AQC MAXIFLO-VC User manual

Owner’s manual for installation,
operating and maintenance

AQC Dust Collecting Systems
This manual is property of the owner. Leave with the unit when set-up and start-up are complete.
AQC Dust Collecting Systems inc. reserves the right to change design and specifications without
prior notice
2

Introduction
This present manual refers to the Maxiflo-VC
dust collector equipped with an air pulse
cleaning system. It includes important
information concerning the installation, usage
and maintenance of your collector. Read this
manual thoroughly and apply the directives and
procedures. Staff and personnel using the
system will have to trained on safety measures
and maintenance instructions.
Warning!
The usage of the collector or the type of dust to
be filtered may require an explosion relief
venting system. Dust collectors are not
equipped with such a device unless it was
requested when ordered. Contact A.Q.C. Inc. if
you have any doubt in regard to the usage of
your collector.
Warning: Not following directives and
procedures could cause injuries or property
damage
Information on the dust collector
Model :
Serial number :
Delivery date :
Date of
installation :
Name of customer :
Address :
Type of filter :
Accessories :
Other :
3

AQC Dust Collecting Systems
Index
Introduction............................................................................................................................................... 3
Information on the dust collector.............................................................................................................. 3
Index.......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction............................................................................................................................................... 5
Normal usage ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Cartridge cleaning................................................................................................................................. 7
Installation................................................................................................................................................. 8
Inspection of goods............................................................................................................................... 8
Location ................................................................................................................................................ 8
Assembly............................................................................................................................................... 9
Electrical connection........................................................................................................................... 11
Start up.................................................................................................................................................... 17
Check list............................................................................................................................................. 17
Electrical connections ......................................................................................................................... 17
Optional equipment................................................................................................................................. 17
Quick clip drum, ramp and buggy ...................................................................................................... 17
Platform and ladder............................................................................................................................. 18
Explosion relief vent........................................................................................................................... 18
Magnehelic gauge ............................................................................................................................... 18
Start/Stop procedure................................................................................................................................ 19
Start up with new filters...................................................................................................................... 19
Regular start up................................................................................................................................... 19
Shut down ........................................................................................................................................... 19
Staff-Workers...................................................................................................................................... 20
Electrical components......................................................................................................................... 20
Explosive dusts ................................................................................................................................... 20
Anchors............................................................................................................................................... 20
Interior installation.............................................................................................................................. 20
Spark producing activities................................................................................................................... 20
Maintenance............................................................................................................................................ 21
Remplacement of cartridges................................................................................................................ 21
Dust disposal....................................................................................................................................... 22
Compressed air system........................................................................................................................ 23
Explosion vent..................................................................................................................................... 23
Control panel....................................................................................................................................... 23
Programming instructions................................................................................................................... 23
Maintenance and inspections .................................................................................................................. 25
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................................... 26
Service notes .................................................................................................. Erreur ! Signet non défini.
Limited Warranty.................................................................................................................................... 29
4

Introduction
The Maxiflo-VC is a cartridge dust collector
with an air pulse cleaning system which cleans
the entire surface of filtration. The down flow
type dust collector obtains high efficiency
filtration while requiring low energy
consumption. The cartridges are cleaned by
means of a sequenced pulse of compressed air
and this, one at a time.
The Maxiflo-VC dust collector is largely used in
areas where dust is a nuisance. Main
applications are for welding, buffing,
pharmaceutical operations, handling of volatile
dusts, etc.
The Maxiflo-VC may offer multiple
configurations for dust capture. Optional
equipment may include a hopper with quick
clip drum, drawer or with conveyor and rotary
valve.
Each Maxiflo-VC unit includes:
·Fully welded steel cabinet with
reinforcements.
·4 to 80 filter cartridges with specific media
for your application.
·Air deflectors to protect the cartridges from
larges debris.
·Cartridge cleaning system by air pulsation
and electronic sequencer.
·Factory prewired cleaning valves.
·Differential pressure indicator showing the
status of cartridges.
·3 steps paint finish: degreasing, prime coat
and polyurethane final coat.
The Maxiflo-VC unit is shipped assembled or in
sections for final field assembly.
Electrical connections for the cleaning system
will be executed at the job site upon the
collector final installation.
5

