Posts

2021 Industrial and Heavy Equipment Air Filtration Best Practices and Trends

/in /by

Air quality has been a trending topic throughout 2020. This focus will continue into 2021 due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and increased interest in health and safety impacts of respirable particulates, viruses, and other microscopic nanoparticles.

The rising financial impact and safety risks of dust

Although small, dust particulates can cause big problems on mine sites. Dust can damage equipment and pose a health risk to workers when it enters heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Dust can block HVAC evaporator cores, resulting in expensive repairs and machines being taken offline for extended downtime, impacting a mine’s productivity.

Worse still, dust particulates can have a harmful impact on mineworkers’ health. When operators in machine cabins or control rooms breathe in contaminants too small to see, including coal and silica dust, diesel particulate matter (DPM), or asbestos fibre, this can lead to long-term and life-threatening illnesses such as silicosis or coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP), also known as black lung.

“In industries where particulate matter is prevalent, investment in clean air systems is good for the health of machine operators and for the business,” Sy-Klone vice president of marketing and business development Austin Browne tells Australian Mining.

“Minimizing dust through advanced air filtration and pre-cleaning allows machines to run longer and employees to operate more safely.”

New international mining air quality standard introduced

ISO 23875: Operator enclosures – Air quality control systems and air quality performance testing was approved internationally in November 2020. The new standard adopts critical updates in engineering and performance requirements for operator enclosures on mine sites. ISO 23875 is a lifecycle standard, addressing cabin air control systems from initial design and throughout the machinery’s operating life.

Ten mining countries, including Australia, collaborated in the development of ISO 23875. Various Australian mining, governmental and industrial hygiene related organizations commented on the standard during its development. Sy-Klone International executive vice president Jeff Moredock was the international project lead for ISO 23875.

“This standard will make a huge difference in operator health and safety and how industry stakeholders address this issue around the world,” Moredock says.

ISO 23875 requirements include enhanced filtration efficiency requirements, defined maximum carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, real-time operator cabin monitoring and other key areas of cabin design, maintenance, and testing.

Increased demand for more efficient HEPA filters

COVID-19 has raised awareness of the importance of air quality, deepened understanding of airborne nanoparticles and broadened interest in high-efficiency filtration.

“We are increasingly receiving requests for HEPA-grade cabins, which is a customer reference to a properly-sealed operator cabin with HEPA filtration used in both the fresh and recirculated air systems, consistent with filtration mandates in occupational health and safety regulations, including ISO 23875,” LSM Technologies managing director Peter Woodford says.

“Our team has developed the expertise to engineer, design and service custom installations featuring the Sy-Klone RESPA system with HEPA filtration whilst maintaining air flow levels to ensure cabin pressurization, CO2 ventilation, thermal comfort and maximum protection of the occupants of mobile and fixed enclosed cabins.”

Selecting a HEPA filter can be challenging as many HEPA filters claim 99.7% efficiency at 0.3 micrometres. However, as Browne explains, this is not a classification under any current industry standards.

“HEPA filters are classified as 99.95% efficient at the most penetrating particle size (MPPS) by meeting the requirements of ISO 29463 (ISO 35 H classification) and/or EN1822 (H13 classification),” Browne says.

“All Sy-Klone RadialShield HEPA filters achieve the classification of H13 or ISO 35 H at an MPPS of 0.063 micrometres, meaning, not only are they ISO 23875 compliant, but they are also 99.95% effective at arresting COVID-19 virus-sized particles. So far, this is unmatched in the industry.”

Improved heavy equipment cab monitoring systems and smart cab technology

Improved monitoring of air quality within cabins will be a key trend in 2021, including real-time measurement of cabin pressurization and CO2 levels, which is an aspect of air cabin quality that is not commonly addressed.

High CO2 levels may impact the operator’s ability to think clearly.

“Part of cabin filtration is not just clean air, but it’s also having enough oxygen within the cabin. Too much CO2 can cause drowsiness, endanger the driver and others near the machine, and affect productivity,” Lyons Airconditioning senior commercial manager Ryan Wheeler shares. “We strongly recommend that on every install, cabins have a monitoring system installed.”

In early 2021, Sy-Klone will release the RESPA Advisor, an all-in-one unit that will monitor cabin pressurization and CO2 levels, alerting machine operators when either measure goes outside of permissible limits.

