Héroux-Devtek streamlines capture of aerospace combustible dust
Héroux-Devtek streamlines capture of aerospace combustible dust
Héroux-Devtek is a tier-1 manufacturer of aerospace components with facilities in Montreal, Toronto, & Kitchener - Canada, and in Cleveland & Springfield, Ohio. The Landing Gear Division asked us to review their titanium and magnesium deburring workstations, and advise on how to reduce any risk of explosion or fire.
The challenge at hand was to safely capture the combustible dust emitted during component finishing, in a facility that was extremely limited by space. The small footprint excluded any typical wet dust collection equipment. Héroux-Devtek had been using several small dry downdraft tables, but there was a concern about the possibility of a filter cartridge fire.
Héroux-Devtek’s application clearly called for a customized Monsoon Wet Downdraft Table, so our engineers set out to learn more about how the operators would be interacting with the equipment
Their first priority was operator health and safety. The Monsoon’s wet filtration system immediately helps mitigate the risk of explosion or fire from combustible dust. We added an auto wash-down spray kit that actively rinses surfaces of the table that tend to accumulate dust, and included custom gauges on the inlet/outlet to alert the operator when the filter needs to be serviced.
Héroux-Devtek’s second priority was “ease of use”. We custom installed a thermal motion sensor that detects when an operator approaches the workstation, immediately switching on the machine. When the operator leaves the station, an automatic time delay runs the machine for 30 more seconds, so that all hazardous dust can be sequestered. We also installed a high-power, dust proof, vapor-proof, LED light kit for improved workstation visibility.
We learned that the client had installed improvised tool racks on their old downdraft tables. Understanding this need, we custom installed an air tools shelf, complete with compressed air distribution and an inline filter regulator lubricator. To accommodate left-handed and right-handed operators, we installed the tool rack on both sides of the table.
The Monsoon Wet Downdraft Table is fitted with high-strength, industrial swivel castors as standard, allowing the unit to be re-positioned with ease. To maintain the machine’s mobility with all of Héroux-Devtek’s customizations, we engineered the electrical control panel to run everything on a single input power plug.
The duct muffler silencer was fitted with a custom butterfly damper allowing the machine to either recirculate clean air into the facility or be connected to a central collection system.
Héroux-Devtek’s third priority was “ease of service”. The fact that the Monsoon’s water tree can removed and cleaned without the need for any tools was a significant advantage.
Diversitech’s versatile Monsoon downdraft table platform is compact and self-contained while also allowing for many customization’s to suite various aerospace combustible dust applications. Weather you have Aluminum, Titanium or Magnesium dust to collect, Diversitech’s Monsoon series provides an affordable wet solution while complying with all OSHA and NFPA standards.
Boeing Faces Problems with Deburring Dust Control
Boeing faces problems with deburring dust control
Boeing’s facility in Wichita, Kansas was facing problems dealing with dust control created during deburring and finishing of certain aluminum components. As a premier manufacturer of commercial and military aircraft, it was important to them to find a way to contain the aluminium dust.
The process of deburring aluminum removes sharp edges and excess material from the components being produced.
When we visited the facility, operators were deburring on tables with no ventilation and were forced to wear uncomfortable face masks to prevent dust inhalation.
After careful evaluation, we recommended a 2′ x 4′ downdraft table equipped with extended overhang, lexan side & back walls, and explosion proof motors. The extended overhang table was key to operator comfort, giving them the ability to sit comfortably with legs under the table for an entire shift. The lexan side & back walls were used to ensure good visibility through the facility, and the explosion proof motors were specified to reduce the hazard in the presence of aluminum dust.
After initially installing four of these 2’x4′ extended overhang tables, the staff at Boeing were so pleased with the improved air quality, dust control, and workstation comfort that they requested additional 3’x6′ and 3’x8′ custom downdraft tables for other deburring processes.