AQC Dust Collecting Systems
Normal usage
The Maxiflo-VC unit is designed to remove dust
from the air resulting from a fabrication
process. Each Maxiflo-VC dust collector is built
as per the criteria and information supplied by
the customer for a specific application and
should not serve any other application without
the approval of A.Q.C. Inc.
Warning!
Flammable or explosive dusts and
solvents present a fire or explosion hazard
within the collector. Under no
circumstances, those pollutants should be
filtered by the collector unless it has been
designed to that effect and equipped with
an explosion relief venting system or
fire extinguishing device. This is the
reason why special attention is required
with the handling or usage of dust
collecting equipment in contact with
flammable or explosive dusts and
solvents. Any burning or flammable
material such as a spark created by metal
grinding, lit cigarettes, spark, etc. should
be introduced within the collector where
it could cause a fire or explosion.
6

Operation
During normal operation, the Maxiflo-VC unit
vacuums dust laden air into the collector inlet.
Smaller particles are vacuumed toward the
cartridges and larger particles fall toward the
dust storage section. Dust is trapped within the
cartridge leaving clean air crossing the filter
toward the collector outlet.
Cartridge cleaning
The cleaning of the filter cartridges is
performed using a reverse air pulse technology
(see drawing # 1). A solenoid and diaphragm
valve system is aligned toward the cartridges
and the shock wave created by releasing air at
high velocity cleans the cartridges. The
cleaning cycle starts from the upper cartridges
and ends at the lower cartridges.
Cartridge cleaning operation
Drawing #1
Normal
operation
Cartridge cleaning
operation
Clean air outlet
Filter cartridges
Dirty air
inlet
Compressed air
connection
Diaphragm
valves
7

AQC Dust Collecting Systems
Installation
Inspection of goods
The Maxiflo-VC unit is shipped assembled or in
sections. Proceed with a visual inspection upon
receiving the material and check for any
apparent damage that may have occured on
freight. Generally, shipment includes the filter
cabinet and the dust storage section with
support structure. Other optional components
such as flame front exhaust duct or back draft
damper may be delivered on separate skids.
Location
1. The area where the dust collector will be
installed should be able to sustain the
weight of such along with the
accessories, ducting, blower and matter
that will be stored. The construction of a
flat and solid surface such as a concrete
slab or platform may be required.
2. Wind factor and seismic zones should be
considered before selecting the location
of the dust collector.
3. Position the dust collector in a way to
have access to the control panel, cleaning
valves, pneumatic conduits, access door
to filters and dust storage systems as
suggested in drawing # 2.
4. If the dust collector is equipped with an
explosion relief venting system, follow
guidelines for its location.
Recommended free/work space
Drawing # 2
36’’ min access
to cartridges
0’’ min
access to
valves
8

Assembly
Required tools
The following tools and equipment are required
for the assembly of the dust collector:
·Crane or lift truck
·Spreader
·Chains
·Slings
·Shackles
·Eye bolts
·Spikes
·Wrench
·Sockets
·Power drill
·Concrete drill bit
·Concrete anchors
·Bolts
·Self tapping screws.
·Caulking
Assembly
1. Prepare the area where the collector will
be installed making sure it is clear and
free of any obstacle.
2. Using eye bolts, slings and shackles, lift
the dust storage section above the
selected area and set slowly.
3. Once this section firmly set to the
ground, make sure it is level. Use anchor
bolts to keep it in place.
4. Install a ground wire to the unit.
Warning !
Apply two strips of butyl adhesive on the
dust storage section upper outline. One strip
should be applied inward of the bolt holes
and one strip outward of the bolts holes
(drawing 3).
5. Lift the filter cabinet using the lift lugs.
Using spikes, position the cabinet above
the dust storage section making sure to
align the cabinet bolt holes with the dust
storage section bolt holes.
Warning!
The use of a spreader is recommended to
avoid damages to the filter cabinet.
6. Lower the filter cabinet onto the dust
storage section and align both sections
bolt holes.
7. Attach the filter cabinet to the dust
storage section using the supplied nuts,
washers and bolts. Tighten bolts for an
adequate seal.
8. Use caulking to eliminate possible leaks.
Warning!
The use of improper lifting device
may result in injuries or damages.
Adequate lifting devices are required
and necessary precautions must be
taken when handling the equipment.
9

