Donaldson® Torit® Helps Scrap Metal Recycler out of a “Fine” Mess

A Missouri-based scrap metal processor knows that recycling is a dusty business. But thanks to Donaldson® Torit®, they are better equipped to filter these persistent dust particles.

Each day, this manufacturing operation extracts a special metal material from thousands of catalytic converters, before crushing and recycling the remaining parts. The extracted materials are platinum, palladium, and rhodium—a valuable product that is used in jewelry and computer parts as well as catalytic converters.

The operation crushes about 36,000 pounds of metal per day. After the parts have been crushed, they are manually dumped into 55-gallon drums. Not surprisingly, this entire process creates a fair amount of airborne dust particles in the plant. The dust needs to be filtered from the air in order to protect the people and machinery that operate in the plant.

Generally speaking, metallic dust can be particularly harmful because of its fine and powdery nature. The recycler’s dust was not only fine but also consisted of Aluminum Oxide and other metallic particles with toxic and abrasive traits.

Upgrading to High Performance Downflo® Oval™

As this recycling operation began noticing that dust was settling in the warehouse and production equipment was experiencing mechanical breakdowns, the CEO called Donaldson Torit to evaluate the situation. At this time, the recycler had a Torit Model-30 Cyclone dust collection system with bag afterfilter.

Considering the size and type of metallic dust particles being generated at the plant, the Donaldson Torit representative recommended replacing the Cyclone with Donaldson Torit’s Downflo® Oval™ family of high performance cartridge dust collectors. Downflo Oval dust collectors provide up to 25 percent more filtration capacity than same-sized cartridge collectors.

In addition, by using Donaldson Torit’s compact and higher performance Ultra-Web® oval-shaped cartridges, the recycler would benefit from better filter performance as well as long-term energy savings. Finally, the Downflo Oval system’s quick-release handles would simplify filter access by making it easy to remove the filter cover. The recycler purchased a Downflo Oval 3-24 model cartridge filter system.

Ensuring Smooth Filtration From Start To Finish

In addition, the recycler needed a new duct system to keep the dust from re-circulating in the plant. Rather than outsource the project, the recycler wanted to build the ductwork in-house. To help the recycler with this process, the Donaldson Torit representatives provided the recycler with detailed scale drawings of the duct layout, along with a list of necessary parts to build it.

As the plans progressed, the recycler determined that they had insufficient compressed air in the facility. The Donaldson Torit representative once again provided assistance by recommending an Ingersoll Rand compressor package with twin tower regenerative dryer, which the recycler purchased along with a Motor Starter control panel and Delta-P controller.

The system installation was initially smooth. However, the recycler later discovered problems with the control panel starter. The Donaldson Torit representative saw to it that the defective components were replaced, and the system was upgraded to a 40 HP motor.

Thanks to Donaldson Torit, this recycler is no longer dealing with the fine mess caused by metallic dust particulate. Overall, the CEO was impressed by Donaldson Torit’s tenacity in making sure their new air filtration system was a success. He also admired the Donaldson Torit representative’s follow through and commitment to service.

Says the CEO, “I really appreciate all of Donaldson Torit’s help, and I thank them for standing behind their product.”