Glacier Technology was asked to assist a customer that serves medical and aerospace tool needs. The work this customer does involves grinding on light alloy metals such as aluminum, magnesium, and titanium. The customer needed a system that could safely capture, contain, and filter the dust and sparks generated by these operations.
Grinding Operations Pose Health and Safety Risks
Our customer needed to improve upon their existing approach, which provided no capture or filtration. Wet dust collection is a growing need for the medical and aerospace industries. Without the devices to collect combustible metals created by grinding, the workers involved with these operations are at serious risk. Not only are possible explosions a hazard, but breathing in the dust created from grinding processes is also detrimental to human health.
Wet Downdraft Tables Offer a Practical Solution
Wet downdraft tables are a highly effective choice for providing clean air in light metal alloy metalworking operations. These tables are equipped with a water-based filtration system and offer a variety of advantages that make them exceptionally effective for grinding applications in the aerospace and automotive industries.
First and foremost, the wet downdraft tables excel in capturing and containing the fine particulate matter produced during the metal grinding process. The water acts as a natural filter, trapping the airborne metal dust and preventing it from dispersing into the atmosphere, ensuring a cleaner and safer work environment. This containment also mitigates the risk of combustible dust accumulation, a critical concern when dealing with metals like magnesium.
Wet downdraft tables also contribute to a healthier work atmosphere by minimizing the inhalation of harmful metal particles. The water suppresses dust, reducing the potential for respiratory issues among workers. Additionally, the cooling effect of water plays a crucial role in preventing overheating of the workpiece during grinding, preserving the integrity of light metal alloys that are sensitive to temperature fluctuations.
MonsoonTM Wet Downdraft Table
For these types of installations, the Glacier team typically specifies MonsoonTM Wet Downdraft Tables. These tables safely capture combustible materials by pulling contaminated air through the ventilated work surface and moving them into a torrent of water. The dust particles then bond with suspended water droplets before draining down to the bottom of the collector for safe removal.
Monsoon Wet Downdraft Table Benefits
- Capture-at-source for cleaner air
- Industrial swivel castors included for portability
- Compliant with NFPA guidelines for combustible dust
- Integrated overhang for seated operations
- Self-contained, compact design
Monsoon Wet Downdraft Table Features
- Flexible Work Surfaces – ranging from 30” x 36” up to 97” x 36”
- Maximum CFM – ranging from 1200 to 6500
- Stainless Steel Anti-Corrosion Construction
- Auto-Level Water Control System
- Standard Rubber Cushion Grid Mat
- Standard Exhaust Silencer
For this customer, the wet downdraft table provided a reliable solution for the challenges posed by their operations involving grinding light metal alloys. Once installed, this system gave our customer the ability to enhance safety, maintain air quality, and regulate temperature.
To learn more about the benefits of wet downdraft table collection and filtration, contact the Glacier team.
