June 2023

ELIMINATING OIL SLUDGE WITH AN INDUSTRIAL SLUDGE VACUUM

What is Oil Tank Sludge?

When water vapor condenses inside an oil tank due to temperature fluctuations, it results in petroleum sludge. Over time as the water vapor forms into droplets inside the tank, it causes rust. The rust particles and water eventually sink to the bottom of the tank since oil is less dense. The surface where the oil and water meet creates a habitable environment for microbes which breaks down the oil to form thick sediment at the bottom, also known as petroleum sludge.

How To Remove Sludge from Oil Tank

Removal of sludge produced by the petroleum industry is a critical maintenance practice petroleum producers, refiners and transporters need to acknowledge. Not only can the buildup of this hazardous waste reduce oil tank capacity, but it can also have corrosive effects that may lead to premature oil tank damage. With the proper oil tank sludge remover equipment, you can maximize your oil storage capacity and keep your frac and oil vessels in good shape. An industrial sludge vacuum makes the removal process more efficient to effectively clean frac and oil tanks, inside and out.

What to look for in an Industrial Sludge Vacuum

When deciding how to remove sludge from an oil tank, there are important considerations when it comes to selecting the appropriate oil tank sludge remover equipment. One of the essential components an industrial sludge vacuum should have are safety features, to keep workers and the job site safe. Some of the top safety features to look for include an OSHA-approved belt guard, low oil or high-temperature engine shutdown, and liquid level overflow shutdown.

Having a filtering option on an industrial sludge vacuum is an efficient way to siphon away wet and dry material to safely store or dispose of quickly and easily. Industrial Vacuum’s Hurricane™ 500 LQ Skid-mounted Vacuum has all of these features and more, at a fraction of the cost of a vacuum truck. Trailer-mounted oil tank sludge remover equipment offers a compact design and maneuverability to bridge the gap between the truck and trailer-mounted vacuum loaders. Keep your vac truck contaminate-free with our trailer-mounted Cyclone Trailer, built to withstand abuse from sludges and abrasives with features such as abrasion-resistant wear plates, sleeved inlet, and an auto dump feature.

Our experts at Industrial Vacuum can help you find a solution on how to remove sludge from an oil tank that is best suited for your unique oil and gas cleanup needs. Contact us today for more information.

COMPARISON BETWEEN STANDARD AND SELF-CLEANING FILTERS

Our Vactagon Drum Top Vacuums are known for being the best 55 Gallon vacuum you will ever own. The best vacuum must always give consumers options with air input, air flow, inches of Hg, tool kits, and filtration. Filtration is a vital component based on the type of materials being cleaned up, the longevity of the filter, and the maintenance necessary to keep said filter clean. Whether working in a foundry, a construction site, or cleaning room, utilizing a self-cleaning filter can be a vital time saving option on just about any of our drum top vacuums.

Self-Cleaning Filters

Our newest advancement in the Vactagon Drum Top vacuum is the BlowBack Filter Cleaning System. As stated above, standard filters require regular maintenance and time to ensure the longevity of them. Our new BlowBack Filter Cleaning System can eliminate the need for regular maintenance with the pull of a knob. Upon pulling, the BlowBack system does precisely what its name states, blows-back. Any dust and debris caught on the outside of the filter is thrusted off and sent back to rest on the bottom of our 55-gallon vacuum container.

This blow-back tactic is important to the longevity of the filter because regular maintenance is only performed on a filter when the vacuum itself is cleared of its accumulated materials. The BlowBack system has the option to regularly thrust aside dust and debris, ensuring a more consistent and time efficient cleaning of the filters. Most importantly, you don’t need to take apart your vacuum to clean the filters on a regular bases. Our Vactagon vacuums make it easy to clean your filter using the power of air.

 

Standard Filters

General maintenance occurring each time materials are emptied out of the vacuum extends the vacuums filters shelf-life. This general maintenance could be cleaning your old filter or adding a new filter altogether. It is important to note that HEPA filters are not supposed to be cleaned. Cleaning a HEPA filter is detrimental to the tightly woven fibers resulting in a less effective blocking of microns. HEPA filters are not inexpensive, this means regular removal of materials within the vacuum is suggested.

Self-Cleaning Filter System or Standard Filter System?

Each of these filters provide and promote nothing but the highest quality in cleanup and user safety. Our new Blowback (self-cleaning) system cuts out much of the time required for regular maintenance, resulting in greater longevity of your filters. Our standard filters are of utmost quality, but if you’re looking for a time-conscious option for your next drum top vacuum, think Vactagon.

