| There are a lot of machining and welding shops using | | | | water and an alkaline detergent are highly |
| industrial air cleaning devices these days. Generally, | | | | recommended to wash the cells, as an acidic |
| these types of air cleaners fall into two categories; | | | | detergent will etch the cells and lower cell efficiency. |
| Electrostatic and Media. The focus of this article will | | | | Simply soak the cells in a mixture of alkaline |
| be on the maintenance of electrostatic air cleaners | | | | detergent and hot water for several minutes. This will |
| used in industrial applications. | | | | break loose any particulate that isn't permanently |
| Electrostatic or ESP air cleaners can collect a variety | | | | attached to the cell from not maintaining the cells |
| of pollutants that are present in many industrial | | | | regularly. After soaking the cell, rinse it in hot, clean |
| processes. From various machining processes (turning, | | | | water, and allow it to dry before putting it back in |
| milling, grinding, etc.) to welding, electrostatic | | | | the air cleaner. A parts washer can also be used |
| collectors are a very reliable way to capture coolant | | | | instead of soaking the cells. |
| mist, smoke, and other particulates before they | | | | Do not use extremely high pressure water to rinse |
| enter the breathing zone of machinists and welders. | | | | or wash the cell, as this can result in the cell fins |
| While it's true that there are generally no filter | | | | being bent or ionizing wires being broken. Bent fins |
| changes needed for these types of air cleaners, they | | | | can cause the cell to arc, and while not dangerous, |
| do need to be maintained. When operators start to | | | | lowers the efficiency of the cell, as does not having |
| see smoke, mist, or other particulates exiting the air | | | | the proper number of ionizing wires. |
| cleaner, it's past time to pull the cell(s), and clean | | | | Electrostatic air cleaners that are properly maintained |
| them. | | | | can have a service life in excess of 20 years. This |
| Generally, the cell frames and plates are made from | | | | fact alone can save a shop owner thousands of |
| aluminum. As aluminum tends to bend or be etched | | | | dollars in replacement filters versus media type air |
| easily, some care is need when washing the cells. Hot | | | | cleaners. |