Best practices for choosing a cab air quality system

With the focus on new air quality standards and increased interest in HEPA filtration, buyers will demand more from cabin air quality systems.

To ensure selection of a cabin air quality system that works as advertised to protect operators’ air quality, purchasers should choose a system that uses filters classified for human respiration. Some air quality systems are built on traditional pressurizer technology that uses modified engine filter housings, which lack filters suitable for respiration. The Sy-Klone RESPA system with RadialShield filters are explicitly engineered to improve air quality for human respiration.

RESPA’s fresh-air unit ensures continuous delivery of clean, fresh air inside the operator cabin and integrates a powered pre-cleaner, pressurizer, and high-efficiency filter into a single unit. RESPA’s precleaning technology ejects over 90% of the largest debris before air reaches the filter, leaving only the smallest particles to be addressed by the filters. Sy-Klone’s patented, self-cleaning filter and filter housing continuously shed dust captured from the filter, which is then ejected out of the system, resulting in longer filter life.

RESPA’s recirculation unit provides the same high-efficiency filtration level for recirculated air.

Many competing systems do not feature these self-cleaning capabilities, allowing dust to build up on the filter and increasing restriction on the system, resulting in decreased performance and shorter filter life.

Purchasing a cabin air quality system is an investment in health and safety for employees and provides tangible benefits through reduced fleet maintenance costs. Prepare for these 2021 air quality trends to deliver beneficial financial and safety results.

This article originally appeared in the December 2020 / January 2021 edition of Australian Mining.

https://www.sy-klone.com/blog/2021/01/19/2021-industrial-and-heavy-equipment-cabin-air-quality-trends/

Lyons Leads the Way in ISO Cabin Filtration Standards

/in /by

Airborne dust particles can cause short term impact on mining productivity and long-term impacts on workers’ health. Safe to Work speaks to Lyons Airconditioning Services about how it combines its renowned Australian knowledge with Sy-Klone International’s cab air quality systems and air filtration products to lead the way in dust control and help mining companies meet ISO 23875, the soon to be published mining industry specific air quality standard.

Sy-Klone and Lyons Airconditioning Services are partnering to give companies like Rio Tinto, Fortescue Metals Group and Macmahon Holdings direction and consultation on dust control.

Perth-based Lyons is ensuring that dust control measures used across Australian mines meet International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) standards, ensuring safety for workers. One such standard is ISO 23875 “Operator enclosures – Air quality control systems and air quality performance testing,” which is expected to be published in Q1 2021. Lyons is actively working with mining companies across Australia to help address the performance requirements outlined in the standard, in part by installing Sy-Klone’s ISO 23875 compliant RESPA® cab air quality system.

Dust particles and airborne contaminants found in mining environments, such as coal, silica and asbestos dust, as well as odours, can filter into the cabin and be breathed in by workers.

They can cause long-term health conditions like coal mine dust lung disease, silicosis, mixed dust pneumoconiosis, dust-related diffuse fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

With the introduction of new Industrial laws across Australia, and new international standards, such as ISO 23875, the onus is more than ever on mining companies to take care of their employees’ health and wellbeing.

 

Lyons Airconditioning Services is guarding mine workers from these health risks, distributing Sy-Klone’s range of RESPA pressurizer, precleaner and filtration system; high efficiency RadialSHIELD® filters; and cabin pressure monitor throughout the mining and construction industry to block out nanoparticles and other harmful contaminants, keeping them out of vehicles and safeguarding workers.

As Lyons general manager Emmanuel Lardis explains, the companies are united by their common goal to protect workers and set the benchmark for cabin filtration safety.

“With our ability to maintain dust concentration levels well below required limits we are protecting the operator’s lung health and giving them a chance to live a long productive life. By keeping contaminants and dangerous dust particles outside of the machine’s cab, Lyons is keeping the operator safe and making sure they get home for that day and the next 20 to 30 years down the track,” Lardis tells Safe to Work.

“Sy-Klone’s and Lyons’ combined team of experts are able to formulate solutions to meet the latest international standards, including the new mining air quality standard, ISO 23875.”

ISO 23875 covers safety in mining, with an emphasis on air quality control and how to implement effective air quality control systems, dilution of carbon dioxide (CO2) and routine testing of air throughout the cab. “ISO 23875 establishes a consistent set of operator enclosure air quality control requirements for mining companies across the globe. Lyons has the in-depth knowledge of the Australian mining industry, the mechanical expertise, and the experience installing Sy-Klone’s air filtration products, to help mining customers solve the most complex air filtration challenges; including meeting the requirements of ISO 23875,” said Austin Browne, Vice President Marketing for Sy-Klone International.

