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inlet ducting leading into the baghouse/dust collector

Updated safety practices regarding the protection of baghouse/dust collector filters

Safety Bulletin

  • Published 7 September 2026

Standard installation on the inlet duct

While fire protection depends on proper system installation, employee training, regular maintenance, housekeeping and operating conditions within each facility, the guidelines of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) allow manufacturers such as Fagus-GreCon to establish specific fire protection recommendations and standards based on proven best practices and the capabilities of available technologies. 

Traditionally, Fagus-GreCon has recommended the installation of spark detection and extinguishing systems on the inlet ducting leading into the baghouse/dust collector. This configuration is designed to detect and suppress sparks or embers entering the filter system. This approach has met, and continues to meet, applicable industry safety standards when properly installed, operated, monitored and maintained.

Additionally, Fagus-GreCon has previously offered the installation of a deluge system as an extra layer of protection. In the event that detectors located on the inlet identify sparks or embers that indicate a fire source entering inside the filter, the deluge system can activate and flood the baghouse/dust collector to suppress the fire and prevent escalation.

Recommended installation of a temperature probe

However, through Fagus-GreCon’s ongoing engineering reviews and evolving industry practices we have recently identified a potential operating scenario that may occur in certain system conditions and warrants additional consideration. In the event that the system fan responsible for moving contaminated air through the baghouse/dust collector is shut down, there will be no airflow present to carry sparks or embers past the detectors. Without airflow, the detection and extinguishing system may not be triggered, even if a fire were to begin inside the baghouse/dust collector. In such a situation, a fire may only become detectable once it progresses far enough to reach the outlet ducting, at which point a more serious incident could already be developing.

To address this unlikely but potential scenario, Fagus-GreCon now strongly recommends considering the installation of a temperature probe within the baghouse/dust collector filter housing. This additional monitoring device provides an independent safeguard. If airflow is not present and spark detectors are unable to activate as designed, the temperature probe can detect abnormal heat buildup within the baghouse/dust collector and automatically trigger the deluge system (or any other extinguishing mechanism present). This allows the system to respond to a developing fire even in the absence of airflow.

Lets discuss this enhancement in your system design!

As part of our ongoing commitment to safety and risk reduction, we welcome the opportunity to discuss this enhancement with you and support the potential installation of a temperature probe in your system design. To assist our customers in implementing this additional safeguard, Fagus-GreCon will offer special pricing for this recommended upgrade. 

Please feel free to reach out to us by phone at 980-267-3123 or email us safety@grecon.us to be connected with one of our experts.

We look forward to hearing from you.

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