Traditionally it has been the norm to use wet collectors to extract overspray zinc dust. This is mainly due to the potential for explosion associated with zinc dusts, especially as the particle size can be quite fine.

In recent years Health & Safety Engineering has been providing dry dust extraction systems for zinc thermal spraying.

Advantages

  • Higher efficiency to exceed the requirements of current emission legislation.
  • Dust in dry form is much easier to dispose of. This can be collected in barrels or bulk bags to be taken away for recycling when full.
  • No corrosion issues leading to lack of performance.
  • Hydrogen gas not generated.

Zinc dust is still potentially explosive in the dry form, therefore the company takes a number of measures not only to prevent an explosion occurring, but also to minimise the effect of an explosion if it does occur.

  • All metal work and ducting is earthed to prevent the build up of static electricity.
  • Dust collectors are fitted with explosion relief panels to safely vent the build up in pressure caused by an explosion.
  • ATEX rated non-return valves are fitted between the dust collector and the spray booth to prevent an explosion propagating back into the work area.