October 28th, 2012 Baghouse.com | The process of selecting a baghouse filter supplier for your next set of replacement filters might seem like a simple task. You might think that all you need to do is call them up, tell them your model number and you will be set. But is it really that easy? Can you always rely on just any supplier to get you the right bags, at the best price, every time?
Outlined below are several things that will help you to find the right supplier for your next set of replacement baghouse filters. Going into the filter quoting process armed with this information will enable you to secure the products at a fair price. These are the three key points to keep in mind when searching for your next set of replacement bags.
Have The Correct Information Before You Call
Most people begin their search for replacement bags with only the most basic of information, if any at all. At times all they have is some supplier’s arbitrary product number from their last set of bags, or a serial number from the side of their baghouse. The fact is that there is no central database of baghouse filters out there for your supplier to check. The majority of these product numbers are from their respective manufacturers and only for their internal record keeping/branding.
In order to receive an accurate replacement baghouse filter RFQ more information will be needed. While you may not have easy access to all of this information when sourcing quotes, the more you have the easier it will be for the supplier to give you an accurate quote. Information to have on hand includes:
Dust Collector Type – What kind of filters, cleaning system type, etc.
- Shaker
- Reverse-Air
- Pulse-Jet
- Bags
- Pleated filters
- Cartridges
- Envelopes
Filter Measurements – Physical dimensions of the filters
- Length
- Diameter
- Flat-Width
Filter Construction – This differs based on how the bags are installed in the baghouse
- Top (Snapband, Strap, Raw Edge, etc.)
- Bottom (Snapband, Disk, Compression, etc.)
Filter Fabric – The material along with any coatings, finishes or membranes
- Fabric (Polyester, PPS, Cotton, Fiberglass, etc.)
- Coating/Finish (Singed, fire-resistant, etc.)
- Membrane (PTFE, etc.)
Special Considerations – Special added features needed only on certain bags
- Antistatic wires
- Support rings
It is also good to include a general overview of the process the filters are used for. This would include air temperature, product to be filtered, alkali or acidic level, combustibility of the dust, etc. You should also including information about how often you replace your filters, system pressure drop, filtering efficiency. While not absolutely necessary, this information will allow a good supplier to offer suggestions for different products that might improve the operation of your system. (SEE BELOW)
Remember to have as much of this information on hand before you begin contacting filter suppliers. If you are not sure about some of these specifications try to get as much as information as possible and then a good filter supplier can help you to find the rest.
How to Choose a Baghouse Filter Supplier
There are hundreds of filter suppliers, manufacturers, and sales reps out there to choose from. Finding one that will get you the best product and provide you with the best service for a fair price is no easy task.
Often times, companies portray themselves as “dust collection experts” when in reality they are only sales reps that have little real knowledge of how these complex industrial systems operate. You will want to consider their level of experience in the industry. Companies with real-world experience in the field are able to provide a vastly superior service than the rest. For example, an experienced supplier will be able to not only take your order, but also offer suggestions on how to improve your dust collector operation by offering tips on installation methods, maintenance procedures, and other ways to increase system efficiency, and extend bag life. They also will be able to offer suggestions for different products (such as new fabrics, pleated elements vs. traditional bags, etc.) that could reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Additionally, you should look into the reliability and trust-worthiness of the company before doing any business with them. This can include asking for references from their previous clients, reviewing their return policy, and any guarantees they may offer on their products.
Additionally, you may wish to seek out a supplier that also offers baghouse filter replacement services as well. Having qualified baghouse technicians install your new baghouse filters often is a better choice than using in-house personal. Many times filter suppliers will provide you with a far better price for your filters if you also use them for the service work. (For more information on how to find a capable baghouse service provider please visit Baghouse.com for more information.)
The knowledge an experienced supplier can provide is invaluable. Take advantage of this by seeking out a trust-worthy, and experienced supplier?
Do Not Forget About Filter Replacement Services!
While many facilities often elect to use their own in-house labor to install their replacement baghouse filters, or they purchase the bags themselves and then contract out the installation work to another company. However, there are large savings to be had by purchasing your filter bags from a company that also performs baghouse filter replacement services. In a future article we will discuss additional reasons why it is advantageous to have experienced baghouse maintenance specialists perform your filter replacement. But for now, it will suffice to say that savings of upwards of 5% to 10% can easily be had by sourcing your filter bags and replacement service from the same company. Truly, not something to be overlooked!
Conclusion
Sourcing a quote for replacement baghouse filters is not a task to take lightly. The difference between a capable filter supplier and a poor one is dramatic. While it may not always be easy to find a good supplier, by following the suggestions in this article you can find one that can provide you with the products you need for a fair and reasonable price.
| Dominick DalSanto is an author and environmental expert specializing in baghouse dust collection systems. With nearly a decade of hands-on working experience in the industry, Dominick’s knowledge of the industry goes beyond a mere classroom education. He is currently serving as marketing director at Baghouse.com. His articles have been published not only on Baghouse.com , but also on other industry related blogs and sites. In his spare time, Dominick writes about travel and life abroad for various travel sites and blogs.
Footnotes:
1. For help see article “How to Chose The Correct Baghouse Filter.”
2. A good filter supplier should allow you to send in a sample of your current bags to ensure they are measured correctly. This can be an extra bag, or one from the baghouse (you can remove it and cap off the spot where it was to prevent leaks).
