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Firefighters battle the Shin Foods Noodle Factory fire. (Source: OPB) Photo: Courtesy of Portland Fire & Rescue The recent grease fire at the Shin Foods Noodle Factory in Portland, Oregon – displacing some 65 workers - serves as a stark reminder of the fire hazards present in commercial and industrial kitchens. According to Portland Fire & Rescue spokesperson, the fire was believed to have started in a hood vent and quickly grew, due to grease in the duct and other flammable materials stored too closely together. Nearly 100 firefighters were called to the scene to contain the blaze, at one point pumping more than 2,000 gallons of water per minute into the building. Although the fire was contained, smaller crews were still working to extinguish it a day later, with fire watch crews monitoring the situation to ensure no further risks. (See original article here: https://www.opb.org/article/2024/06/25/portland-noodle-factory-fire-smoke/ ) This incident, again, highlights the critical importance of managing grease buildup in CKV hoods and ducts to prevent such catastrophic events. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association reports that in an average year, 11,100 structure fires occur in eating and drinking establishments, causing $163.1 million in property damage. A significant portion of the fires originate from grease (fuel) accumulation in the hoods and ducting, which can easily ignite in solid, liquid, or vapor form. Commercial cooking designers and restaurant operators have accepted the concept of a “grease duct” in lieu of what should be an “air duct”. The time has come for the restaurant industry to know that open flame cooking in direct communication with a kitchen hood in direct communication with a grease duct laden with flammable grease is a risk they no longer must accept. In today’s world of advanced air and particle control systems, the term “grease duct” can now be abolished in favor of “air duct” for commercial kitchen ventilations systems. Now, Air Dynamics has devised a way to eliminate or significantly reduce grease and odors  when cooking proteins, par-frying, parboiling, pressure cooking, etc., that discharge into CKV hoods, ducts, fans and roof stacks. Oil, grease and fats are captured at the source with Air Dynamics technology instead of exhausting cooking effluent into the atmosphere. This eliminates or substantially reduces air and surface water pollution around commercial and industrial cooking establishments. Air Dynamics' Kitchen Sentry™ or engineered CKV air pollution control scrubbers are designed for 24/7 operations. The phrase “ you’re playing with fire” is appropriate for food manufacturing, commercial cooking and restaurant cooking where open flames or high temperature cooking appliances are used. Grease buildup in the “grease duct” over time increase the risk of fire associated with high volume commercial and industrial cooking operations. To help prevent similar disasters, Air Dynamics offers advanced solutions for commercial kitchen ventilation systems. Our products, including the Kitchen Sentry™ CKV kitchen hood grease scrubbers, Hydrodynamic CKV Scrubbers and CKV Dry scrubbers play a vital role in reducing the risk of grease fires by separating the grease in the hood or in the scrubber, improving outside air quality and eliminating flammable substances from ducts, fans, roof stacks and oil precipitation onto rubber roofing. Here’s how these systems help protect against fire risks: 1. Type I Ventilation Systems Designed for kitchens with equipment like fryers and grills that produce grease-laden air, these systems are equipped with Kitchen Sentry™ technology. This system captures over 90% of grease, particulate matter, and smoke before they enter exhaust ducts, preventing dangerous grease buildup in the system. By reducing flammable material, these systems significantly lower the risk of fire. 2. Type II Ventilation Systems For kitchens that don’t use grease-heavy equipment (like ovens or steamers), Type II systems are equipped with wet scrubbers to remove steam, smoke, and odors. These systems can be integrated with smoke and heat detection technology, which can quickly identify and respond to fire hazards. 3. Canopy and Wall-Mounted Hoods Whether for heavy-duty ranges or compact kitchens, hoods equipped with the Kitchen Sentry™ and scrubber systems ensure grease and smoke are captured at the source. This reduces the accumulation of flammable grease in ducts and hoods, helping prevent fires from spreading. 4. Downdraft Ventilation Ideal for island cooktops or where overhead hoods are impractical, downdraft systems capture smoke and grease directly at the cooking surface. The Kitchen Sentry™ or CKV scrubbers integrate with these systems to prevent grease buildup, offering an additional layer of fire protection. 