Invisible threats lurk in industrial air.
Oil mist, fine aerosols, and other pollutants silently harm workers, damage equipment, and endanger the environment. Prolonged exposure to oil mist can cause serious respiratory issues. It also increases fire hazards in the workplace.
Enter oil and mist collectors.
These specialized air filtration systems are industry’s answer to airborne pollutants. They use various methods to purify the air, from traditional filters to cutting-edge electrostatic precipitators.
The result?
Safer, more efficient work environments.
We are the official distributors of Trion & Aget air cleaning systems. As official representatives, we’ll be happy to help explain the best mist collector for your application.
Contact us for a quote or any information.
Mist collectors do more than clear the air. They reduce risks, protect your equipment, and create a safer workplace.
By capturing oil mist before it spreads, a mist collector helps prevent the buildup of oil on walls, ceilings, and floors. That means less cleaning, fewer maintenance costs, and a lower chance of slipping hazards. Surfaces stay cleaner, machinery stays protected, and your team stays safer.
Airborne mist and smoke can carry harmful particles that impact indoor air quality. A mist collector removes these contaminants from circulation, improving the air your employees breathe. According to OSHA, clean indoor air supports a healthier and more productive work environment (source).
Mist collectors also reduce the risk of fire by removing oil droplets from the air and surfaces. And by keeping sensitive equipment cleaner, they extend the life of your investments.
Installing a mist collector is a smart business decision.
It protects people, preserves your assets, and pays off over time. This is one of those rare cases where spending a little returns a lot.
There are (3) acceptable methods of mist collection. Understanding how each mist collector functions will help determine which one is best for the application.
Media-based collectors consist of a physical filter material. Whether it be metal, paper, synthetic, or some other material, a physical barrier is involved. There are a variety of designs offering single-stage and multi-stage solutions to best fit your needs.
Drum, vee, and cartridge media filters are the most common. Because they are typically of simple design, they are also simple to maintain. Media-based collectors are an excellent choice for oil and coolant mist as well as light smoke.
Electrostatic Precipitators are electronic forms of mist and smoke collection. The system draws contaminated air across an arrangement of ionizers and collection plates. The ionizer section places a positive charge on anything coming across it and is then introduced to a series of negatively charged plates.
The combination acts like a dust, mist, and smoke magnet. The true benefit of this method is that it does not care about particle sizes; it will place the positive charge on anything conductive that crosses its path and collect it accordingly.
The filters used are permanent filters and are cleaned and reused. This method of maintenance is typically more labor-intensive in order to keep the system operating at a high level. Electrostatic precipitators are an excellent choice for oil-based mist and smoke.
Centrifugal separators use centrifugal force to remove mist from an airstream. Contaminated air is pulled into the unit and directed onto a fast-spinning blade or cage. As the mist coalesces, it is flung outward, collected on the interior walls, and drained away from the system.
Maintenance starts low and increases gradually over time. These systems are well-suited for collecting oil-based coolant mist. However, they are not effective for capturing smoke.
Each mist collection method offers a different level of efficiency. Your choice should be based on the specific application, type of byproduct, and mist loading. These factors determine which collector style and configuration will work best.
Source capture is the preferred method whenever possible. It targets mist directly at the point of generation, preventing it from spreading through the facility.
This method involves connecting the collector to the equipment, either directly, remotely, through a hood, or with a custom attachment. By collecting mist at the source, you improve efficiency and reduce the need for additional air handling.
When source capture isn’t an option, ambient collection offers an alternative. A mist collector is suspended in the area near the mist-generating machines. As air flows through the system, it creates a vacuum effect that draws mist out of the surrounding air.
This method helps maintain general air quality in open or hard-to-access areas where direct capture is not feasible.
Let us help you choose the best one for the application. Contact us now for a fast quote or any information regarding oil & mist collectors.
Selecting the right mist collector means understanding how and where it will operate. Location, climate, and staffing all influence the system and setup you need.
Mist collectors are typically installed indoors. If you’re considering an outdoor installation, evaluate the following:
Does the temperature drop below 32 degrees, and if so, how often? Are you in a residential area where noise or emissions could be a concern? Do you have a skilled maintenance worker available to inspect and repair components like electrical connections, seams, seals, and pressure taps in case of weather-related wear?
Some mist collection systems require a hood to capture mist effectively. The hood’s size and design depend on your application and must be calculated by a qualified professional to ensure efficient capture and airflow.
Polyester is a widely used material for media-based mist collectors. It offers solid performance with moderate efficiency, high loading capacity, and good drainage, all at a low cost.
Fiberglass is another option. It provides higher collection efficiency, moderate loading, and moderate drainage, also at an affordable price.
For upgraded performance, a polyester and fiberglass blend delivers high efficiency, strong loading capacity, and excellent drainage. These filters cost more, but offer superior results and long-term value.
HEPA filters are often used as the final stage of filtration. They remove 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns, helping meet strict air quality standards (EPA source).
DOP filters are another high-efficiency option, removing 95% of particles at 0.3 microns and more than 99% of larger particles. Both HEPA and DOP filters are widely accepted for meeting federal, state, corporate, and union requirements.
View our full line of filters here.
