Bag filter operation – typical pressure drop range What is the normal operating pressure drop range across an industrial baghouse (fabric filter), expressed as mm water gauge?

Introduction / Context:
Bag filters (baghouses) remove particulates from gas streams by filtration through fabric. The pressure drop (ΔP) indicates filter loading and drives fan power. Operating within the recommended ΔP window ensures efficient capture without excessive energy consumption or fabric damage.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Pulse-jet or shaker-style baghouse in steady service.
• Clean-on-demand or cyclic cleaning maintains ΔP within a band.
• ΔP expressed in mm water gauge (mm WG).

Concept / Approach:
Typical baghouse ΔP ranges from about 50 to 150 mm WG during normal operation. Values much lower (e.g., 5–10 mm) imply leaks or ineffective filtering. Very high ΔP (hundreds to thousands of mm) signal blinding, inadequate cleaning, or an offline/plugged compartment, and would be atypical for continuous service.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Fan curves and energy audits commonly use 1–1.5 kPa (≈100–150 mm WG) as upper-normal ΔP for many baghouses, depending on fabric and dust.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 5–10 mm: Too low; suggests ineffective filtration or bypass.
• 500–1500 or 1500–2500 mm: Extremely high; indicative of serious plugging, not normal operation.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing initial clean bag ΔP (low) with stabilized operating ΔP including dust cake, which provides most of the filtration efficiency.

Final Answer:
50–150