5. Make-Up Air Systems Make-up air systems ensure balanced airflow and pressure within the kitchen. Air Dynamics stack scrubbers treat exhaust air, filtering out pollutants like smoke and odors, which reduces the risk of fire hazards associated with poor airflow. Key Features of Air Dynamics' Kitchen Sentry™ and Scrubber Solutions: Heavy Duty Design: Built for continuous operation in commercial kitchens. Prevents Grease Buildup: Captures grease before it enters ducts, drastically reducing fire risks. High Efficiency (90+%): Effectively captures grease, smoke, and particulate matter. Self-Cleaning and Durable: Reduces maintenance needs and ensures long-term operation. Fire Suppression Integration: Works seamlessly with fire suppression systems to quickly contain fires. By implementing these advanced ventilation systems, commercial kitchens can significantly reduce the likelihood of grease fires, protect workers, and maintain a safer cooking environment. Conclusion Air Dynamics' Kitchen Sentry™ , combined with our advanced scrubber solutions, offers a comprehensive and reliable approach to commercial kitchen ventilation. Whether utilizing dry scrubbers , wet scrubbers , wet-dry scrubbers , or stack scrubbers , our systems capture and remove grease, smoke, odors, and particulates efficiently, reducing fire risks and improving kitchen safety. With features like high-efficiency filtration, self-cleaning designs, and the ability to retrofit existing setups, Air Dynamics  provides tailored solutions that protect both your kitchen and your staff from fire hazards while enhancing air quality and operational efficiency.

What is Resource Recovery? Resource recovery refers to the process of recovering valuable materials from waste streams, by-products, or excess materials generated during manufacturing processes. It aims to minimize waste, improve environmental sustainability, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure workplace safety and regulatory compliance. In industries like manufacturing, chemical processing, and food production, resource recovery allows companies to extract valuable resources such as chemicals, metals, energy, and even water. The goal is to reduce waste, lower costs, and create a cleaner, more sustainable operation. (Also see How Air Dynamics Products Provide Solutions for Resource Recovery ) How Companies Benefit from Resource Recovery 1. Cost Savings and Efficiency Waste-to-Resource Innovation:  Companies could develop or improve technologies to recover useful resources (e.g., water, energy, chemicals) from industrial processes. This could lead to cost reductions in terms of raw materials and energy use, improving the overall efficiency of client operations. Water Recovery and Reuse:  As part of its water treatment services, companies could support industries in recovering and reusing wastewater, reducing water consumption costs and ensuring more sustainable water management practices for clients. 2. Sustainability and Environmental Impact Reduced Environmental Footprint:  By encouraging resource recovery, companies can help companies reduce waste generation and minimize their environmental footprint, which aligns with the company’s commitment to sustainability. Resource recovery supports the circular economy, focusing on minimizing waste and reusing materials. Energy Recovery:  Companies could facilitate the recovery of energy from waste streams (e.g., biogas from wastewater treatment), helping clients reduce their energy reliance and carbon footprint, and thus enhance sustainability efforts. 3. Regulatory Compliance Meeting Environmental Regulations:  Many industries face increasingly stringent regulations related to waste disposal, water usage, and emissions. A company’s resource recovery solution could help clients meet these regulatory requirements by enabling more efficient resource usage and waste management. Incentives for Sustainability:  By adopting resource recovery practices, company's clients may qualify for tax incentives, government grants, or certifications (e.g., LEED, ISO 14001), further improving their business reputation and compliance. 4. Market Differentiation and Innovation Leadership in Circular Economy:  By incorporating resource recovery into its offerings, companies could position itself as a leader in sustainable industrial solutions, helping clients transform waste into valuable resources. Product and Service Innovation:  Resource recovery could lead to new services, technologies, and solutions that the company can offer to its clients, such as advanced waste-to-energy systems or water recovery systems, further differentiating its brand. 5. New Revenue Streams Byproduct Sales:  In some cases, recovered resources (e.g., metals, water, chemicals, or energy) can be sold, creating additional revenue streams for both the company and its clients. This could open up new business models and expand the company’s portfolio. Client Engagement:  Resource recovery technologies can create ongoing partnerships and long-term contracts, as businesses look for solutions that continually optimize resource usage and improve efficiency. 6. Enhancing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Corporate Responsibility Goals:  The company could further strengthen its CSR efforts by integrating resource recovery into its strategy, helping to fulfill its sustainability objectives and improve its reputation as an environmentally responsible company. Public-Private Partnerships:  Collaboration with governments or NGOs on resource recovery initiatives can enhance company’s reputation as a company committed to societal good. Companies can enhance their market position by advancing resource recovery solutions, helping industries lower their environmental impact, and driving cost-effective and sustainable operational practices. Also see, Air Dynamics' Solutions for Resource Recovery

