Four electric silicon-metal furnaces, each evacuated by three compartments of a 12-compartment Flakt pulse-jet baghouse. The system was divided this way to facilitate comparative filter media testing.
At a design A/C of 4.53/1.00, conventional woven NOMEX® felt filter bags operated at pressure drops of 12 - 14 inches H2 O, exceeding the design limits and causing a loss of furnace draft, resulting in problems with the atmosphere in the meltshop.
One of the furnace systems was fitted with GORE® membrane/TEFLON® B fiberglass fabric filter bags.
At the design A/C, the normal operating pressure drop was reduced to 6-7 inches H2O. With more frequent cleaning, the pressure drop could be reduced to 3-4 inches H2O. The system has been successfully tested to an A/C of 6.83/1.00, with a resulting pressure drop of 8-9 inches H2 O. The area around this furnace is now clear, and total emissions have been reduced.
Not for use in food, drug, cosmetic or medical device manufacturing, processing, or packaging operations