How to Choose the Right Industrial Vacuum Cleaner for Aluminium Powder

5 Aspects to Consider When Choosing an Industrial Vacuum Cleaner for Aluminium Dust

It is very important to know the characteristics of the material that has to be vacuumed, to take into account every aspect that could cause a hazard when working with aluminum scrap and dust, and to make the correct choice of vacuum cleaner:

1. Type of aluminium powder

The first step is to determine the type of aluminium powder you are vacuuming. Aluminium powder can be classified according to its fineness, composition and electrical charge.

Fineness and particle size: Aluminium powder is classified according to its fineness into fine powders (< 100 microns), coarse powders (> 100 microns) and ultra-fine powders (< 1 micron). Fine powders are the most dangerous because they are more easily ignited.

Composition: Aluminium powder can be pure aluminium or aluminium with additives. Additives can change the properties of aluminium powder, making it more or less dangerous.

Electric charge: Aluminium powder can be electrically charged. The electrical charge may increase the risk of explosion.

2. Volume of dust to be removed

The volume of dust to be removed is another important factor to consider. If a large amount of dust is to be vacuumed, an industrial vacuum cleaner with sufficient air flow and collection capacity is required.

3. Production process involved with aluminium

Machining processes for materials such as PVC and aluminium require the use of machines such as cutting, welding and cleaning machines.

Ensuring continuous suction and integral capture of aluminium shavings and light dust during machine operation is crucial to ensure maximum product safety and quality in the production of aluminium components.

By installing extraction systems directly on processing and production lines, it is possible to

• Complete waste capture;
• Maintain maximum efficiency of production machines;
• Ensure maximum safety even in potentially explosive environments and in the presence of hazardous dust, thanks to ATEX certifications for work in hazardous areas.

4. Dust extractors for aluminium dust: features

Several features must be present in an industrial vacuum for the extraction of aluminium dust. The most important are:

• Filtration: The industrial vacuum must be equipped with an effective filtration system to ensure very fine and volatile particles. Filters must be antistatic and easily cleaned.
• Maintenance: The dust extractor must be easy to maintain and have effective filter cleaning systems built in.
• Safety: The vacuum cleaner must be certified to be used in environments that require Atex-certified equipment.

5. Industrial Vacuums for aluminium dust

Following the above-mentioned characteristics, it is possible to identify certain categories of industrial vacuum cleaners that are particularly suitable for the safe removal of aluminium dust:

• Atex-Certified Industrial Vacuums
• Vacuum solutions with oil inertisation bath

Atex-certified Industrial Vacuums

Designed to vacuum explosive dust and contain it safely. Certified for use in Atex 21 and 22 hazardous areas and/or with the option of being supplied with a 1D internal vacuum cleaner certification, useful when vacuuming potentially explosive dust.

Industrial vacuums or separators with inerting oil bath

Designed to immerse explosive dust in inerting oil as soon as it is aspirated, rendering it harmless. Atex-certified solutions that enable simple and safe disposal of sucked-in and neutralised aluminium dust.

Choosing the right industrial vacuum cleaner for aluminium powder is important for the safety and health of workers. Contact us to find out which solution best suits your production reality.