Search

Looking for a filter, an application, an accessory?

E-Catalog

CATALOG.HIFI-FILTER.COM

Search on HIFI-FILTER.COM:

Choose your language

EN - English

FR - Français

DE - Deutsch

ES - Español

IT- Italiano

PL - Polski

RO - Română
Dust removal: the issues, how it works and choosing the right filters
Dust removal: the issues, how it works and choosing the right filters
Tips and advice

Dust removal: the issues, how it works and choosing the right filters

24.06.2025

Back to news
    Share :
In many professional environments, dust is omnipresent and represents a risk that is often underestimated. In sectors such as the wood, metal, cement, road and earthworks, textile, food and chemical industries, a multitude of operations (sanding, grinding, cutting or handling bulk materials) generate wood, metal, plastic, cardboard, fibre or chemical residue dust.

Why vacuum and treat dust?

Vacuuming and dust removal cover all the techniques used to capture, filter and eliminate the dust in the air. They guarantee a healthier, safer and more efficient working environment. Without effective treatment, these emissions can have serious consequences:
  • Degradation of air quality and health risks: Without a filtration system, harmful particles remain suspended in the ambient air. Operators inhale them on a daily basis, which can lead to respiratory problems and other illnesses. These risks are particularly acute in industrial workshops, where exposure to dust is permanent.
  • Regulatory non-compliance: The absence of filtration can lead to legal thresholds for air pollution being exceeded. In the event of an inspection, operators may be liable to administrative penalties, or even temporary suspension of activity.
  • Premature wear and tear on equipment and reduced productivity: Dust doesn't just pollute the air: it also infiltrates machinery, abrading components, blocking systems and accelerating wear and tear on equipment. The result: frequent breakdowns, higher energy consumption and lower output.
  • Fire and explosion risks: In certain environments, the presence of explosive dusts (e.g. graphite, coal, flour, etc.) represents a major risk. A simple spark caused by an electrostatic overload can be enough to trigger a fire or explosion. Without effective capture, this dust accumulates in the air, creating a highly flammable environment.
“Installing an efficient dust extraction system means protecting your staff, your equipment, the environment and the long-term future of your business.“

///

From dust collectors to mobile equipment: dust collection is everywhere!

Dust removal is primarily provided by fixed or mobile dust collectors, which capture dust at source and filter it effectively using suitable filter media. This principle also applies to a wide range of equipment.
Industrial hoovers, sweepers and vacuum-excavators are also concerned: these machines capture dust and liquids at source and emit clean air thanks to a filtration system comparable to that of traditional dust collectors. Some models are even ATEX-certified for use in areas at risk of explosion.
Shot-blasting and sandblasting machines also incorporate a high-performance dust extraction system to capture the fine particles generated during stripping and surface preparation operations.
Finally, in grain silos, the media filters dust from powdered materials (cereals, sawdust, wood shavings) while allowing the air displaced during filling to be evacuated to prevent overpressure.
In all these applications, the system comprises a suction module, a filter medium and a cleaning device, guaranteeing effective, long-lasting filtration.
Image non trouvée

Dry dust removal: how does it work?

Dry dedusting is the most common method used in industrial environments. It captures the dust in the air without using water or liquids. This solution is based on filtration systems equipped with suitable filter media.
💡 It should be noted that there is also a second method of dedusting, known as "wet dedusting", which uses water to trap suspended particles.
Image non trouvée
  • Stage 1: Dust collection and pre-filtration: Whether used in a stationary (integrated into a fixed installation) or mobile (mounted on a vehicle) version, dry dust collection systems operate in a similar way. The process begins with a collection device that removes the dust-laden air. This air is then sucked in by a turbine and directed towards the dust collector, a main housing comprising a recovery hopper and filters (cartridges, pockets/sleeves or panels).
  • Stage 2: Separation and filtration: The dust-laden air enters the dust collector, where an internal deflector changes its direction. Some of the particles are stopped by baffles and fall directly into the hopper. The remaining contaminants continue their journey with the air flow and reach the filters. They gradually settle on the surface of the filter media. The purified air is then re-injected into the workshop or exhausted to the outside, depending on the configuration of the installation. Over time, the particles form a layer called a "filter cake". This cake acts as an additional barrier, improving the capture efficiency of the finest particles. However, when it becomes too thick, pressure drops increase until the filters become clogged
  • Stage 3: Filter cleaning: When the filter cake becomes too thick, it needs to be cleaned. Cleaning consists of removing the dust accumulated on the surface of the filter media in order to prolong the use of the filters and guarantee continuity of activity.