For a new Blowback Filter Cleaning System or any questions regarding our filters, or any of our other products, contact us.

KST VALUES: HOW INDUSTRIAL VACUUMS SUBDUE THE HAZARD

Your first question is probably what is a Kst value? Kst is better known as the dust deflagration index. This value is one outlined by OSHA as a parameter for granting merit to the severity of a dust explosion. Once testing the dust in a facility, it is then determined how severe an explosion would be if one were to occur. There are four different Kst classes that a facility can fall under; those being:
Measuring the Kst of a facility is a common component of a dust test. Dust tests are performed regularly to determine the risks individual workers are exposed to in facilities; but also, to determine the actions needing to take place in order to decrease the chances of an explosion occurring.

Dust Exposure ClassKstCharacteristicsMaterial
St 00No explosionSilica
St 1>0 and = 200Weak explosionPowdered milk, charcoal, sulfur, sugar, zinc
St 2>200 and = 300Strong explosionCellulose, wood flour, polymethyl acrylate
St 3>300Very strong explosionAnthraquinone, aluminum, magnesium

With this being said, Kst values are benchmarks. They give a rough estimate of the chances of dust being a potential explosion hazard. Upon receiving a Kst value, a facility sometimes believes that if it is low, then they are not at risk of an explosion. However, it is the exact opposite. Kst values are given to understand the imminent threat, but when a facility receives a St 1, they believe there is no threat of explosive dust.

Kst Is an Estimate

OSHA provides us with the facts that Kst is the relative explosion severity compared to other dusts, estimated based on the anticipated behavior of dust. Since Kst is an estimation based on the anticipated behavior of dust, in the right environment, with the right hazards, a low Kst value explosion could cause severe damage.

The severity of dust explosions is based on how much dust there is, and how quickly it accumulated. To ensure your facility does not run the risk of an explosion, regularly clean your facility with a Vactagon drum top vacuum. These machines are portable and easy to move industrial machines that can handle the explosive nature of dust. However, if your facility finds itself ranked with a Kst value of St 0, you should have no imminent threat to explosive dust.

Not All Materials Have the Same Kst

Kst values vary based on the materials, environments, and many other factors. The typical Kst value of wood dust ranges anywhere from St 0 to St 3. Characteristics of this wood dust’s size, moisture level, and shape can have varying effects on an increased Kst value.

During the manufacturing process, the physical characteristics of materials are changing rapidly, making them more of a threat to worker’s health and safety. Testing your facility to discover what kinds of hazards are present is vital to worker’s health and the longevity of your facility.

Allow us to assist you after discovering your Kst value by removing the imminent threat of dust. Our Vactagon drum top vacuums are equipped with removing combustible dust or conductive metals from your facility. Purchase one of our drum top vacuums today.

INDUSTRIAL VACUUMS DURING ROOF ROCK REMOVAL

Most flat roof industrial buildings and facilities have rocks on the roof. Rocks remain on flat roofs to extend the life of the roof itself. The structure of the roof will consist of several thin layers made of tar, asphalt and/or bitumen material. Pebbles or rocks are spread over this thin layer to protect cracking and peeling from sun exposure or worn down by the elements.

Overall, the rocks and pebbles provide a roof with drain outlets for rainstorms. These outlets are hindered when various other debris fall onto the roof, such as leaves, sticks, and various other organically drifting materials block the drains. The rocks on the roof are an implemented, and protective system for these drains from being clogged by this organic debris.

Similarly, these pebbles and rocks provide thermal protection via rocks heat absorption capabilities. This absorption is enhanced with rocks being able to release heat as well. With the uneven spacing of the rocks on the roof, they provide air space to absorb, disperse, and release heat above the thin roof layer.

The term ballast rock comes from the action of the actual rocks on the roof. While rocks on a roof provide protective systems for drains and ensure heat placement and absorption, but it also sustains the structural integrity of the roof itself. Ballast rock holds the actual roof down ensuring that it does not blow off.

Laying ballast rocks down is vital to the roof’s longevity, as well as replacing the roof itself. If you want to maintain your flat roof and need to replace the rubber roof or need to clean the thin layer of roofing below the rocks, you are in need of an efficient process. The various rock removal methods are stated below:

Traditional Ballast Removal

The most well-known form of rock removal is traditional ballast removal. This removal process begins with shoveling the dirt, gravel, rocks, and access to organic debris from the roof via wheelbarrows, or industrial equipment. This process is the most time consuming, and tedious considering the labor needed to remove the access amount of debris.

