Since the launch of the Super-Blower filter extraction system, manufacturer Indusvent has clocked up 16,500 installations. One of the latest is at Velux Group company Fife Joinery Manufacturing.
Previously Fife’s dust extraction system comprised three positive pressure modular chain filters. But, according to Indusvent managing director Dave Marsden, their performance had deteriorated, compromising efficiency and, potentially, safety.
Indusvent was given a tight timescale to complete the installation, but said that this was something it was used to, given customers’ need to minimise disruption. From order to completion, the process took just 12 weeks, only three of which were in Fife’s shutdown period.
Key benefits
Indusvent says the key benefits of the Super-Blower system, which works by negative pressure, are operating performance, low noise, compactness, low cost of ownership, and flexibility.
“Due to the negative pressure principle, duct line modification is simple,” said Mr Marsden. “Any layout changes or machine additions are simple ductwork installations. It reduces the possibility of ductwork crossover and sizing or repositioning of fans to suit pressure levels.”
The end result, he said, is a low pressure, low maintenance and low energy consumption system.
Indusvent also bills Super-Blower as the safest filter system on the market. The technology, which is certified under the EU ATEX (explosive atmospheres) directive, features explosion pressure sensors and heat detection. Using fans on the ‘clean side’ of the extraction system also reduces ignition risk and, in the event of an explosion, blast pressure is safely vented vertically through the filter roof to the atmosphere.
The Indusvent technology also uses a touch-screen control which displays all aspects of the system, including the running cost (and all fans use variable speed drives so they can be set to the precise extraction requirement at any time to save energy and cut fuel bills). For companies which have waste taken off site, there is also a module for monitoring bulk trailer loading.
The first Super-Blower was installed at John Boddy Timber and well-known users also include Glennon Brothers, which has one serving its Troon high-speed planer, and James Jones &?Sons and Finnforest UK, which have six and nine systems respectively. Other recent installations include systems for BSW Timber’s Fort William and Howie Forest Product’s Dalbeattie high-speed planing lines.
