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Case Study | Dust and Lint Control

Writer's picture: Air Dynamics Industrial Systems CorporationAir Dynamics Industrial Systems Corporation
Oct 27, 20224 min read

Updated: Feb 3



Customer Overview

A textile services company approached Air Dynamics Industrial Services for a specialized central and portable vacuum system. The company is located in Phoenix, Arizona with a main focus is on the commercial linen and laundry service throughout most of Arizona, including many significant health care providers.


Project Overview

The company provides a clean process to removes dangerous biohazards commonly produced in medical environments such as hospitals, surgery centers, and hospices. Recent health incidents, involving Children's Hospital in New Orleans, LA, suffering five independent child patient deaths to an unknown infection.(1)


It was later discovered that airborne soil particles and lint were contaminated by an infectious fungus endangering the quality of air to patients. The current cleaning procedures employed widespread use of compressed air at the facility and subsequently, the hospital's "clean" processed linens were contaminated. Since the client handles a large amount of hospital and health care linens in their business line, they wanted to be proactive in preventing catastrophes like this in the future by improving their cleaning methods.


The Challenge

Air Dynamics Industrial Systems Corporation was approached by the president of the Textile Services company requesting a more efficient and adaptable vacuuming system. The high volume of linens cleaned daily in the plant, produced significant quantity of lint accumulation. The plant was regularly cleaned with compressed air to "herd" dust, followed by a manual sweep to remove the settled particulates. However, the use of compressed air, even on a managed and controlled basis, launched some dust and lint into the air introducing the potential hazard of re-contaminating clean, processed re-usable linens. Also, in the course of a day besides housekeeping activities, the processing of linens, airborne lint was generated some of which accumulated on overhead surfaces until removed by routine, conventional cleaning. Besides the potential threat to clean linens, the laundry and housekeeping practices increased the risk of fire.(2)


The customer researched methods to provide a viable solution to their health and safety risks and contacted several industrial vacuum companies. Air Dynamic's was chosen to provide solutions because of their extensive knowledge and demonstration of experienced solutions in the field. The president of the company stated:

"Daniel Lehman [Air Dynamic's president] was several times more knowledgeable [than the competition] - and possibly as knowledgeable as anybody in the country about the use of industrial vacuums".


The Solution

Air Dynamics provided a versatile central and portable vacuum, engineered specially for the client's needs, which included the ability to drastically reduce the time it would take to perform the cleaning process. Air Dynamics recommended their versatile PLECO HEPA Vacuum system. The PLECO incorporates several U.S. patents. It also features an innovative vacuum system design that performs a variety of applications. One of the key features of the PLECO system is its adaptability. This is critical due to the wide range of hazardous dust, lint, and particulates generated in many factories and industries.


In the case of Textile Services Company, there were three major requirements that the PLECO needed to meet to perform its task properly:

  1. Vacuum up all particulates in the facility (i.e. lint and dust from textiles)

  2. Perform its duties in an easy and accessible manner

  3. Provide significant reduction to the maintenance of the cleaning facility

  4. Additionally, design the PLECO to support two simultaneous users to increase productivity


The PLECO system that was installed, featured an 11.5 horsepower vacuum motor, coupled with approximately 350' run for the vacuum line. The central system was connected to 25 individual 2.125" drops spread throughout the facility 30" above the floor. To provide ease of access and full coverage of the facility, the drops were connected with an interchangeable 10' hose that spanned the distance between each drop-down tube. The operator can suction dust with a flexible 25' housekeeping hose. This hose can be equipped with a variety of nozzles and brushes capable of handling the customer's range of cleaning operations. The PLECO is a holistic system, providing a high-efficiency vacuum cleaning system with its primary filtration maintaining a 99.97% efficiency @ 1/3 micron.


The Results

The combination of a centralized vacuum supplemented with a convenient and efficient portable unit provided the necessary versatility for proper maintenance at the Textile Services company. In addition to the adaptable PLECO system, Air Dynamics recommended that the client polish their flooring to optimize the cleaning process. The polish prevents lint from clinging to the floor and allows the PLECO system to function at a higher capacity. The customer's needs were exceeded with Air Dynamic's solution.


The president of the Textile Services company praised the efficiency of the PLECO HEPA Vacuum system, stating that:

"Average time spent with compressed air 'herding' daily is estimated at two and a half hours. Now we are doing the same areas with much higher quality in about 40% less time. We anticipate continued significant improvement during the next quarter as we develop better techniques and tools"

Higher efficiency equated to greater fiscal gains. The customer was able to provide a cleaner and safer work environment for its employees and a safer end product for this clients. Clearly, the PLECO HEPA Vacuum System was the right choice, and very well could be the one for you as well. Please consult our knowledgeable sales staff with questions or for a quote.


ABOUT AIR DYNAMICS

Founded in 1991, Air Dynamics Industrial Systems Corporation designs and manufactures turnkey industrial air cleaning systems. See what we're capable of online or give us a call to discuss your specific air and material moving challenge.


Phone: (717) 854-4050





 
 
 
 

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