Atkore is a global manufacturer with facilities located around the world. Recognized as a leader in electrical, safety, and infrastructure solutions, our products are used to power and protect the world, including Electrical Conduit and Fittings, Cable and Cable Management Systems, Infrastructure Products, and Safety and Security Products.
Distributors and contractors globally recognize Atkore as an industry leader and preferred supplier.
Challenge
Atkore operates a large production facility with over 20 active cutting and grinding stations dedicated to composites and fiberglass manufacturing. The facility had no centralized dust collection system in place, leaving workers exposed to high concentrations of airborne particulate generated continuously across the shop floor.
Fiberglass and composite dust are classified as combustible, creating serious fire and explosion risks and leaving the facility non-compliant with NFPA regulations. Airex Industries was engaged to design and install a complete dust collection solution that would bring every station under control and meet all applicable safety codes.
Solution
Airex Industries engineered and supplied a PS-48 cartridge dust collector — one of the largest units in the product line — to handle the dust load from more than 20 cutting and grinding stations throughout the facility.
A comprehensive ductwork layout was designed to cover the entire shop floor, connecting every workstation back to the central collector. A 200 HP fan was selected to deliver the required airflow, and a large industrial silencer was installed at the fan outlet to reduce noise in the work environment.
Because fiberglass and composite dusts are classified as combustible, a complete explosion protection package was integrated: a no-return (check) valve to prevent flame travel through the ductwork, explosion vents to safely relieve overpressure, and a flame arrestor to stop any flame front within the system — bringing the facility into full compliance with NFPA standards.
Product: Cartridge Collector
Model: Platinum Series PS-48
Application: Composites and Fiberglass Operations
Installation date: 2026
