Two types of dust collection systems are available for concrete batch plants, central and individual. Central systems utilize ducting and one central unit that collects at all dust points of the batch plant; silos, cement batcher, truck collection hood for dry batch plants, and mixer for central mix batch plants. Individual systems vent each silo, cement batcher, mixer, and truck collection hood separately with individual units.
Determining the best option for you requires accounting for all dust collection points and their CFM requirements. It is always a wise practice to overestimate the CFM to account for loss of efficiency over time. Below is a list of average CFM requirements and Pros and Cons of each system.
Silo CFM Truck Blower: 850 CFM
Silo 60HP Blower: 1,250 CFM
Silo 75 HP Blower: 1,800 CFM
12 Yard Mixer: 5,000 CFM
Truck Collection Hood: 7,000 CFM
Cement Batcher: 750 CFM
Pros and Cons of Central Dust Collector System:
PRO – Central maintenance point
PRO – Does not require climbing to silo tops
PRO – Only need one cartridge or bag size
CON – Increased cost and requires ducting
CON – Requires damper valves
Pros and Cons of Individual Dust Collection System:
PRO – Less cost than central systems
PRO – Individual collected material will not be cross contaminated
PRO – Reclaim same material directly back into silo
CON – May require multiple cartridge and bag sizes
CON – Multiple collectors to maintenance at different locations