(Also see What is Resource Recovery and How Do Companies Benefit from It. ) Air Dynamics: Leading the Way in Resource Recovery At Air Dynamics, we specialize in providing high-performance wet and dry vacuum systems that help industries recover valuable resources efficiently. Our solutions are designed to meet the diverse needs of industries such as aerospace, manufacturing, chemical processing, and food production, where resource recovery is vital for improving operational efficiency and sustainability. How Air Dynamics' Products Solve Resource Recovery Challenges Portable Vacuums for Flexible and Mobile Solutions In smaller operations or spaces where flexibility is key, Air Dynamics’ portable vacuums  provide an easy and effective way to recover valuable materials. These vacuums are compact, mobile, and designed for industries like aerospace, automotive, and pharmaceuticals. Key Benefits : Environmental impact reduction by minimizing waste Enhanced product quality through material recovery Easier maintenance with debris-free equipment Safer, cleaner working environments Central Vacuum Systems for Large-Scale Operations For large industrial facilities, Air Dynamics' central vacuum systems  provide robust and efficient solutions to recover large volumes of materials like powders, chemicals, and metal shavings. These systems can service multiple operators simultaneously, making them ideal for environments such as chemical processing plants and food production facilities. Key Benefits : Increased efficiency by handling large quantities of material Cost savings through resource recovery and reduced waste disposal fees Compliance with safety regulations like NFPA combustible dust guidelines Enhanced safety by preventing hazardous material accumulation Wet/Dry Systems for Versatile Resource Recovery Air Dynamics’ wet and dry vacuum systems  are designed to handle a wide range of materials, from powders and metals to liquids and slurries. These systems are built with heavy-duty construction for durability in harsh industrial environments, and they can support multiple operators simultaneously in large-scale facilities. Key Benefits : Versatile material handling, covering both wet and dry materials Built-in safety features for hazardous material recovery Long-term durability with all-welded steel construction Secondary filtration systems for improved indoor air quality Custom Solutions for Specific Needs Air Dynamics is also known for its custom-designed vacuum systems . Our team works closely with clients to design solutions tailored to their specific needs, whether for hazardous materials, combustible dust, or other specialized substances like metals and chemicals. Key Features : Heavy-duty construction for durability Modular design for flexible applications Seamless integration with existing operations using advanced design software Versatile systems for industries like aerospace, food manufacturing, and chemical processing Real-World Success: GE Incandescent Lightbulb Plant At a GE lightbulb manufacturing plant, powdered tungsten had accumulated across the plant floor. Despite using a central vacuum system and a super sucker truck, recovery was inadequate. However, after installing Air Dynamics’ specialized vacuum systems, the site successfully removed over eighty 55-gallon drums of powdered tungsten in record time, proving the efficiency of our resource recovery solutions. "We had their plant cleaned up in record time with Air Dynamics’ PLĒCO vacuums, even though the powdered tungsten weighed 1,150 pounds per cubic foot!" – M. Hakli, Pinnacle Commodity Recovery Conclusion Whether for small, flexible applications or large-scale industrial needs, Air Dynamics provides custom-engineered vacuum systems that help industries optimize resource recovery, reduce costs, and maintain safer, cleaner work environments. Our solutions are built for durability, efficiency, and regulatory compliance, helping companies move toward more sustainable and profitable operations. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your resource recovery goals and improve your bottom line! 771-854-4050 or mysolution@airdynamics.net

