Leak Detection Powder

To begin the leak detection process, identify an inlet port located in the dirty air stream leading to the baghouse. This port should be on the negative side of the fan, just before the baghouse inlet, and must have a diameter of at least 3 inches. If you are conducting a leak detection test on a new dust collector or one that has recently been rebagged, skip to step 3.

For units already in use, turn off the bag cleaning mechanism to allow a dust cake to form on the bag surface. This will create a higher pressure differential between the clean and dirty sides of the bag, which will help the Leak Detection Powder flow through any holes more effectively. Before starting the test, visually inspect the clean air plenum for any significant dust buildup and remove it if possible, as this could obstruct the powder and hide potential leakage points.

Identifying Leaks

Areas where leaks or holes are present will allow the Leak Detection Powder to pass through to the clean side of the bag. The powder will fluoresce brightly under the UV light, clearly marking the location of leaks. In some cases, “bleed-through” of the powder may occur with woven material or older bags that have been in service for an extended period. This can sometimes appear similar to a ruptured bag, but with experience, you will be able to distinguish between the two.

Once all necessary repairs have been completed, rerun the test using a different color of Leak Detection Powder. The contrasting color will make it easier to identify any areas that were missed during the first inspection.