The cleanest sweep of all
October 1st 2004

Within the cleaning industry developments in scrubber dryers or sweeping machines are common place. There seems to be a new model launched every month offering something new to both commercial and industrial customers.

Industrial vacuums by contrast, appear in the headlines far less frequently.

Advances have been made however which can help both manufacturing companies or contractors improve quality standards and reduce costs.

Industrial vacuums are usually purchased as a solution to a manufacturing problem.This might be extracting from a pharmaceutical packing machine, removing debris from the inside of an aircraft component, or picking up flour from a bakery floor.

Applications vary dramatically, and requirements alter with changing legislation.You might be looking for a portable machine for a clean room where ease of mobility and very high exhaust filtration are important.At the other extreme, you might require a fixed pipe work system to cover an entire production area, capable of running continuously with multiple outlets and large collection capacity.

There have been recent changes to Atex regulations. Explosion risks have had to be assessed and if necessary areas zoned. In such areas the equipment must comply with the zone level set, and manufacturers offer suitably matched equipment. Similarly, but much less publicised, new European standards for filtration efficiency have also been introduced.Many dusts are considered Hazardous to Health if inhaled, ingested or come into contact with the skin.As we know, however, not all dusts constitute the same degree of hazard. Both the nature of the material and its’ particle size are important factors. Fine dusts can remain in the breathing zone for long periods and some may be toxic or corrosive.

Nilfisk-Advance offer a wide range of filter options, which not only comply with the standards outlined below, but also can be matched to the nature of the material.Nomex for example is resistant to alkaline materials, and also heat resistant. PTFE coated polyester filters are very efficient where fine powders are collected and can be supplied in antistatic form. Polyester is ideal in applications where moisture may be encountered.

BS.EN.60335.2.69 covers all industrial vacuum manufacture and the dust types they can safely handle. It divides machines into 3 dust classes, defined as follows.

• Dust Class L ( Light hazard ) A machine suitable for the removal of hazardous, dry, non-flammable dust with an OEL (Occupational exposure limit)greater than 1mg/cubic mtr.

• Dust Class M. ( medium hazard) A machine suitable for removal of hazardous, dry, non-flammable dust with an OEL greater than 0.1mg/cubic mtr. But not for carcinogenic dusts.

• Dust Class H. ( high hazard) A machine suitable for removal of hazardous, dry, nonflammable dust with an OEL less than 0.1mg/cubic mtr. Suitable for carcinogenic dusts.

So, responsible vacuum manufacturers can provide you with machines that have been tested and comply with these new standards. In addition the units must carry the appropriate warning labels.

The new range of Nilfisk-Advance single and 3 phase industrial vacuums have many other significant features.New side channel blowers mean their 3 phase machines are almost maintenance free.

The new single phase units are all IP54 rated and available with bypass or through flow motors, and unlike many suppliers; the 110 volt versions generate the same high power as the 230 volt models.

It is also important to consider subsequent handling of these materials, once they have been collected.There is little point collecting materials in a safe manner, if the operative then carries the bin outside and tips it into a skip.That might be fine for general waste, which would fall into dust class L, but would definitely be inappropriate for asbestos or an active pharmaceutical product. It might therefore be necessary to collect into some form of bag. A plastic sack or paper bag might be sufficient for some products, but others may have to be contained in special bags or collection devices.

Manufacturers like Nilfisk-Advance now manufacture industrial vacuums to a modular design.This allows machines to be supplied to specifications which best suit the application. For example, you could have a stainless steel container, a wet kit, or HEPA filtration for clean room situations. Also your situation could change, and you might now need a different configuration. In this situation a simple kit can be purchased to upgrade your current unit.

Within this complicated arena, expert advice is essential.

Contacts: Mike Thompson – Industrial Sales Manager – Nilfisk Advance UK, 07931 752514 Karen James – Sales and Marketing Director – Nilfisk Advance UK, 07931 752535

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