AQC Dust Collecting Systems
Drawing # 3
Structure assembly
Generally, the support structure is factory
assembled but because of shipping
purposes, some field assembly may be
required. The next steps must be
followed to assemble the dust collector
structure.
1. Vertically install the outer support legs.
2. Install the cross braces with the hardware
supplied as shown in drawing # 3. One is
installed inside of the legs and the other
outside of the legs. Do not tighten the
screws at this moment.
3. With the use of a crane (or lifting device),
slowly set the hopper onto the support
plates. Attach the support legs to the
hopper using the supplied hardware.
Drawing # 4
4. Level all components prior to tighten the
cross braces using bolts, nuts and washers
at meeting point # 2. Anchor the hopper
section into the ground using anchor bolts
(not supplied).
5. Withdraw the crane only when all
components are firmly in place.
Apply butyl
Cross braces
Support legs
Support plates
10

Electrical connection
Warning!
The electrical connection must be
executed by a qualified electrician and
with respect to codes and regulations.
For safety measures, shut off power
supply to the collector prior to perform
the installation.
Lock off any power supply prior to
servicing or maintenance.
The dust collector control panel regulates the
cartridge cleaning system.
The dust collector control panel may be
installed on the Maxiflo-VC unit, inside or
outside the building or remote of the unit.
1. Using the electrical diagram supplied
with the panel, connect the power supply
from the main breaker (supplied by the
customer) to the control panel.
2. Refer to the descriptive identification
plate to select proper voltage and
amperage.
3. If the unit is supplied with a customized
control panel, refer to the descriptive
schematics to perform connection to the
power supply.
4. Verify for proper motor rotation.
11

AQC Dust Collecting Systems
Electrical connection for DCT-500
sequencer
The Maxiflo-VC unit is equipped with 115
VAC solenoids which activate the cleaning
valves. Those solenoids are integrated in a
NEMA 4/12 box behind the filter cabinet and
above the air tanks. Connections for those
solenoids are factory wired. The DCT-500
sequencer activates the solenoids in a cascading
sequence operating the cleaning valves.
Drawing # 5 shows a typical connection for a
DCT-500 sequencer with starter. The electronic
board is activated upon fan start up using an
auxiliary contact. The electronic board is fitted
in a NEMA 4/12 box.
To activate the pulse cleaning system when the
fan is OFF, install a selector or timer with
constant feed on the inlet connector of the
electronic board.
Refer to page 2 of this document to program the
sequencer.
DCT-500 board specifications
Number of connectors: 4, 6, & 10
Power: 102-132 VAC 50-60 Hz.
Consumption : 2.5 W.
Power to solenoids: 3A max. per connector
Fuses: Type 3 AG, 3 A @ 250 VAC.
Temperature range : -40 to 140°F (-40 to 60°C)
Shutter time : 50 msec to 500 msec.
Shutter time accuracy : ±10 msec.
Shutter time stability : ±1 msec.
Lapse sequence : 1 second to 180 seconds.
Lapse sequence precision: ±5% settings.
Weight: 9 oz (255 g).
Approval agency: CE (pending).
12