Lyons distributes Sy-Klone RadialSHIELD filters including HEPA (ISO 35 H) and MERV 16 options, both of which use high-tech filtration media, highly effective in removing biological nanoparticles such as COVID-19, silica, asbestos, and other dangerous particles from the air. Lyons not only distributes the Sy-Klone products, but also provides Australian mining clients with personalised feedback and instruction regarding their dust control measures.

“Lyons provides direction and expertise through our vast experience of more than 35 years in the mining industry,” Lardis says.

“In association with our partners, like Sy-Klone, industry associations and bodies that work in health and safety for cabin filtration, we can provide solutions that are fit for purpose for a particular site or the contaminant they are having issues with.”

Lyons was eager to partner with Sy-Klone for its global reputation and the versatility of its range, with one air filtration system having the ability to address multiple challenges and sites across a mining company’s portfolio including odour, gas and particulate filtration

Another attraction of the Sy-Klone range Lyons highlights is the superior ability to extend filter life to meet the maintenance schedule for the mining equipment.

“The reason we are moving towards the Sy-Klone range is that one system will suit multiple sites,” Lardis says.

“You install the system once and depending on what contaminant you are trying to overcome, is  the type of filter you use for that system. The system doesn’t necessarily change but the filter will. The Sy-Klone filtration products include particulate, gas, and odour options, which can be customised depending on site requirements.

“The Sy-Klone range filter is designed to last until the scheduled maintenance every 500 hours, which matches most vehicles’ maintenance service intervals. If your filter can last until your next service, you don’t need to shut down the machine. Every hour a machine is out of work, can cost hundreds of thousands in lost productivity.”

At the helm of Lyons is its team of experts, who often work remotely on site with mining companies, offering their advice on tackling contaminants that are known issues in the local area.

Lyons Senior Commercial Manager Ryan Wheeler, who along with the company’s senior technicians, is one of the experts that visits client sites to complete audits on equipment and ensure they are complying to implementation and industry standards.

“Lyons works closely with clients to advise them on overcoming issues they are having on site, so we can provide a solution to protect operators inside the cabins,” Wheeler tells Safe to Work.

Why Sy-Klone is Outstanding for your Cabin Filtration?

/in /by

Let’s get straight to the point. The Sy-Klone systems ‘point loads’ the air filter.

Why does this matter? Longer filter life.

Traditional pressurisers use a vacuum to pull air through a filter, resulting in an accumulation of dust and debris at the strongest vacuum point that increases restriction and reduces filter life. Also, the vacuum power causes particles to collide harshly into the filter media, lodging into the filter and permanently damaging the media, reducing the filter’s efficiency at stopping future dust and debris.
Sy-Klone Respa CF2 Filtration SystemThe Sy-Klone

RESPA-CF2 instead uses a fan to control airflow through the system. After ejecting the largest dust and debris, the RESPA ‘point loads’ the air filter, gently landing the smallest particles on top of the filter in an  even pattern. This layer of fine dust then falls off the filter face – or self-cleans – through normal operating activities such as machine vibration and back pressure caused when the cab door shuts. This results in less dust in the cab, less dust build-up on the evaporator core, and better performance between service intervals.

Longer filter life, better protection for operators, more uptime for the machine. That’s the point.

That’s the Sy-Klone difference.

 Additional Benefits of Sy-Klone Cabin Air Filtration Systems – Respa

  • One system interchangeable with multiple filters
  • Change filters to suit contaminant on site without changing system
  • Tough rugged design to suit Australia’s harsh conditions and sites
  • Meets the proposed Standard of ISO23875 (due for release first quarter 2021)
  • Powered Pre-cleaner removes 90+% of dust before it reaches the fi­lter
  • Extends the life of the filter
  • Only clean air is delivered to HVAC system, reducing expensive repairs.
  • Standard and Extended Length systems available (Up to 500-1000 hours)
  • Corrosion resistant fan blades
  • CF2 has multiple outlet rotation positions, every 10 degrees (3 & 4inch outlets)
  • Provides sufficient fresh air intake & exchange to maintain CO2 levels with sealed cab
  • Continuously monitors pressurisation and built-in alarm and remote monitoring, alerts the operator when pressurisation levels go outside of the allowable threshold while maintaining uninterrupted HVAC performance
  • Recirculation system supports recirculation efficiency and decay rate time
  • Sy-Klone team is the leading working group currently piloting ISO 23875 installations in Canada.
  • Holistic solutions for cabin, recirculation and engine filtration

