There is an ongoing shift from traditional technologies to embracing smart technologies for dust collection, whereby the latter are adopted to improve plant efficiency, operational reliability, profitability and sustainability, says industrial filtration solutions company Brasco Filtration – a division of Brasco Group.

Brasco Filtration GM Darren Naicker says that one of the key recent developments is the advancement of filter media technology, as “modern nanofibre and high-performance filter media can capture much finer particulate matter while maintaining lower pressure drops across the filter”.

For Naicker, dust control and collection innovations should be considered a “quintessential requirement”.

“For plant operators, these solutions mean better emissions control, lower energy consumption and longer filter life, all of which contribute to reduced operating costs.”

Additionally, Naicker highlights the trend of adopting remote monitoring and predictive maintenance technologies for real-time visibility and the management of industrial and dust control processes, noting that managers can identify and correct issues that might cause operational system downtime.

He adds that these data-driven technologies contribute to improvements in productivity and environmental performance.

Meanwhile, Brasco Filtration’s local manufacturing capabilities – as an original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) – equip it to reduce exposure to import-related challenges, such as the negative impact of currency fluctuations, shipping delays, increased import costs and long lead times, while boosting the South African economy through direct job creation and skills development.

“From complete baghouse and cartridge dust collectors to filter bags, cages, ducting and critical components, our local manufacturing capability allows us to provide customised solutions, faster turnaround times and long-term technical support. This OEM capability also enables us to continuously innovate and improve designs based on real-world operating experience,” adds Naicker.

However, he advocates for a balance in the use of local and imported products, as there are many imported, specialised products and components that are critical to either the manufacture or the maintenance of dust control solutions.

Naicker also emphasises the compliance aspect of proactively maintaining systems, adding that a well-maintained system will produce several benefits.

“A properly designed and maintained system can become a powerful efficiency tool that recovers valuable product that could otherwise be lost to the atmosphere, protects downstream equipment and enhances overall plant performance.

“The industry is no longer simply about collecting or containing dust. We encourage clients to view these systems as production assets rather than environmental obligations,” he concludes.