Food manufacturing processes can generate significant waste and byproducts, but with the right systems in place, many of these materials can be repurposed or recovered.   Air Dynamics  offers innovative air purification and dust collection solutions that not only improve operational efficiency but also support sustainability and resource recovery efforts within the food industry. Here are a few examples of types of foods that can benefit from resource recovery  in their manufacturing processes: Flour-based Products (Pasta, Bread, Bakery Goods) : Resource Recovery Opportunities : Flour mills and bakeries can recover airborne flour dust through dust collection systems, which can then be repurposed for composting or converted into bio-based materials. By recovering heat and energy from the drying or baking processes, mills and bakeries can reduce energy consumption and minimize waste. Spices and Seasonings : Resource Recovery Opportunities : Spice manufacturers often deal with fine powders, which can become airborne and hazardous. Air purification systems can help capture spice dust and repurpose it for other uses, such as creating seasoning blends or additives. Additionally, the heat generated from roasting spices can be captured for energy recovery. Corn-based Products (Tortillas, Chips, Popcorn) : Resource Recovery Opportunities : In cornmeal production, dust collection systems can capture cornmeal dust, which is often combustible. This dust can be utilized in animal feed or repurposed for other agricultural uses. Heat recovery systems can also help reduce energy costs associated with frying or baking chips and tortillas. Sugar and Confectionery Products : Resource Recovery Opportunities : In the production of sugar, candy, and confectionery, sugar dust and other byproducts can be captured and repurposed for biofuel or animal feed. Energy from the cooking or processing stages can also be recovered to improve overall energy efficiency and reduce waste. Dairy Products (Cheese, Milk Powder) : Resource Recovery Opportunities : During the drying and powdering of dairy products, fine particles and dust are often generated. These can be collected and processed for use in other food products, such as whey protein in animal feed, or utilized in creating new functional food ingredients. Fruit and Vegetable Processing (Juices, Sauces, Canned Goods) : Resource Recovery Opportunities : During fruit and vegetable processing, peels, seeds, and other byproducts can be recovered and repurposed into natural fiber supplements, animal feed, or compost. Air purification systems can also capture volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odors, reducing waste and improving air quality. Meat and Poultry Products : Resource Recovery Opportunities : In meat and poultry processing, waste such as bone meal or fat can be recovered and used in pet food production, biofuels, or fertilizer. Proper dust collection can reduce contamination risks and help capture particles from the air to prevent airborne bacteria from spreading. Resource recovery in food manufacturing not only helps reduce waste but also improves operational efficiency, cuts costs, and supports sustainability goals. With advanced systems in place, manufacturers can transform byproducts into valuable resources, benefiting both the environment and their bottom line. Here’s how Air Dynamics can help with resource recovery. Optimizing Air Quality for Resource Recovery : In food manufacturing, airborne dust—particularly from ingredients like flour, spices, and grains—poses serious risks to both safety and operational efficiency. Air Dynamics provides customized dust collection systems  that capture airborne particles, preventing contamination and reducing health risks. These systems help create cleaner environments, making it easier to recover valuable byproducts such as organic materials and bioactive compounds for use in other products like animal feed or even compost. Improved Energy Efficiency : Through high-efficiency dust collection systems and air purification technologies, Air Dynamics helps food manufacturers optimize energy usage. By recovering waste heat and ensuring proper airflow in production areas, manufacturers can reduce energy consumption, which is a key part of a resource recovery strategy. This process can contribute to lowering the overall carbon footprint of food manufacturing operations. Enhanced Waste Management : Air Dynamics’ dust collection solutions also help in managing waste more effectively. For example, by capturing and filtering organic dust, manufacturers can reduce the amount of waste going to landfills. Airborne flour and other organic particles can be collected and repurposed, either for composting, conversion into biofuels, or re-use in other product lines, supporting food waste recovery efforts. Regulatory Compliance for Sustainability : Compliance with safety standards such as NFPA, OSHA, and ACGIH  is a crucial aspect of food production, especially when dealing with combustible organic dust. Air Dynamics ensures that your dust collection systems are designed to meet and exceed these regulations, which also directly supports sustainability efforts . With systems that minimize waste, reduce environmental impact, and safeguard employee health, we help food manufacturers stay compliant while also making strides toward a more resource-efficient operation. Air Dynamics provides end-to-end solutions  that integrate seamlessly with food manufacturing processes, improving not only air quality and safety but also enabling better resource recovery. By optimizing dust collection and air purification systems, we help food manufacturers reduce waste, improve efficiency, and enhance sustainability efforts—supporting a cleaner and more environmentally responsible approach to food production. Follow us on LinkedIn for more detailed information on our products, services and how we support industrial manufacturing.

