Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ page addresses common questions about CPE Filters dust collector systems, baghouses, and cyclone separators. It provides insights based on our extensive expertise in industrial air filtration.

What industries does CPE Filters serve?

CPE Filters supports diverse industries, including chemical plants, food processing, pharmaceuticals, steel mills, power generation, and asphalt production. We also work with manufacturers in the resource recovery, water treatment, and consumer goods sectors.

What types of dust collector systems does CPE Filters offer?

We specialize in several dust collection systems, including cartridge dust collectors (available in vertical and horizontal configurations), HEPA filtration systems, cyclone separators, bin vent filters, and more for various industrial needs.

What makes CPE Filters’ cartridge dust collectors unique?

CPE’s cartridge dust collectors are custom-built rather than modular. Vertical models prevent dust buildup on filters, while horizontal models allow easy maintenance by simultaneously exposing multiple filters. Both configurations offer durable construction to meet challenging conditions.

How does CPE Filters help manage combustible dust hazards?

Combustible dust has long been a significant hazard in industrial production environments. For many companies, adopting preventive measures is essential to avert the accumulation of combustible dust in manufacturing facilities, thereby reducing the risk of deflagration, flash fires, or catastrophic explosions. 

CPE Filters provides combustible dust explosion protection systems designed to minimize risks and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Their solutions include robust filters and explosion relief mechanisms tailored to specific needs.

What maintenance services are offered by CPE Filters?

A preventative maintenance program provides regular inspections, part replacements, and general upkeep to minimize downtime and enhance filter efficiency. Our maintenance services include inspections, baghouse changeouts, filter replacements, and repairs. We also provide testing and supervision services to keep systems running efficiently. 

Does CPE Filters offer turn-key solutions?

CPE Filters delivers complete turn-key solutions, from initial site assessments to design, installation, and ongoing maintenance support, to provide optimized dust collection and air pollution control systems. Our approach emphasizes structural durability, easy maintenance, and high efficiency.

What types of filters are compatible with CPE Filters’ systems?

CPE Filters’ systems are compatible with various filter types, including dust collection bags (e.g., cotton, polyester, Nomex), cartridges, and pleated bags. The filters support pulse-jet, shaker-style collectors and can be customized with coatings like PTFE membrane. These filters cover applications requiring standard and specialized materials, such as hydro-oleophobic or flame-retardant media.

What is the typical application for mechanical cyclone dust collectors?

Mechanical cyclone collectors are highly effective devices designed explicitly for managing heavier particulate matter in various industrial and commercial applications. They work by utilizing centrifugal force to separate larger particles from the air, efficiently pre-filtering dust and debris before it reaches more sensitive filtration systems, such as cartridge filters or HEPA units. This pre-filtering process extends the lifespan of these more delicate filters. It enhances overall air quality and operational efficiency by ensuring that only cleaner air passes through, reducing maintenance costs and downtime in the long run.

How customizable are CPE Filters’ products?

CPE Filters’ systems are highly customizable to meet the diverse needs of different operations. Customers can choose from various options, including steep hopper slopes that facilitate efficient material flow, sloped roofs designed to enhance drainage, and replaceable inlet baffles that allow easy maintenance and adjustment. 

Additionally, various filter arrangements enable users to tailor the system to their specific operational requirements, ensuring optimal performance and adaptability in multiple environments. 

What kind of testing services are available?

CPE Filters offers onsite performance testing and diagnostics to ensure dust collection systems operate efficiently. Our dust testing services include:

  • Particle Size Testing – Determines dust behavior to ensure proper equipment selection.
  • Explosibility Testing – Identifies risks related to combustible dust, including pressure rise and ignition properties.
  • Failed Bag Analysis—Analyzes filter bag failures to improve dust collection performance through methods such as microscopic and tensile testing.

We also assist with air quality compliance testing for regulatory standards. 

What distinguishes CPE Filters in the market?

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, CPE Filters specializes in custom engineering and delivers high-quality service tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. We pride ourselves on building long-term relationships by providing bespoke filtration systems and offering comprehensive maintenance support to ensure our products’ optimal performance and longevity. 

Our commitment to excellence and client satisfaction sets us apart as a trusted partner in achieving efficient and effective filtration solutions.

Does CPE Filters offer system upgrades and retrofits?

Yes, we offer rebuilds, re-cores, and upgrades for existing systems to enhance performance or adapt to new operational needs.

What regions does CPE Filters serve?

While CPE Filters operates primarily in the U.S., we provide solutions and services for international clients across various industries. 

You can use our Rep Locator to find a partner in your area. If you can’t find a representative near your ZIP code, please contact our primary office.

How does pulse cleaning work in CPE Filters’ dust collector systems?

Pulse cleaning is an advanced technique that uses short bursts of compressed air to dislodge dust from filter surfaces without interrupting airflow. This method ensures continuous operation, extends filter life and improves overall efficiency.

CPE Filters’ dust collectors are equipped with this cutting-edge pulse cleaning technology, optimizing their performance and longevity while maintaining a cleaner environment. By automatically removing dust buildup, these systems help improve air quality and reduce maintenance costs.

How does a baghouse work?

A baghouse uses fabric filters to capture dust and particulate matter from industrial exhaust. Dust-laden air enters the system, where it flows through the filter bags. Particles are trapped on the fabric’s surface while clean air exits through the top. Accumulated dust is periodically removed using pulse-jet cleaning or mechanical shaking to maintain efficiency.

Baghouse filters are used in power generation, cement production, chemical processing, and food manufacturing. High-efficiency dust removal is necessary to meet regulatory standards and protect workers’ health.

What do baghouse filters remove?

Baghouse filters capture dust, smoke, and other fine particles, including hazardous materials such as silica, asbestos, or lead. These systems are widely used in industries like cement production, steel manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals, where air quality is critical.

How do dust collector systems work?

Dust collectors draw in contaminated air, filter it, and release clean air into the environment. The captured dust is stored in a collection bin for disposal. Depending on the application, the collector can use different filtering methods, including cartridge filters, baghouses, or cyclones, and may feature automated cleaning systems like pulse jets.

How does a cyclone dust collector work?

Cyclone collectors rely on centrifugal force to separate heavier particles from the air stream. The air enters the cyclone tangentially, creating a vortex. As air spins inside the cyclone chamber, particles are forced to the outer walls by centrifugal force and drop into a collection bin while clean air exits through the top outlet.

What size dust collector do I need?

The size of the dust collector depends on the airflow (CFM) needed to capture dust effectively. Consider the total volume of air to be processed, the number of dust-generating points, and the type of material being handled. Oversizing or undersizing the system can impact performance and energy efficiency.

How do I calculate dust collector capacity?

To calculate capacity, determine the required airflow (CFM) based on the area and number of dust sources. Also, factor in the system’s ductwork length and static pressure losses to select the appropriate fan and filter sizes.

How do I clean dust collector filter bags?

Filter bags can be cleaned using pulse-jet cleaning systems, which use compressed air to blow off accumulated dust. Alternatively, some systems use mechanical shaking or manual cleaning. 

While filter bags can be cleaned to extend their lifespan, cleaning often reduces filtration efficiency, risks damage, and may not fully restore performance. In most cases, replacing them ensures optimal dust collection and avoids costly operational issues.

Can wet materials generate dust?

Certain wet materials can still generate dust once they dry out or if the particles become airborne during processing. Monitoring moisture levels and implementing dust control measures is crucial, especially when handling powders or fine particulate matter.

Need more information or have additional questions on dust collector systems? Contact us at CPE Filters today!