Lead: Battery Manufacturing eTool
Environmental Controls » Baghouse
Air exhausted from ventilation systems is vented to cyclones, scrubbers, and baghouses for particulate removal. Dust must be removed from the separator (air pollution control equipment) and transported to storage, recycle streams, or to off-plant receivers. Dust collection systems can be a significant source of lead exposure if not properly operated, cleaned, and maintained.
Potential Sources of Exposure
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Employees are at high risk of overexposure to lead dust:
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While cleaning and maintaining dust collection systems (cyclones and baghouses).
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While handling and transporting materials that were removed from dust collection systems (cyclones and baghouses).
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While working near improperly maintained dust collection systems.
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Possible Engineering and Work Practice Controls
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Enclose or cover containers used to transport lead from dust collection systems.
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When working on or entering ventilation or dust-control equipment for maintenance or cleaning, implement proper permit required confined space entry and energy-control procedures.
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Use appropriate Personal Protection Equipment.
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Ensure that dust-control equipment is designed, operated, and maintained properly on a scheduled basis to prevent breakdown and release of lead to the ambient environment.
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Do not vent combustion gasses to baghouses, unless they are properly designed, because the moisture in their gasses will clog the filter materials.
Dry Type Dust Collectors Dust Disposal
Text version
Dry type dust collectors dust disposal:
- Covered tote box or drum with bag or collector sock
- Covered drum or pail for dust removal
- Covered tote box or drum with vent to collector or inlet duct
- Pug mill, sluice, pneumatic conveyor or screw conveyor to collector
- Disposable bag or tote box with enclosure to collector
- Collapsed bag to collector
From American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®), Figure 4-1, Industrial Ventilation : A Manual of Recommended Practice, 23rd Edition. Copyright 1998. Reprinted with permission.
Dry Type Dust Collectors Discharge Valves (Part 1)
Text version
Dry Type Dust Collector Discharge Valves (Part 1):
- Dust door with hopper and handle - For intermittent manual dumping where dust loads are light.
- Dust gate with hopper and rubber gasket - Similar to dust door but designed for direct attachment to dust chute, external pipe, or canvas connections.
- Slide gate with hopper and slide - For intermittent, manual dumping where dust loads are light. Flange for connection to dust disposal chute.
From American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®), Figure 4-2, Industrial Ventilation : A Manual of Recommended Practice, 23rd Edition. Copyright 1998. Reprinted with permission.
Dry Type Dust Collectors Discharge Valves (Part 2)
Text version
Dry Type Dust Collector Discharge Valves (Part 2):
- Trickle valve with hopper and curtain- For continuous removal of collected dust where hopper is under negative pressure. Curtain is kept closed by pressure differential until collected material builds up to sufficient height to overcome pressure.
- Rotary lock with hopper, rotary valve and drive - Motor driven multiple blade rotary valve provide air lock while continuously dumping collected material. Can be used with hoppers under either positive or negative pressure. Flanged for connection to dust disposal chute.
- Double dump valve with gate - Motor driven, double gate valve for continuous removal of collected dust. Gates are sequenced so only on is open at a time in order to provide air seal. Flanged for connection to dust disposal chute.
From American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®), Figure 4-3, Industrial Ventilation : A Manual of Recommended Practice, 23rd Edition. Copyright 1998. Reprinted with permission.