13

AQC Dust Collecting Systems
14

15

AQC Dust Collecting Systems
Compressed air connection
Warning!
Compressed air must be free of oil
and humidity. Contamination of
compressed air may result in a poor
cartridge filtration, decreased
cleaning and reduced life time.
Purge the compressed air line to
remove any debris prior to connecting
air line to the dust collector air tank.
Shut off the compressed air system and
purge all air lines prior to servicing or
maintaining the collector.
Locate the pneumatic air tank(s) behind the
Maxiflo-VC dust collector.
Connect air line to the tank(s) using pipe
seal. Check for possible leak(s).
Note :
The use of an air dryer is strongly
recommended to avoid any problem related
to humidity in the compressed air system.
Install a shut off valve, pressure regulator and
filter on the compressed air line. Those
components are not supplied by A.Q.C. unless
required by the customer.
All components must meet a maximum 90 psig
pressure. NEVER ALLOW MORE THAN
100 PSIG. Damages to components may occur.
Ventilation ducting
·The dust collector should be installed as
close as possible to the source of dust in
order to minimize the length of ventilation
ducting.
·Do not install short radius elbows.
·Install taps with 30 degrees inlet or less.
·Do not install straight T taps.
·Join ducting using tapping screws and
caulking for a proper seal.
16

Start up
Check list
Prior to starting the collector for the first time,
the check list must be followed to ensure a
proper continuous operation.
1. Remove all objects in and around the
inlet and outlet.
2. Check if all accessories and optional
equipment are installed correctly.
3. Ensure the compressed air gauge
indicates 90 psig. Check for air leaks.
Electrical connections
Warning!
The electrical connection must be
executed by a qualified electrician and
with respect to codes and regulations.
For safety measures, shut off power
supply to the collector prior to perform
the installation.
1. Ensure all electrical connections sealed
and power is available.
2. Check remote control connections (if
any) and that all breakers are OFF.
3. Switch ON power to the unit.
4. Start the fan and shut off immediately.
Check fan rotation. The rotation is
indicated on the label of the fan.
5. Adjust the adequate air volume using
the air damper (if any) at the fan outlet.
Note : An excessive air volume may
shorten the life expectancy of the
cartridges or cause an electrical power
surge on the fan and the system.
Optional equipment
Quick clip drum, ramp and buggy
This option eases the removal of dust filled 55
gallon drums. The quick clip flange allows fast
changes of drums without the help of tools. The
buggy permits easy displacement of full drums.
Follow these steps to remove the drum from the
collector:
1. Hold up the drum
2. Unlock the quick clip system
3. Lower drum onto the ramp slides
4. Slide drum slowly toward you
Warning!
Do not let drum fall free while unlocking
the quick clip system.
Ramp
Quick clip
Gasket seal
Drum
Lower flange
Buggy
17

AQC Dust Collecting Systems
Follow these steps to install the drum back into
position:
1. Ensure the flange gasket seal is in place
and intact. Replace if damaged.
2. Slide the drum into the ramp slides.
3. Check to make sure the drum flange is
pushed at the end of the slide.
4. Lift drum up.
5. Attach the drum to the quick clip
system.
6. Check the seal assembly. Adjust quick
clip system if there is a leak.
Platform and ladder
Platforms and ladders are available for 8 to 80
cartridges Maxiflo-VC units. They may be
stationary or attached to the dust collector
structure. Contact an A.Q.C Inc. Representative
to know which platform design is best suited to
your needs.
Instructions for platform and ladder assembly
are included on delivery.
Warning!
Ensure platform and ladder are correctly
installed before climbing on the platform.
Explosion relief vent
Note on explosion venting panels : a minimum
clearance of 25’ (8 meters) free of obstacles,
pedestrian walkway, building walls, trees or
bushes is required to allow dispersion of
possible blast. Contact factory for details.
A.Q.C. Inc. will not be held liable nor
responsible for any injury or damage caused by
fire or explosion as per the agreement issued
upon construction of the dust collector.
However, the explosion relief vent is designed
to meet NFPA-68 criteria, related to explosion
venting systems. The entire venting surface is
calculated using such criteria. The explosion
venting door is held shut using handles
especially designed to open under a specific
pressure. Handles were factory adjusted as per
the manufacturer’s requirements considering
the explosion venting surface, the type of
handles and the type of attachments.
Warning!
The explosion vent must point in a
direction away from workers area,
offices, pedestrian walkways or any
other area usually accessible, vegetation
or any matter that would sustain
damages caused by an explosion.
Magnehelic gauge
The Magnehelic is a differential pressure gauge
used to measure the difference between the
clean and dirty air. This allows a visual
reference on the filters status and indicates
when it is time to replace.
This gauge is generally factory installed unless
under specific request to A.Q.C.. If the
Magnehelic gauge is not part of the collector,
connect the (HIGH-PRESSURE) tube on the
‘’dirty’’ side of the collector. Connect the other
(LOW-PRESSURE) tube on the ‘’clean’’ side
of the collector.
This gauge is not available when the collector is
supplied with a DCT-1000 electronic board and
a DCP pressure module since it is this one that
will read the pressure differential.
18