For more information and the right advice, contact the experts at Lyons Air-Conditioning and Filtration Services on (08) 9259 7777 or email enquiries@lyons.com.au

Why Choose Sy-Klone Cabin Filtration Technology

/0 Comments/in /by

Cabin filtration has become a growing concern with the welfare of personnel being a priority. The exposure of hazardous contaminants, allergens and air born carcinogens can have a major impact

Dust contaminants and Silica are hazards

to the individual, company and industry. A renewed health focus especially in mining and construction is seen as an imperative standard to protect the health of operators who are working and exposed to respirable dust in above and below ground situations.

The trend is towards ever finer filtration. In recent years, the demand for high efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA filters) has risen. These products allow the retention of more than 99.99% of all particles.

Particles that are smaller than 2.5 micrometers like silica dust can have extreme health consequences. The mucous membranes of the nose and throat or nasal hairs can capture only some of these particles. They are particularly harmful to health because they can trigger inflammations in the lungs and transport toxic substances. Such particles are deposited mainly in the lower respiratory tracts and the lungs. They are considered a cause of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases as well as asthma. They are also believed to have a carcinogenic effect.

Silicosis is a lung disease caused by breathing in tiny bits of silica, a mineral that is part of sand, rock, and mineral ores such as quartz. It mostly affects workers exposed to silica dust in occupations such mining, glass manufacturing, and foundry work. Over time, exposure to silica particles causes scarring in the lungs, which can harm your ability to breathe.

Lyons expertise in the area of cabin and HVAC filtration ensures a fit for purpose solution. Sy-Klone’s self-cleaning filtration system are arguably considered the best value for money filtration

Sy-Klone pressurisers offer filtration protection

Cabin Pressurisers have become the norm in mining

systems available to the mining and construction industries. This is backed up by some of the largest and most experienced multinational mining companies specifying Sy-Klone for all their heavy mobile equipment.

The main benefits of Sy-Klone technology are:

  • Self-cleaning and maintenance free filtration system*
  • Minimised filter costs
  • Increase uptime
  • Extended filter life of up to double that of others
  • High grade filtration including HEPA (XLR removes 99.99% of ISO fine test dust)
  • Uncomplicated installation method by a qualified installer (Lyons)
  • Filtration protection options for personnel, engine and HVAC system

    Sy-Klone offers solutions for multiple applications

Sy-Klone’s applications, including heavy equipment, mining, agriculture, fire and rescue, military, construction, demolition, and forestry. It complies with international filtration and manufacturing standards that consistently meet or exceed industry requirements.

The RESPA range of Sy-Klone is the most advanced Cab Air Quality System available, delivering pre-cleaner, filter, and pressuriser in one compact, customisable unit. This innovation offers the highest quality of filtration.

Sy-Klone protects the engine as well as the occupants

Lyons and Sy-Klone are serious about air quality in operator enclosures and engines. MERV 16*/F9 filter (minimum level of filtration recommended by NIOSH for mining operations) uses unique “Nano Technology” with “self-cleaning” filter media which dramatically extends the filter life.

The HEPA filter is manufactured to the highest quality standard. Not only does your operator breathe easier, but HVAC systems stay clean and healthy as well.

System Type RESPA Model Powered Engine MERV 16* HEPA Odor/HEPA Gas/HEPA
Fresh Air Precleaning & Filtration RESPA-CF2 • • • • •**
Recirculated Air Filtration RESPA-CFX • • •
RESPA-FFX2 • •
Engine Precleaning & Filtration XLR Powered Pre-cleaner • •
* References to MERV16 are specific to the filter media.
** Gas/HEPA filter for use with Extended Length RESPA-CF2 only.

Lyons have teamed up with Sy-Klone to provide you the best advice for your mobile and static fleet filtration and HVAC system requirements. With over 35 years’ experience in servicing industries throughout Australia and the world, Lyons is the only name to know, to ensure the solution you seek is the right one.

Call us now on (08) 9259 7777 or email enquiries@lyons.com.au and speak to one of our experts to make sure you keep safe, comfortable and productive all year round.

Portfolio Items