When we talk about deburing, the most commonly used filtrations are dry and wet. As you know, GEF developed water filters mainly to prevent fires and explosions in the extraction system. However, when processing aluminium with water filtration there is a possibility of hydrogen formation, an explosive gas, because aluminium releases hydrogen and heat on contact with water.

But what can we do if we treat these powders with a water filter?

It’s easy, you just need to install a vent kit, but let’s look at all the indications suggested by our technicians so that you can work with peace of mind

It is necessary to empty the tank periodically and especially according to the workload.
This is necessitated by the fact that if the tank is not emptied for a long time, this leads to the substances in the various metals or alloys being dissolved in the water, making it capable of reacting with the aluminium powder and allowing hydrogen and heat to develop.

The vent kit serves to reduce the % of hydrogen inside the dust collector.
This kit can be installed on the extraction line arriving at the filter.
The kit consists of a branch equipped with two dampers, one connected to the extraction line and one that functions as a ‘false air’ inlet with clean air not connected to the system.

Operation:

• When the machine tool is switched on, the valve will move to the “false air” causing the fan to work with clean air for a few minutes (depending on work loads).
• After this time has passed, the deviating valve will move to the plant’s extraction line, drawing in the connected extractors. This action will reduce any hydrogen loads formed during downtime, thus purifying the inside of the filter and preparing it for proper operation and safety for the next work shift.

There is a warning light on the electrical panel to inform the operator that the extraction line is not working. The operator will then know that the machine tool will not be able to work for a few minutes (depending on the workload).