Industrial Dry Vacuum Method

The dry vacuum method skips the shoveling and, instead, clears the roof of the rocks efficiently and effectively. This process causes less damage to the roof due to fewer individuals being on the roof. Preserving the thin layer of the roof from the damage that comes with human error is important when deciding between the industrial dry vacuum method, or the traditional ballast removal method.

At Industrial Vacuum Equipment, our line of Hurricane 600 Industrial Vacuums are equipped with wet and dry vacuum methods that assists in the overall cleanup method of rock roof removal. Consider renting or purchasing one of our Industrial Vacuums to assist in your rock removal. Request a quote or request a rental today.

PNEUMATIC VS. ELECTRIC VACUUMS: WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

We pride ourselves in turning a 55-gallon drum into the best vacuum ever owned. Whether its dust and debris, or silica dust and hazardous materials, the right vacuum and drum top vac must be chosen. Two options – pneumatic and electric will garner successful results depending on the required cleanup.

Both vacuums are wet and dry standard operation. However, our electric units have an option for an automatic “high water” shut off; better known as a float switch. Float switches allow for liquid fluctuation to rise and fall ensuring an open or closed circuit. These float switches will monitor the level of liquid within the drum, shutting off the vacuum when the level exceeds capacity. These drum vacuums are perfect for environments containing hazardous fluids.

Don’t have the resources of capabilities to use electric? Our pneumatic vacuum operates on airpower, resulting in a spark-free, electric-free cleaning experience. This drum vacuum is perfect for environments containing combustible materials meeting the criteria for intrinsically safe operation if used in conjunction of a grounding strap and static dissipating hose – no moving parts, non-electric & fully grounded means the unit will not spark and will not generate dangerous amounts of heat.

The list of applications for a pneumatic vacuum is endless, but the top industries that love our tough drum top vacs include silica dust, lead, mold, and asbestos removal, foundries, cleanrooms, packaging facilities, painting and sandblasting, metal dust, commercial wood working shops, and much more.

Either vacuum bought with the High-efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) is capable of trapping 99.97% of all airborne particles larger than .3 microns, including silica dust. While airborne particles are an issue, so are complying to OSHA’s standards. Not anymore! HEPA filters meet or exceed OSHA’s silica dust standards.

DOWNLOAD & PRINT: Electric Drum Top Vacs VS. Pneumatic Drum Top Vacs

 

Our Line of Pneumatic and Electric Vacuums

Vactagon Pneumatic Vacuum Models

The pneumatic vacuum has two models to choose from. The Single-Venturi Vacuum or the Double Venturi Vacuum, both models are available with an optional final HEPA filter. The differences and similarities are, air input requirements, air flow (CFM), inches of Mercury (Hg), and vacuum filtration. The air input requirements from the single to the double is 70 CFM at 65 PSI, to 140 CFM at 65 PSI. The air flow from the single to the double 110 CFM to 210 CFM. The inches of Hg from the single to the double is the same at 12”. The vacuum filtration does not change from single to double, but rather, from the standard (STD) filter to the HEPA filtration.

Vactagon Electric Vacuum Models

Our electric vacuum’s have three models to choose from with a variety of options including HEPA filtration and high water shut off float. These models are: The Single-Motor, and Quad Motor Vacuums. The differences and similarities are, power requirements, air flow (CFM), inches of Mercury (Hg), filtration and the High Water Shut Off Float. The power requirements for the units is as followed: single motor units 110V, 9amp, for the twin motor units 110V, 16amp and for the quad motor units (2) 110V plugs, 16amps each or (1) 220V plug 16amp. The inches of mercury (Hg) from the single to the twin to the quad is the same at 6.5”. The vacuum filtration does not change from single to the twin to the quad, but rather from the standard (STD) filter to the HEPA filter.

What’s it going to be – Pneumatic or Electric?

The decision of an electric drum top or pneumatic drum top boils down to the idea of needing electric or air power. Regardless of your decision, our Vactagon Drum Top Vacuums are nothing but the highest of quality for some of the most challenging cleanup situations.

Browse our Vactagon Drum Top Vacuums and decide if it is going to be Pneumatic or an Electric drum top. Keep in mind if models do not meet your needs, we are open to custom configurations or industrial vacuums for larger products. For further information, or clarification on major differences, contact us today.

