Secondary Lead Smelter – Ventilation System

Application

Secondary lead smelter – ventilation system. Wheelabrator shaker-type dust collector capturing ambient and fugitive emissions at various pick-up points off of lead kettles, slag cooler, lead wells and launders, and the reverbatory furnace roof hood. Two compartments with 352 bags in each at 15,000 cfm.

Optimization Potential

Cake release problems along with very low emission requirements.

Solution

Installed a full set of GORE® membrane/woven polyester fabric filter bags (6 oz/yd² woven fabric) in 1990.

Results

The GORE® membrane filter bags have been in continuous service since installation. Pressure drop across the filter media is 2-3" maximum. Shake cycle frequency is once every 1-1/2 hours for 10 seconds. Emission levels measured less than required by standards/regulations. A filter bag evaluation performed in May 1993 indicated that these filter bags had retained 88% of their original Mullen burst strength. Permeability measurements also taken at that time yielded very favorable results and the overall condition of the bags was excellent. Projected operating life is 5+ years.