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 THE
APPLICATION: Sturm Ruger, a world-wide,
quality manufacturer of firearms, was recently faced with a production
challenge. As management prepared to re-organize the manufacturing
floor, they had to consider de-centralizing the existing air filtration
control system. This older technology depended upon vast networks
of complex ductwork to provide capture of airborne particulate and
transport to a central system. As the facility moved ahead with
de-centralized “cell” manufacturing, a new way of filtration
and dust collection was required.
THE DESIGN: Aquest was selected to provide
design, equipment and installation for the source capture hoods,
interconnecting ductwork and cartridge filtration systems. Production
worker ergonomics played a key factor in the design of capture hoods
that would provide quality removal of all airborne particulate while
allowing operators to perform their work in an expeditious manner.
It was of critical importance that operators could manipulate parts
for buffing and sanding operations. The collector had to offer a
small footprint due to space limitations and provide service accessibility
and low noise. The units had to be of a “unitary” design
allowing for individual operation scheduled around production needs.
THE IMPLEMENTATION: Aquest designed and
delivered two Micro Air RP-2 Cartridge dust collectors with source
capture hoods, ductwork and silencers. These units were installed
on a “trial” basis, headto- head with a competitive brand.
Aquest also provided integral spark boxes for those units collecting
steel dust from sanding operations. The client allowed for a thirty
day trial and solicited operator advice and suggestions prior to
making a final decision.
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