ENGINEERING CONTROL: OSHA’S MEANING FOR WHY DUST COLLECTION SYSTEMS SHOULD BE USED

When OSHA released their standards on dust accumulation, it was stated that industries needed to maintain control of the hazards present. In simpler terms, OSHA was suggesting that the hazard being posed to workers should be removed altogether. While this is extremely hopeful thinking, most industries cannot completely remove the dust produced. This is where the term “engineering control” comes into play. Engineering control is a solution to control the hazard because the hazard cannot be completely removed.

While OSHA does not state that a dust collector is needed, it is the most preferred method suggested, by them, for controlling hazards. Similarly, OSHA does not have regulations when it comes to a compliant dust collector. OSHA’s only regulation on dust collectors and hazard control is that they ensure employee safety.

Dust Exposure Limits

OSHA does not require compliance for dust collectors, but they do require compliance for dust exposure limits. These exposure limits are specifically set to protect workers. Outlined in the General Duty Clause, employers are required to take preemptive measures protecting workers from dust exposure.

Dust collectors can remove dust from the initial source it was produced, or from the overall workspace, regulating the amount of dust exposure for everyone on the job. This is critical because dust collectors keep exposure levels down, allowing for compliance with OSHA’s regulations.

What’s the OSHA Compliant Dust Collector?

As stated before, OSHA does not specify that there is a compliant dust collector when removing dust. The regulation states that there must be control over the hazard present to ensure there is, none, to minimal exposure.

A dust collection system is an “engineer control” system allowing for compliance to OSHA’s regulation on hazard (dust) control. Not only can dust collection systems limit dust exposure, it can assist with worker safety and continual dust housekeeping.

At Industrial Vacuum we have various dust collection systems capable of assisting in complying with OSHA’s exposure guidelines. To ensure your industry is controlling the hazard present, purchase one of our engineering-controlled machines. Our line of industrial dust collectors will allow for compliance, and success in creating a safe and less hazardous environment.

Test the engineering control on our dust collection systems by purchasing or renting a unit. If you don’t know which system is equipped for your industry, contact us for more information.

INDUSTRIAL AIR SCRUBBERS: HOW THEY WORK & THE ADVANTAGES

Recently we spoke about negative-pressure machines. A similar device is a negative air scrubber, portable air scrubber, or machine that uses circulation in rooms to remove the dust, fibers, gasses, chemicals, and other particulates found in the air.

Negative air machines and air scrubbers are closely related, however, the difference between these machines is that negative air seals off the contaminated air from other sectors of facilities. Negative air scrubbers can “scrub” the air. Airborne pathogens that have attached themselves to material objects in the room will remain attached to those surfaces while using an air scrubber.

How do air scrubbers & portable air scrubbers work?

Air scrubbers are like HEPA filters, in which they have a three-stage particulate cleaning system. This system being:

  • Stage one is where large particulates are trapped, still allowing air to pass through.
  • Stage two is made of carbon which will adsorb gas and other invisible to the eye molecules. These molecules are the ones that typically can be identified via the odors they let off.
  • Stage three is where HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filtration traps 99.97% of particulates as small as 0.3 microns.

How can commercial air scrubbers help my healthcare or hospital facility?

With infection running through hospitals and healthcare facilities, it is vitally important to control the pathogen circulation.

With a negative air machine present, it can provide hospital spaces with negative pressure, cutting off the spread of contaminated air to the rest of the facility. Air scrubbers with their three-stage filtration have almost the same effect as negative-pressure machines.

Other Industry Uses:

  • Restoration Jobs: Airborne particulates are present at most worksites; however, these particles provide a toxic odor as well as bacteria resulting in lung damage upon inhaling. Air scrubbers will remove dust, debris, and excess water from the air, restoring the state of the room.
  • Remodeling or Construction Projects: Airborne pollutants at construction sites range from hazardous dust to fibers. Air scrubbers will remove these contaminants from the air.
  • Remediation Projects: Substances, such as mold and asbestos, use negative air machines to isolate the particulates, while the air scrubber filters the microscopic particulates in the air.
  • Salons & Printing Shops: Due to the hazardous nature of hair dye fumes and printing ink fumes, these must be scrubbed from the air.

Industrial Vacuum Equipment Corporation understands the need for scrubbing the air within facilities that are exposed to dust, particulates, viruses, and various other contaminants. We encourage you to contact us if you have any questions regarding our machines, our portable air scrubbers, and our air scrubber capabilities.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HEPA TYPE AND TRUE HEPA VACUUMS

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuums are in several applications because they can contain and eliminate even the most hazardous materials found on earth. However, there are significant differences between true HEPA filtration and standard HEPA filtration (also called HEPA type filtration). It’s important to know the main differences between the two before selecting the right industrial HEPA vacuum.