CUSTOMER OVERVIEW The customer is one of the world’s leading consumer goods manufacturers located in Harrisburg, PA. They are known for iconic brands such as Dove, Lipton, Ben & Jerry’s, and TRESemmé. PROJECT OVERVIEW The customer needed to address organic dust collection and control at their food production facility to enhance safety and efficiency for their pasta production operations. Air Dynamics Industrial Systems Corporation was chosen to design a comprehensive solution and install an advanced dust collection system to address their specific challenges related to airborne organic dust. How can making spaghetti be risky? Besides worrying about the waistline with too much of a good thing - PASTA - making food with flour, such as pasta, can be surprisingly risky in industrial production due to the presence of combustible organic dust. When flour is processed, it can become airborne and settle on equipment, floors, and other surfaces, creating a hazardous environment. Flour dust is highly combustible, and when mixed with air in the right conditions, it can form a dust cloud that may ignite, leading to potential explosions or fires. This poses significant health risks to employees and can damage equipment and products. In industrial settings, especially in food production, managing this dust through effective collection systems is essential to maintaining both safety and product quality, ensuring the process is both efficient and compliant with safety regulations. Key components to this solution included: Enhanced safety for employees, equipment, and the facility; Regulatory compliance to meet NFPA, OSHA, ACGIH, and other required safety standards; Operational efficiency with improved dust collection performance through system optimization; Training & support. The Challenge The customer's Harrisburg facility was facing significant health and safety risks due to the presence of combustible organic dust, particularly flour, generated during the pasta production process. The dust posed a threat to employee well-being and compromised product quality. The facility’s existing high-volume, low-pressure dust collection system was inadequate, leaving dust on and around production equipment. Given the combustibility of flour, which has a KST value of 139 bar m/sec and Pmax value of 9 bar for marigold flour, the risks were further amplified. The customer needed to upgrade the dust collection system to ensure compliance with stringent safety regulations while improving overall air quality and productivity. Key challenges included: Combustible dust : Flour and other organic materials were classified as hazardous, requiring careful management to prevent explosions or contamination. System performance : The customer's existing dust collection system, including cyclones and filter bags, required inspection and optimization. Regulatory compliance : The project needed to meet numerous safety standards such as NFPA, OSHA, ACGIH, and FDA guidelines. The Solution To address these challenges, Air Dynamics worked closely with the customer’s plant safety director and engineers to deliver a customized, turnkey dust collection system upgrade. The solution included detailed specifications, engineering designs, and installation, ensuring full compliance with industry standards and regulatory guidelines. Key Features of the Dust Collection System Custom Engineering & Design : Air Dynamics designed the system using Autodesk Inventor 3D for precise planning, including scaled layouts for ductwork, hoods, and other mechanical components. Compliance & Safety : The system was designed to meet NFPA 654, NFPA 68, NFPA 69, OSHA ACGIH standards, and more. All materials used were free from hazardous substances like asbestos and mercury. Optimized Dust Collection : The upgraded system included high-efficiency fans, new filter bags, and stainless steel ductwork to support the collection of dust from multiple points across the facility, including pre-shakers, dryers, and sizers. Source Capture Hoods : Easy-to-remove hoods for regular sanitation, along with necessary NFPA-required safety equipment to prevent deflagrations. Training & Support : Air Dynamics provided comprehensive training for the company's staff, covering system operation, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting. Installation & Execution Air Dynamics conducted a full inspection of the existing system, optimized airflow to all collection points, and ensured all mechanical components were performing as designed. The installation involved integrating a new industrial fan, stainless steel ducting, and improved airflow management to address airborne dust issues effectively. Collection Points Covered Line 2: Pre-shaker and sizer entry/exit Line 3: Preliminary and final dryer cyclones, sizer Line 4: Prelim and final dryer cyclones, sizer Line 5: Final dryer discharge and cooling unit, sizer Line 6: Prelim and final dryer cyclones, final dryer discharge, cooling unit, sizer Line 7: Entry/exit of pre-shaker and sizer, dump station The upgrade was designed with autonomy in mind, ensuring that the system could be maintained easily by the customer's team. Results & Conclusion Air Dynamics successfully provided a complete design scope for the entire dust collection system, including ACGIH hood design, duct