Diagnosing Six Types of Bag and Cage Damage in Your Pulse-Jet Dust Collector

Issues with Baghouse Dust Collectors can be frustrating for operators to troubleshoot and diagnose.

In this blog, technical expert, Keith Ogilvie, discusses the common types of damage that can be easily seen on filter bags and cages and, importantly, the problems they may indicate with your pulse-jet collector.

You can turn to the Dry/Baghouse Filtration experts at the Micronics Engineered Filtration Group for assistance with all your dust collector needs – filter media, inspections, maintenance and repair services, baghouse retrofits or system upgrades, on-site training, parts, and more.

Read the details below of the 6 Types of Damage that typically occur with Baghouse Dust Collector Filter Bags and Cages and what to do about them.

Proper Bag-to-Cage Fit and Performing Cage Inspections Are Important Tools for Maximizing Performance in Your P-J Dust Collector

Micronics’ Dry/Baghouse Filtration Solutions expert, Keith Ogilvie, breaks down the Six Major Types of Damage that may occur with Pulse-Jet Baghouse Filter Bags and Cages.

Learn more about General Troubleshooting for Pulse-Jet Collectors in this helpful article which covers Pulse-Jet Cleaning Systems, Cage Inspections, Bag-to-Cage Fit, Nominal Recommended “Pinch,” and Pulse-Jet Bag Installation.

Damage Type 1:  Bags have internal abrasion marks along vertical wires.

Cause:

  • Cage wires are deeply pitted as a result of excessive corrosion or
  • Bag is oversized.

Solutions:

  • Replace with a new galvanized steel cage or
  • Replace with a new bag that is the correct size.

Options:

  • Use a mild steel cage if chloride and moisture (HCl) are present or
  • Use an epoxy-coated cage or
  • Convert to stainless steel cages.

Damage Type 2: There are cuts/internal damage at bottom of bag where it meets edge of pan.

Cause:

  • Sharp edge on pan

Solution:

  • Use cage with rounded edge pan

Options:

  • Increase the number of vertical wires to reduce the amount of fabric drawn between wires across the edge of the pan.

Damage Type 3: The cage body has collapsed; broken welds and bent wires have caused bag wear points.

Cause:

  • The cage has been weakened by corrosion or
  • Pressure exceeds cage strength or
  • Rough handling by maintenance crews.

Solutions:

  • Replace with a standard cage or
  • Change operating conditions to reduce differential pressure or
  • Re-train maintenance personnel.

Options:

  • Replace with a coated cage or a stainless cage or
  • Increase the number of cage rings or
  • Make cage from heavier gauge wire.
  • Contract-out maintenance.

Damage Type 4: Bag failure resulting from excess fabric slack pinch above the top ring or below the bottom ring.

Cause:

  • The cage is tapered or bowed between the ring and the pan (hourglass).

Solution:

  • Design cage with minimal taper (larger pan or top).

Options:

  • Change ring spacing to minimize taper or bowing.

 

Damage Type 5: Flex line failures between the vertical wires.

Cause:

  • Bags are not adequately supported by cages.

Solution:

  • Replace with cage providing more support (20 vertical wires and/or closer horizontal ring spacing).

Options

  • Convert from a 10-wire or 12-wire cage to a 20-wire cage design or
  • Reduce ring spacing

Damage Type 6: Bags are difficult to remove from cages.

Cause:

  • Corrosion causes rough surfaces which increases friction between the bag and the cage. (Actual chemical bonding between the cage wire and the fabric can occur.)

Solution:

  • Replace all cages with new standard cages.

Options

  • Use coated or stainless steel cages or
  • Convert to “omni top” cages to allow for removal of snapband bags and cages as an assembly.

 

Having Dust Collection Issues?

Contact Us at the Micronics Engineered Filtration Group today to work with an expert who can help you diagnose and solve your dust collection problems.

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