Three Ways to Optimize Pulse-Jet Baghouse Performance

Adjusting the Pulse Sequence

The pulsing sequence can play an important part in minimizing the re-entrainment of material in your pulse-jet dust collector. Pulsing one row adjacent to another row (sequential order) can cause the fine, submicron material to migrate to the cleaned row. Staggering the order of rows to be pulsed puts distance between the recently cleaned rows and those rows yet to be cleaned, and can improve the dust cake for optimum filtration. A staggered cleaning cycle can also reduce the cleaning frequency, and thereby increase filter life.

Adjusting the Pulse Cycle

The cleaning cycle for standard high-pressure, low-volume pulse-jet collectors should be adjusted so the pulse duration produces a short, crisp pulse that creates an effective shockwave in the bag. This duration is generally set to fire for 0.10 to 0.15 second, based on the manufacturers recommendations. Other styles, such as low pressure, high volume pulsing and medium pressure, medium volume pulsing, use different settings to operate and should be examined on an individual basis.

Adjusting the Pulse Cleaning Frequency

The frequency of the pulse cleaning is also vital to proper dust cake retention. This frequency can vary from 1 to 30 seconds or more and is adjusted by means of a setting on the timer board or PLC. The frequency should be adjusted so that the differential pressure across the collector averages 3-6 in. w.c. (75-150 mm), depending on the type of filter used.

To ensure proper cleaning frequency, an automatic “clean-on-demand” system utilizing a pressure switch such as a Photohelic® gauge can be installed. This type of system automatically steps through a cleaning cycle that starts when the high differential pressure set point is reached and stops when it cleans down to the low differential pressure set point. It can also save on compressed air usage. The range on the high/low differential setting should be 0.5-1.0 in. maximum (12.5 -25 mm).

On pulse-jet collectors, the pulse frequency can be increased. However, the next pulse should not be programmed to fire until the compressed air pressure is regained so the same pulse force is obtained for each row cleaned. The regain of air pressure is dependent on the capability of the compressed air system tied to the baghouse and the size of the compressed air piping run to the header tank. The pipe should be large enough to repressurize the header in a minimum time.

Typically, the feed line should be a 1 in. (84 cm) diameter pipe, depending on compressed air used. Feed line should be outfitted with air regulator and filter to ensure air supply is free of moisture and debris.

Need help optimizing your pulse jet baghouse? Contact the Micronics Engineered Filtration Group to get in touch with one of our dust collection experts. We also offer Pulse-Jet Baghouse Cleaning System Parts as well as a full array of Baghouse Maintenance & Repair Services.