Question
I am in the process of trying to decide what system is appropriate for our operation. We have come to the conclusion that a 15 HP machine with approx. 5,000 CFM is adequate. Now I have the option to purchase a much larger used system, i.e. 25 HP 7,500 CFM, for less than what the new 15 HP system would cost. Now the question is, at what point is it too much dust collection? If our current need is 5,000 and no real need to increase in the near future, does it make sense to have a 7,500 CFM system? Is it less than efficient when it is being used at only 2/3 capacity? Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.
Forum Responses
(Dust Collection and Safety Forum)
From Curt Corum, forum technical advisor:
If the 25 hp blower is belt drive you can have the pulley arrangement set up to draw 15 BR horsepower. Then, you can size system as if it were a 15 hp. If it's a single stage unit with a direct drive blower you will have to size as a 25 hp system. You will have a few more branches under suction on machines you are not using to allow the full amount of air flow and you will be paying to run a 25 hp motor. For a shop that plans to hire more employees in the near future, it's a way to build for expansion, but that's not your situation.
