Utilising as much of the existing ductwork and plant as possible, a new extraction system layout was devised that includes a total of four fans feeding wood waste to an externally-sited dust extraction system. Designed to handle a total airflow capacity of 22,000m3 /hr, the new system employs a high-efficiency modular filter with pressure-free discharge, via a rotary valve, into a wood waste transfer system. The filter unit is fitted with the Superbag polyester filter bags which employ a patented weaving technique, in tubular format, giving the filter bag a surface that can cope with varying filter loads.
Each extraction fan has an Ecogate Power MASTER® variable speed drive unit with integral Ecogate greenBOX® 12+ controller. Throughout the workshop, DCS fitted woodworking machines with automatic Ecogate motorised damper gates and sensors, which signal the greenBOX® 12+ controller to open and close gates as machines come on or off line. The controller automatically detects changes in extraction load and adjusts the fan speed accordingly. This means that power is only used when needed, and results in an extremely efficient extraction system which will significantly reduce electricity usage.
Glyn Ducker adds: “In addition to upgrading all our extraction system, DCS were able to put forward a scheme for the design, manufacture and installation of a new custom-built spray booth and drying enclosure which would be sited on top of a mezzanine floor at the end of our workshop.”
Spray finishing specialists, Gallito Ltd, now a part of the DCS group, worked closely with DCS engineers on the project which first involved the re-location and adaptation of the complete mezzanine structure. Designed for the spraying of staircase components, a 25m2 enclosure was designed and fabricated by Gallito which incorporates two 2.5m wide dryfilter spray plenums and a large drying area. An overhead, manually-operated conveyor system, complete with hanging frames and holding brackets, transports components into the enclosure for spraying, and then into the drying area to remain in a dust-free environment until completely dry
“We believed from the outset that DCS would handle all aspects of the contract in a thoroughly professional way, and they didn’t disappoint”, says Glen Ducker. “Their people are extremely knowledgeable, very flexible, and are a credit to the company. And, what we particularly like about them is that nothing is too much trouble. The end result is that we now have highly efficient extraction system that will save us thousands of pounds on electricity, and a paint finishing system which adds greatly to the quality of our staircase products – well done DCS!”