The Differences Between True HEPA vs HEPA Type Vacuums

Difference 1: True HEPA filters can remove 99.97% of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns and larger. While many other companies advertise that their industrial true HEPA vacuums can remove 99.97%, the fine print references that percentage being for airborne particles that are 2 microns and larger. The Department of Energy set the standard for HEPA filtration to remove up to 0.3 microns, which is the smallest particle that can physically be collected without difficulty. Only true HEPA filters are capable of meeting this standard.

Difference 2: True HEPA filters are from rugged materials like Fiberglass or Non-woven Fabric Material (like polypropylene). While competitor industrial HEPA vacuums are also made from HEPA filter media, they experience significant drops in performance as a result of bending with little filter media to form smaller filters.

Difference 3: Because HEPA filters are fairly expensive to manufacture, many competing companies have cut out on build quality and effectiveness to offer affordable options. True HEPA vs HEPA type filters are ruggedly built to effectively stand the test of time. The only way to lower costs is to lower the quality and the results that are delivered.

Our Vactagon Line of True Industrial HEPA Vacuums

Industrial Vacuum’s line of drum top and explosion-proof vacuums come with true HEPA filtration options for applications where the maximum collection is required. Partner with Industrial Vacuum in protecting your workers by browsing our industrial true HEPA vacuums online. For further information about how our industrial vacuums with HEPA filtration, contact us today.

OSHA’S REQUIREMENTS ON HEPA NEGATIVE AIR MACHINES & NEGATIVE PRESSURE ROOMS

In order to understand how negative pressure rooms use HEPA filtration to assist with airflow, it is important to know what a negative pressure room is. Negative pressure rooms use lower air pressure than your typical hospital room. With this lower air, it allows outside air to move into an environment already secluded from the overall hospital environment. During this current pandemic, these rooms are being identified as those that are “pop-up hospitals” or the blown-up rooms outside hospitals, and healthcare facilities. The purpose of these rooms is to trap potentially harmful particulates within the negative pressure room by preventing the overall internal air from leaving the space.

Rooms that require negative pressure are those isolating patients for infectious diseases, including COVID-19. We would currently be using negative pressure rooms, and HEPA negative air machines to protect those who are residing in healthcare facilities and hospitals but are not affected by COVID-19. If we move all affected pandemic patients into a section that will be forced into negative pressure, then those not affected will not breathe the same air as those who have been affected.

This is an extremely specialized process, as it requires construction to build climate-controlled environments. These environments require a minimum of 12 airflow changes each hour. If these changes do not occur, the desired sustained environment will not last, making airflow consistent throughout the entire facility once again.

Negative pressure rooms require components in order to sustain their environments. These components being:

  • HEPA filters on negative air machines to control the particulates passing through the air
  • A self-closing entryway with sealing capabilities to allow for the potential germs of opening and closing doors to be removed
  • Along with sealed doors come floors, windows, ceilings, and walls
  • Ductwork should accompany fans that push air in the desired directions
  • Monitoring systems should be installed to inform individuals when pressure adjustments must be made
  • Finally, an observation room or environment should be in order to ensure protective gear can be put on by all those entering the facility

OSHA’s Requirements

OSHA’s requirements for negative air rooms must deal with HEPA negative air machines, as well as the overall awareness of dust suppression machines. To create a negative pressure room, crystalline silica dust particulates must be trapped in this enclosed area. While the airflow within the space must be taken into consideration, the quality of the airflow leaving the space must also be filtered. Using a modular containment system or a poly barrier in your healthcare facility will allow you to attach a portable air scrubber or HEPA negative air machine. These two components will allow you the assistance you need to clean the air in your negative pressure room. It is crucial to use a HEPA filter on a negative air machine due to the particulate capabilities of a HEPA filter.

At Industrial Vacuum, we understand the current pandemic threats. If your hospital or healthcare facility is implementing negative pressure rooms to alleviate the internal airflow at your facility, consider using Industrial Vacuums HEPA filtration initiatives. If you haven’t considered negative pressure rooms, investigate the possibilities your facilities can unleash, and the lives you can save along the way. Our dust collectors can be equipped with HEPA filters to assist with airflow to the temporary negative pressure rooms.

Protect your workers, and those they are striving to save by considering HEPA negative air machines in your negative pressure rooms. We at Industrial Vacuum Equipment are here to help and want to help. Please contact us today for more information.