There are several methods:
  • Pneumatic: the most common method. Depending on the measured pressure or a predetermined cycle, the system sends out jets of compressed air in counter-current to break up the "filter cake" so that it falls into the hopper.
  • Mechanical shaking: a mechanical movement vibrates the filters to loosen particles accumulated on the filter media.
  • Mechanical brushing: for environments where the dust is strongly adherent, mechanical brushing devices scrape off the deposits.

The choice of method depends on the type of filter medium, the nature of the dust and the constraints of the site.

When should a filter be replaced?

The frequency of filter replacement varies considerably depending on the application and installation.
To check the condition of the filters :
  • Check the pressure drop regularly. A high pressure drop despite cleaning means that the cartridges may be clogged. They should therefore be replaced.
  • Check the clean air side of the dust collector: if traces of dust appear, one or more filters may be damaged and need replacing.

What types of filter are used in a dust collector?

A dust collection system can incorporate several types of filter depending on the dust to be treated, its concentration, the air flow rate and the configuration of the installation. At HIFI FILTER®, there are three main families of filters used in dust collection systems:
 
Image non trouvée
Different filter media are available for these formats to meet the specific requirements of each application.
HIFI FILTER® also offers cleaning accessories, such as the Venturi: a funnel-shaped part that amplifies the jet of compressed air sent through the filters. This system, based on the Venturi effect, enhances cleaning efficiency by removing dust more effectively.
Image non trouvée

How do I choose the right filter media?

The choice of media depends above all on the characteristics of the pollutant to be treated: its nature (abrasive, sticky, explosive, etc.), its granulometry (particle size) and its physical or chemical behaviour.
Here are the main types of media, based on these data:
Standard polyester: for common, non-aggressive dusts.
PTFE (Teflon-coated): recommended for dust that is sticky, oily or exposed to high temperatures.
Antistatic: essential in ATEX zones, in the presence of explosive dusts.
Filter media can also be specifically treated to meet additional requirements: chemical resistance, hydrophobic or oleophobic properties, conductivity, etc.

Based on the HIFI FILTER® catalogue, here are some examples of how pollutants can be matched to suitable filter media:

⚠️ Other criteria to take into account
In addition to the nature of the pollutant, other parameters influence the choice of filter:
  • Dust collector operating conditions: air flow, temperature, humidity, pressure.
  • The type of cleaning used: pneumatic, mechanical or manual.
  • The level of filtration required, depending on the application and the standards in force.
Image non trouvée

Where can I find dust collector or hoover filters? At HIFI FILTER®!

When you call on HIFI FILTER®, you benefit from recognised technical expertise and tailor-made solutions to optimise the performance of your dust removal systems.
✅ Wide range of filter media: polyester, antistatic, PTFE, etc. suitable for all types of dust, even the most demanding (explosive, sticky, abrasive, etc.)
✅ Multi-brand compatibility: our filters are compatible with a very large number of dust collectors on the market (fixed or mobile).
✅ ATEX-compatible industrial quality: HIFI FILTER® has a range of filters compatible with ATEX-certified equipment. Please consult our catalogue or contact our teams for more information.

Do you have any doubts about compatibility or the right media to choose?

Contact us now for a tailor-made consultation.
Contact us