How to Choose the Right Industrial Vacuum Cleaner for Aluminium Powder

Under what conditions does aluminum become dangerous?

Aluminum dust reacts easily with oxygen at room temperature. Therefore, any workplace that uses aluminum or produces aluminum waste must adopt a safety plan to recover the dust at the source and prevent it from spreading into the work environment.

• The smaller the particles of aluminum dust, the greater the risk of explosion or fire. Particles smaller than 100 μm are particularly dangerous. For example, those working in a pharmaceutical laboratory with aluminum hydroxide must use industrial vacuum cleaners with high filtration efficiency to avoid accidents.

• Larger particles can also be dangerous because of their higher burning rate. Explosive powders are rarely uniform; they often contain “safe” size particles mixed with particles smaller than 100 μm, increasing the risk of explosion and the rate of combustion.

• When the percentage of oxygen in the environment is between 10% and 15%, fire spreads faster; higher oxygen concentrations can cause violent explosions. It is therefore easier to prevent the accumulation of aluminum dust with an industrial vacuum cleaner than to change the oxygen concentration.

• Aluminum releases hydrogen and heat on contact with water, making the accumulation of aluminum dust sludge potential sources of heat and explosion.If contact between water and aluminum cannot be avoided, systems should be used to eliminate the risk of explosion.

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:

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.