Dust Collectors vs. Vacuum Systems

Dust collectors and vacuum systems are a must-have in almost every industrial application. Both equipment help various businesses meet air filtration requirements and enhance employee safety by minimizing health risks associated with particle inhalation. 

A dust collector differs from a vacuum system in its operation: it utilizes low pressure and high volume (HVLP) to remove airborne particles while the latter removes dust from surfaces at high pressure and low volumes (LVHP). Thus, the former is suitable for industrial operations associated with large particle cloud formation such as that seen in flour mills. At the same time, the latter is fit for the entrapment of larger particles on surfaces as seen in metalwork companies.

Keep reading this article to explore more differences between the dust collector and vacuum dust extractor!

Differences between a Dust Collector and Industrial Vacuum Cleaner

You might be a little confused about the most suitable dust entrapment system for your factory. Or maybe you have accepted both to mean the same and perform similar functions. All the answers are here. The dust collector and dust vacuum cleaner both come in handy for various air filtration and dust management purposes. However, certain design and operating features make both equipment unique in performance and fit for differing applications. Here are a few differences between dust collectors and vacuum systems:

Dust collectors Vacuum systems
Remove airborne particles Remove dust particles from surfaces 
Operate at high volumes and low pressureOperate at low volumes and high pressure
Suitable for air filtration and breathable air maintenanceBefitting for precision cleaning and material conveyance
Fitted with capture hoods and filters for  dust entrapmentFitted with narrow hoses and tools like dusting brush to collect dust
Traps large quantities of dust-laden air slowly via a low-pressure mechanismTraps little dust at a time from surfaces at high speeds due to increased pressure
Examples include baghouses and cartridge dust collectors, wet and dry scrubbers, etc.Examples include portable housekeeping vacuum cleaners, canister vacuums, central vacuums, etc.

What is an Industrial Vacuum Cleaner

An Industrial Vacuum Cleaner

An industrial vacuum cleaner is a heavy-duty machine that utilizes a high-pressure low-volume mechanism to remove dust particles from surfaces. Depending on the application, an industrial vacuum for dust ranges from centralized units to portable forms similar to the regular housekeeping vacuum cleaner. Their application is seen in various manufacturing houses including welding, woodwork, metalwork, and plastic parts production. Unlike dust collectors, vacuum systems are designed to not only eliminate dust but also transport heavier materials via their suction system.  

Industrial vacuum cleaners, like conventional vacuums, collect dust particles that have settled on the floor and around machinery via two major tools: a dusting brush and a suction system. The suction system consists of a small diameter hose connected to a separator, through which air enters the vacuum. The size of the hose limits the amount of materials transported and increases the pressure drop to one inch of water column per foot of the hose. The typical size of vacuum hoses ranges from 1.5 – 2 inches in diameter to 25 – 50 feet long. 

It operates via a negative pressure principle. Every vacuum cleaner for dusting has a motor unit that uses alternating current (AC) to produce differential pressure between the two ends of the piping system. The pressure inside the pipe is lower than the pressure outside the pipe. This creates a vacuum that pulls particles into the equipment, via a pump such as a centrifugal fan, over extended periods. 

Every vacuum dust extractor is designed with filters to purify incoming air. The entire process of dust extraction is concluded when dust enters the collection space or receptacle. 

What is a Dust Collector

A dust collector system

A dust collector is designed to eliminate contaminants from the air in various production facilities from woodworking industries to flour mills. Tysum – China’s leading dust collector manufacturer provides numerous industries and production houses with appropriate dust collector systems. The dust collector ranges in size from centralized systems to portable units like the vacuum dust extractor. They include baghouses and cartridge dust collectors. 

Both Tysum’s baghouse and cartridge dust collector use key components including a capture hood or baffle, a duct system, an air blower, filters or separators, and a receptacle, which is also common to the industrial vacuum for dust. The air blower draws in air while the filters trap impurities before expelling the air. Pleated filters in our cartridge dust collectors provide a larger surface area for dust entrapment. Such an added feature increases the filtration efficiency to 99.9% (nearly HEPA filtration efficiency or 0.3 microns). Thus, they are ideal for eliminating extremely fine particulates.

Wet scrubbers also achieve similar efficiencies. Here, pollutants from gas are separated into solvent droplets. Unlike their dry scrubber counterparts and the dust vacuum cleaner, wet scrubbers are equipped with solvent sprays to trap toxic fumes in manufacturing houses, particularly welding facilities. 

The baghouse dust collector is commonly used in applications that involve eliminating larger-sized particles compared to cartridge dust collectors. Fitted with a fabric, it can achieve a filtration efficiency of approximately 5 microns.

The general operating principle of dust collectors involves using low pressure generated by a centrifugal or axial blower, to trap large volumes of contaminated air. Unlike the dust vacuum cleaner, dust collectors operate slowly (1500 – 4000 FPM) and take more air via capture hoods with dimensions as large as 20 feet wide by 20 feet high.

Which one should I choose? 

Industrial Vacuum Cleaner

To ensure the safety of company workers and efficient air filtration, the careful consideration of the following factors is necessary: 

Accurate Voltage Requirements 

Voltage is the amount of electric potential energy that a device has. Various countries have different voltage standards for their electrical devices. Choosing a machine with the correct voltage is essential for safety. The connection of a vacuum cleaner to an incorrect voltage point can result in dangerous situations like fire outbreaks. Also, the performance of the machine depends on the voltage. A dust vacuum cleaner will only operate effectively if connected to the required voltage. 

Quality Filtration System 

An excellent vacuum dust extractor absorbs even the smallest particles, ensuring the safe health of employees. A good example of this is a HEPA filter. HEPA filters are known for their ability to capture particulates that are as small as 0.3 microns

Durability and Mobility 

The portability of your vacuum cleaner for dusting is necessary in an industrial environment. Therefore, select a product that is mobile and can resist the harsh conditions of a workplace. 

The application 

Machinery performs optimally when they are correctly applied. It’s important to know the kind of dust, the size, and whether they are explosive or not before choosing a dust collector or industrial vacuum cleaner.

About Us

Tysum Logo

Since its creation in 2000, Tysum has been the leading dust collector factory in China. Tysum is founded on its devotion to upscale productivity, retention, and productivity. We are a company of experts that creates and designs industrial vacuums for dust, ensuring safe health and a safe environment for the workplace. The vacuum dust extractor is built to comply with environmental requirements and standards. With the strategic location of five branches across China, our company is reputed for enhanced sourcing and production abilities. We are a company that is committed to growth and technological advancements, ensuring developments in the supply of filtration solutions. 

In Tysum, we are committed to customer satisfaction. Therefore, we offer these benefits; Products are manufactured as tailor-made solutions, we make quality products at low operational costs. As a distinguished company, we contribute to greener workshops and healthy work conditions. With regards to company integrity, Tysum provides quality machines, newly gotten from the production line. 

Conclusion 

This article shows the differences between a dust collector and an industrial vacuum cleaner, exploring the definitions of dust collector and vacuum dust extractor and how to choose the right one. To ensure the proper usage of this filtration system, one must choose the right factors. 

Tysum is the leading dust collector company in China and the right choice for you. Promote your business with our excellent services. Reach out to Tysum now! 

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