate Shipment

• Firetrace for Dust Collectors

• Filter Award 

• Upcoming Trade Shows

• OSHA Updates

Air Pollution Testing Lab

Quick Connect Duct