All types of machinery require “Regular Routine Maintenance!” Our Systems SMAC units are some of the toughest Self-Maintaining Air Cleaners in the world. However, that doesn’t mean that they don’t need some tender loving care once in a while. So, below are some tips that will help you to ensure that your SMAC unit keeps running at its top performance and efficiency 20 years from the day you purchased it.
Anyone with an owner’s manual can perform the following air cleaner maintenance tips. Systems suggests that you make this a scheduled routine and check off these tasks as you complete them. This will help to ensure that your SMAC keeps running at its peak performance and it provides documentation of its last inspection.
1. Record your differential pressure for air filter maintenance
Your SMAC unit control panel will show you a digital number on the screen. That number is the differential pressure drop across the filters. In other words, this is the reading of pressure between the dirty side of the filter and the clean side. When this is reading high pressure, that means that there is a lot of resistance when trying to pull the air through the filters. When your differential pressure reaches 5” of water column it is time to replace your filters.
By keeping a record and documenting your differential pressure, it helps you to know when you might have an issue. A good example would be: If you have been recording a differential pressure of 3”w.c. and suddenly you start seeing that the pressure has dropped to 1.5”w.c. Consequently, that would mean that you might have a hole in a filter or possibly a leaking gasket. Air filter maintenance is at the top of the list!
2. Check drums and hoppers
You should monitor your drums and hoppers on your SMAC unit regularly to ensure that you aren’t having dust back up into your filters. Otherwise, this can result in a messy situation and create unnecessary damage to your SMAC filters.
3. Inspect valves and hoses
Your SMAC units pulsing system is operated by compressed air that is operated and regulated by diaphragm and solenoid valves. These valves control the pulses of compressed air that clean your filters. If these valves become damaged or start leaking, it can cause the loss of compressed air to your pulsing system. As a result, this means that your filters will not be cleaning properly. Not to mention, compressed air is not cheap!
Check your valves regularly. To do so, just make sure that when the cleaning system is pulsing, all of the valves are working at the same time. Second, make sure that the valves open all the way and close all the way. Check all hose attachments and inspect them for leaks. Routine air system maintenance will ensure filter cleaning and save money.
4. Examine door seals and gaskets
The doors of a SMAC unit have a seal that keeps air and dust inside. This gasket around the edges of the door can become worn out or cracked. If this happens, the door will not seal properly.
Open the SMAC unit doors and inspect the gaskets. If they appear to be damaged, they should be replaced. Air leaks can allow dust to escape. They can also allow air to pull into the dust collector. This can keep the system from moving air properly. Seal and gasket checks should be part of every dust collector maintenance schedule.
5. Check compressed air pressure
SMAC units clean their filters with compressed air. This removes dust from the filters to keep them working properly. If the compressed air pressure is too low, the pulse jet cleaning system can’t clean the filters efficiently.
You should always install a compressed air regulator on the header of the SMAC unit. Set the regulator between 80-90 PSI.
If compressed air pressure is too high, filters could be damaged. Check the pressure of the compressed air regularly. It should be at the setting specified in your owner’s manual.
In addition, never take your filters out and blow them with a compressed air wand. This damages the filters, causing holes and tears in the material. Let the dust collector cleaning system do its job and change filters when needed.
6. Lubricate fan bearings
Your SMAC unit’s fan motor will normally come with an owner’s manual. This specifies which bearings need lubrication and how often. Make sure your air handler maintenance schedule includes time to keep these bearings lubricated.
If your fan stops working or must be shut down for repairs, the dust collection system will be out of operation. As a result, you may not be able to keep up normal production. Maintenance of the fan, including bearing lubrication, takes less downtime than a broken fan.
SMAC Air Cleaner Maintenance Keeps It Going Strong
Using this checklist will keep your SMAC air cleaner running for many years to come. Tracking the differential pressure helps you to monitor filter issues. It allows you to have plenty of time to order new filters for replacement when the differential pressure starts to reach 5” w.c. Also, by monitoring the valves, hoses, seals, and gaskets of the SMAC unit, you will be able to replace the necessary parts so that you don’t lose too much compressed air.
We hope that this article has been helpful. For more information on our SMAC units, you can go to smac.tsg.bz.