Start/Stop procedure
Start up with new filters
Shut 50% off all inlet and outlet dampers (if
any) before starting the unit. This procedure is
mostly helpful when the dust to be filtered
sticks to the filter surface. Do not operate the
filtration system until the pressure differential
has increased by at least 1’’ w.g. from the
starting point. This operation allows ‘’caking’’
onto the cartridges for a better filtration
efficiency.
Regular start up
Ensure all optional equipment (i.e. screw
conveyor, rotary valves, etc.) except the blower.
Open the compressed air valve and activate the
sequencer. Start the blower and allow dirty air
into the filtration unit. It is imperative that you
follow the sequence of this operation.
Shut down
To shut down the system, follow these steps.
Cut power to the fan. Shut off compressed air to
unit and sequencer. Close inlet and outlet
dampers in order not to have dirty air back into
the collector and avoid risks of explosion.
If optional equipments are installed, shut down
such equipment in reverse order.
19

AQC Dust Collecting Systems
Safety
Staff-Workers
All tasks on the dust collector must be
performed by a minimum of 2 people and this,
at all times. Once all duties have been
completed, remove all tools from inside the
collector.
Warning!
Never work alone inside the dust
collector. All staff must be accounted for
prior to closing the collector access doors
and starting the collector.
Workers must wear protective clothing and
apparatus such as safety goggles, gloves,
respiratory equipment, etc. when working
inside the collector.
Instructions in this booklet must be read and
understood prior to performing tasks on the
collector.
Electrical components
All electrical components must be shut down
and main breaker locked to avoid any possible
risk of electrocution when handling or working
on such components.
Explosive dusts
If the dust to be collected is naturally explosive
or inflammable once inside the collector, an
explosion relief venting system and/or a fire
extinguishing device will be required. If you
have any doubt as to the nature of the dust to be
collected, call your A.Q.C. representative.
Anchors
All sections of the dust collector including the
optional equipment must be bolted to the floor
in order for the unit to be stable and secured
should an explosion occur or in case of high
winds.
Interior installation
When a dust collector equipped with an
explosion relief venting system is installed
inside the premises, the unit must be installed
within 3 meters (10 feet) of an exterior wall and
the explosion vents has to be connected to an
exhaust duct leading outside. This duct must be
designed to sustain the same pressure as the one
within the dust collector.
If clean air is returned back into the premises,
dispositions must be taken to exhaust the air
back outside should a filter be defective or any
other possible failure. A safety after-filter
should be installed to protect the staff against
accidental breathing of unfiltered dusts.
The air flow coming out of the collector should
be headed away from the staff, offices,
pedestrian walkways and any other area
accessible to people.
Spark producing activities
When the dust or particles to be collected are
stocked within the collector or adjacent
equipment, there should be no welding process
or any other spark or flame producing activities
around the collector until the system has been
shut down and cleaned. If such operations have
to be performed, the filter elements have to be
removed from the collector and stored in a dry
area.
20