Dust in the air or on surfaces
Dust in the air needs a large airflow at the capture point. Dust on surfaces needs a high vacuum. A vacuum cleaner built for surfaces does not remove dust that hangs in the air.
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Wiki · Capture and airflow
Capture velocity and capture zone.
The air speed needed where the dust is released to pull it into the opening. The capture zone is the area in front of the opening where the air is fast enough.
0.38–10.2m/s, recommended range
In this entry
Definition, values and how to calculate.
Part1Recommended valuesBy how the dust is released.↓ Part2Why distance mattersAnd the formula behind it.↓ Part3Related entriesAirflow, arm and hood.↓1Recommended values
How fast must the air be?
It depends on how the dust is released.
Dust that drifts out into still air is caught at low air speed. Dust that is thrown out at high speed, as in grinding, needs much faster air at the source.
2Why distance matters
Distance matters most.
The air speed falls quickly as you move away from the opening.
4×For a plain round opening, twice the distance needs up to about four times the air.
Cross draught from open doors, ventilation and fans, typically 0.1–1 m/s, can blow the dust past the capture zone.
Work it out with the Airflow calculatorNot sure what your task needs?
Send us what you know, and we take it from there.
The calculator and the values give a first estimate. They do not replace an assessment of your process.
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