When the air is filled with oil and coolant mist in metalworking and other industrial applications, it can negatively affect everyone who is exposed, compromise CNC equipment, and violate governmental regulations. Having a well-maintained mist collector can help combat these challenges in the operating environment. But you may be wondering, “What is a mist collector? And why is it important to have one?” In this blog, we’ll cover the answers to these questions and how having a mist collector on-site can help you achieve a safer and more productive workplace.
Defining a Mist Collector
A mist collector is a type of air pollution control system that is commonly used in metalworking factories, food production plants, and other types of industrial settings to meet environmental and workplace safety guidelines. Effective mist collection systems help to control, reduce, and remove harmful particulate matter from manufacturing processes or in the surrounding air during production. This key equipment is specifically designed to help maintain and improve air quality.
Why You Need a Mist Collector
When the air is filled with contaminants, it can negatively affect anyone in the nearby vicinity. Oil mist exposure can occur through skin contact, breathing it in, or ingesting it. Employees who are exposed to oil mist can experience various symptoms, such as eye/skin irritation, a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, fever, rapid heart rate, and more. Long-term exposure to oil mist may also increase the chances of developing skin/respiratory diseases and cancer. With a mist collector at your facility, these contaminants are removed from the air, improving the safety of everyone inside. If the air quality is consistently poor, employees will suffer.
On top of that, oil or coolant mist produced by machining, milling, and grinding processes can become oil smoke when exposed to high temperatures. This means that the oil begins to burn before it is released into the air. Not only does this present a great health risk to machine operators, but it can contaminate CNC machines. Oil mist can also leave behind a slick residue on the machines and the working environment. Slick operating conditions can damage machines, as well as increase the risk of employee slips and falls.
Last but not least, mist containment is addressed by organizations like OSHA, NFPA, EPA, and NIOSH. There are many laws and regulations for working environment safety, with some related to air quality. Poor air quality can be quite costly, in fines and by creating potential hazards that can damage your plant or affect your team. With a well-functioning mist collector, help to prevent these various problems from becoming a reality.
Mist Collector Equipment & Preventative Maintenance Services
P-A Industrial Services (PAIS) has got you covered at every stage, from the design and installation to the repair and maintenance of your mist collector system. As a Donaldson company, we can offer innovative equipment and technology that best meets your needs.
With our Preventative Maintenance & Remote Monitoring Program, PAIS can work with you to maintain effective mist control for enhanced safety and productivity. We can provide you with professional mist collector filter media changes and replacement parts for all of your equipment.
Now that you know what a mist collector is, you can determine if your business could benefit from one. At PAIS, we utilize our unique total system approach to help ensure that each component works at maximum efficiency with minimal downtime. Contact us today for a free assessment!