Particle Emissions During Industrial Powder Mixing

How Air Filtration Can Eliminate Indoor Pollution

In any industry that uses powder mixing to manufacture goods, a clean IAQ (indoor air quality) is vital. While the types of products made from powder mixing vary, the need for clean air does not. From the kibble you feed your pets to the ground coffee you make every morning, to your child’s allergy pill to the fertilizer you use on your grass, to the spices and flour you use to prepare meals, all come from facilities that use powder mixing as a means to create these types of items. To prevent occupational risk and ensure product safety, these same manufacturers must prevent indoor air pollution that can stem from powder mixing. Air filtration is an important part of creating a safe and healthy IAQ.

Industrial Powder Mixing Defined

Simply put, powder mixing on an industrial scale is the process of combining dry powders to form a new, homogeneous mix that is blended to be consistent and uniform. Even distribution is crucial, especially when joining active ingredients in medicines or foods that will be heated or refrigerated.

Industries & Applications

Common in businesses across many industries, powder mixing relies on accurate measurement of dry goods – to an exact degree – to ensure safety for the consumer and eliminate occupational risk for the worker.

Many industries could not safely produce the products they sell without the mechanics of powder mixers. Here are some of the industrial applications that mix dry ingredients during manufacturing.

Pharma – active ingredients in medicines and supplements

Agriculture – animal feed, fertilizers, pet food

Food processing – cereals, flour, spices

Construction – plaster, cement, dry mortar, metal powders

IAQ Risks from Powder Mixing

There are numerous types of industrial powder mixers, such as ribbon blenders, double cone and powder blender mixers, v-shell blenders, and grain or tumble mixers. Regardless of the type of mixer used, the risk of dry particle emissions that can create unhealthy or unsafe indoor air is the same.

Beyond the mess dry goods can create when dust and particles are released, there are hazards. The top five risks related to powder mixing emissions are:

• Spread of illness: Tiny dust and particulates can irritate eyes and skin and, if inhaled, cause respiratory complications. Workers who have chronic exposure to powders and dust can suffer long-term health problems. In addition, there are many production-borne illnesses to be concerned about, such as parasites, viruses, and bacteria that can contaminate goods at any stage of the production process.

• Inferior product quality: In addition to harboring illness, an unclean IAQ can promote spoilage and reduce product shelf-life.

• Equipment inefficiency: Dirty air can slow manufacturing productivity, cause equipment breakdowns, and raise energy costs.

• Explosion risk: While most powdered ingredients themselves are not volatile, their emissions can add to existing combustible material thereby increasing the chance for an explosion.

• Regulatory non-compliance: There are strict governmental regulations regarding manufacturing safety within the food and drug industries. Facilities must adhere to USDA and FDA regulations as well as FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) and others related to processing and packaging. Failure to address indoor pollution risks facility closures due to non-compliance.

Air Quality Solutions

To avoid chronic exposure to powder emissions at work, manufacturing employees should take the following precautions:

1. Use personal protective (PPE) equipment such as gloves, masks, and goggles.
2. Keep work areas clean and dust-free.
3. Ensure proper ventilation.
4. Remove dust and particles at the source using a dust-collecting air filtration cleaner.

Manufacturers have long been aware of the need for clean air in the workplace: worker health, product quality, regulatory compliance, and enhanced productivity are all central to their bottom line.  The companies that go furthest in air pollution prevention are those that incorporate air filtration into their quality assurance programs.

Our mobile fume extractors are prized for their ability to remove chemicals, dust, and particulates from any production facility, ensuring the highest level of clean air.

At AIRSInc., we have the experience, depth of knowledge, and superior products to protect our customers and their employees from the threat of indoor air pollution. Contact us today for a free air quality assessment with one of our skilled and experienced specialists.

Mobile Fume Extractors

Portable Fume Extractor systems are essential for today’s mobile work environment. Powerful, Multi-Stage Filter Systems & portable air-cleaning abilities that can be moved between locations, are most effective when handling applications throughout your facility or welding shop.

Extract-All® brand portable fume extractors are mobile and allow you to capture harmful fumes in areas where stationary fume extractors are not practical. By using portable fume extractors, the operator will be able to remove fumes, dust, vapors, and smoke from a variety of applications such as welding, chemical, & industrial environments.

Shop now