It’s incredibly important to provide a clean, safe work environment in the surface preparation industry. There is a reason OSHA compliance puts requirements in place, and that’s to prevent your employees from being exposed to the harmful emissions created by your work. From fracking dust to silica, our industrial dust collectors are custom-designed for filtering out the types of particulates common in the surface prep industry.
But with so many different options to choose from, spanning from 2,500 to 60,000 CFM, it can be difficult to determine which of our units is the right fit for your project or jobsite. That’s why we’ve put together this handy dust collector comparison guide! Below you will find information about each of the industrial dust collectors available at Rapid Prep, with the pertinent details you need to choose the right unit.
We have dust collector units available at sizes between the products you see listed below, as well. So, if your project calls for 3,000 CFM, we can easily offer a dust collector that meets that requirement. Just reach out to us here at Rapid Prep to discuss your specific needs.
Performance Specs for Every Scale of Blasting
2,500 CFM
Air Volume: 2,500 CFM at 8” W.G.
Power: Gas or Electric
Filtration: 3 Stage (520 sq. ft. nanofiber media)
Mobility: Portable
Key Features: Cyclonic separator, carbon odor filter
Best For: Small-scale blasting, indoor projects where air purity is critical
6,000 CFM
Air Volume: 6,000 CFM at 12” W.G.
Power: Diesel or Electric
Filtration: 12 Cartridge Vertical Design (up to 3,120 sq. ft. primary filter area)
Mobility: Trailer or Skid-Mounted
Key Features: Pulse-jet cleaning system, multiple inlet ports
Best For: Mid-sized containment, bridge maintenance, shipyard applications
12,000 CFM
Air Volume: 12,000 CFM at 10–13” W.G.
Power: Diesel or Electric
Filtration: 24 Cartridge Vertical Design (up to 5,200 sq. ft. primary filter area)
Mobility: Trailer or Skid-Mounted
Key Features: Ram injection pulse cleaning, spark-resistant Class IV fan
Best For: Shipyards, multi-nozzle blasting, high-production industrial sites
18,000 CFM
Air Volume: 18,000 CFM at 10” W.G.
Power: Diesel
Filtration: 5,200 sq. ft. primary filter area
Mobility: Trailer
Key Features: Pulse-jet cleaning system, side-loaded filters
Best For: Bridge work, fuel/water tank projects, outdoor environmental compliance
20,000 CFM
Air Volume: 10,000 CFM at 10–12” W.G.
Power: Diesel or Electric
Filtration: 32–42 Cartridge System (up to 8,320 sq. ft. primary filter area)
Mobility: Trailer or Skid-Mounted
Key Features: Quick change filter design, 3-drum material discharge stations
Best For: Large-scale tank linings, long-duration grit blasting projects
40,000/45,000 CFM
Air Volume: 40,000–45,000 CFM at 12–16” W.G.
Power: Diesel or Electric
Filtration: 42–240 Cartridge System (Up to 12,600 sq. ft. media)
Mobility: Trailer
Key Features: Hydraulic screw/auger waste removal, spark-resistant Class IV fan
Best For: Major industrial complexes, large-scale shipyards, massive containment zones
60,000 CFM
Air Volume: 60,000 ACFM at 16” W.G.
Power: Electric
Filtration: 96 Cartridge System (up to 24,960 sq. ft. primary filter area)
Mobility: Skid-Mounted
Key Features: Detachable power unit, four adjustable drum cover kits
Best For: Massive industrial complexes, major shipyard operations, projects requiring high-volume air exchange with zero exhaust fumes
So, How Do I Choose the Right Industrial Dust Collector?
Now that you have a side-by-side comparison of our different industrial dust collectors, what are you supposed to do with that information? Selecting the right unit isn’t just about picking the biggest machine in the fleet. You’ll need to balance air changes, site constraints, filtration needs, and more. We’ve put together two simple steps for your decision-making process to help you narrow down your choice, or you could always contact us here at Rapid Prep to get expert assistance in determining which machine is right for you.
Step 1: Determine Required CFM
The first step in choosing a unit is calculating the required Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) for your specific space.
- Calculate Total Volume: If you don’t already know the volume of your containment, multiply Length x Width x Height.
- Identify ACH Requirement: For high-production blasting, the industry standard is 60 Air Changes per Hour (ACH), meaning the air is fully replaced once every minute. Always check your project specs, as some high-hazard jobs (like lead or chrome abatement) may require even higher rates.
- Run the Math: Now that you have both numbers, divide your total volume by 60 minutes, then multiply that by your required ACH.
- If your project requires 60 ACH, your required CFM will always be identical to your total volume.
- For example, if your worksite is 10,000 cu. ft. with a 60 ACH requirement, you need 10,000 CFM. In this case, you would round up to the 12,000 CFM Dust Collector.
Step 2: Evaluate Power Access
Now that you know what your required CFM is, you must figure out what kind of power source to get. We’ll take a look at both
- Electric Units
- Each of our electric options offer the benefits of zero exhaust fumes and significantly quieter operation.
- This makes them best for noise-sensitive areas or projects where air quality is a concern, such as tunnels, tanks, or enclosed bays.
- Our electric units will require 460V/480V 3-phase power or a large on-site generator.
- Gasoline Units
- Only our 2,500 CFM model offers a traditional gasoline option, but this makes it highly mobile and easy to refuel.
- It’s the perfect option for small, fast-moving jobs where you don’t want to manage diesel fuel or generators.
- Diesel Units
- Our diesel units offer enhanced mobility thanks to total independence from the local power grid or on-site generators.
- Many of our units feature Tier 4 Final engines in order to meet the stringent environmental regulations of the EPA.
- This is the industrial standard for remote infrastructure, bridges, and off-grid storage tanks.
Pro-Tips for a Better Job Site
In addition to the steps above, here are two pro-tips that might affect your decision.
- Account for Friction: Every foot of ducting creates “static pressure” that slows down your airflow. If you have to park your unit far away from the blast zone, always round up to the next larger CFM model.
- Check Filter Media: If you’re wondering what the primary filter area of each unit represents, note that a higher number means the machine can handle heavier dust loads for longer periods between pulse-cleaning cycles, reducing your downtime.
Choose Your Industrial Dust Collector
Have you come to a final decision? Ready to choose your industrial dust collector? Whether you’re looking for a short-term rental or a long-term fleet addition, Rapid Prep has the equipment and expertise to keep your site clean, safe, and compliant. Contact our experts for a quote today!