transport velocities, fan sizing, electrical panel up grades, combustible dust vent design, and duct sizing. This state-of-the-art organic dust collection system greatly improved air quality, employee safety, and product integrity at the customer's food processing facility. The upgraded system effectively reduced airborne dust, minimizing health risks and meeting all required regulatory standards. By providing a comprehensive solution that included engineering, installation, and training, Air Dynamics enabled the customer to enhance its operational efficiency and ensure a safe working environment for employees. The system now provides reliable dust collection, ensuring that the customer's pasta production meets both safety and quality standards. Key Benefits Enhanced safety : Reduced health risks associated with combustible organic dust. Regulatory compliance : The system meets NFPA, OSHA, ACGIH, and other required safety standards. Operational efficiency : Improved dust collection performance through system optimization. Training & Support : Customer's team was equipped with the knowledge to maintain the upgraded system. Founded in 1991, Air Dynamics Industrial Systems Corporation is a leading provider of turn-key industrial vacuum cleaning systems, portable industrial vacuums, and pollution control systems, specializing in custom solutions for industrial ventilation and dust collection needs. This case study highlights how Air Dynamics’ expertise and tailored solutions can help major manufacturers address complex dust collection challenges while maintaining safety and compliance. Phone: (717) 854-4050 Email: mysolution@airdynamics.net   Website: https://airdynamics.net

In 2016, OSHA rolled out new standards for industries dealing with respirable silica dust . Thousands of businesses across the country will be affected by these new guidelines. Air Dynamics wants to make the task of wading through all the new guidelines as easy as possible. Below you will find definitions, relevant information, and links to important documents regarding silica. Feel free to call us and talk about your specific application. We provide custom solutions to serious challenges with all forms of hazardous dust and material. What is Respirable Silica? Crystalline silica is a mineral found in many materials; both man-made and naturally occurring. When the material containing silica is cut, it produces a micro-crystalline silica dust which is extremely fine. Generally, Respirable Silica is 0.5 to 0.7 microns. This dust can be inhaled deeply into the lungs and is known as Respirable Crystalline Silica. Respirable Crystalline Silica is produced by cutting, grinding, blasting, or otherwise manipulating a material/mineral that contains silica. Prominent materials include general kinds of stone, quartz, and sand; each containing large quantities of silica. Man-made materials like glass, cement, ceramics, and bricks are frequently cited as common materials with high silica-related diagnoses. For a full list of industries, click this link to view OSHA's overview of affected industries. Or refer to the references located at the bottom of this page. How Silica Effects the Body Respirable Crystalline Silica takes on many forms that are harmful to the health of those exposed. Silica's most prevalent negative effect is a disease known as Silicosis. OSHA stated that "Silicosis is an irreversible, often disabling, and sometimes fatal fibrotic lung disease. Progression of silicosis can occur despite removal from further exposure" (CFR 1910.1053 Appendix B. pg. 2) This is a critical factor to understand. Exposure to silica, especially in large quantities, is deadly even after removal from the dust. Since the dust is extremely fine it can lodge deep into the lungs are reside there causing prolonged damage by causing scar tissue to develop. Once the scarring occurs the damage is done. Silicosis has three stages: Chronic - Develops over long-term exposure. While it does not manifest itself quickly, the symptoms usually begin with shortness of breath or loss of appetite. This can progress into varying degrees of lung damage that increase the chances of latent tuberculosis (TB) and lung cancer. Silica dust is a known factor in increased cancer risk. Accelerated - Develops around five to ten years of exposure to respirable silica. The heavier the concentration of silica dust the increased likelihood that accelerated silicosis develops. Similar to symptoms of Chronic Silicosis appears, but in more debilitating forms. Additionally, the lungs can become scarred from the increased amount of dust, and the lungs have been documented to inflame causing numerous other health troubles. Acute - Develops in under five years. Usually around two years of heavy exposure, but it has been documented to occur in just a few months in some cases. Acute silicosis is often fatal. The lungs are severely damaged by respirable silica. Extreme difficulty breathing is common, and lung inflammation as well. It is highly likely that if you develop acute silicosis, you are at serious risk of developing lung cancer, latent TB, COPD, or other diseases related to the lungs. "In the absence of effective specific treatment for silica-related diseases, the only approach remains primary prevention, i.e., control of exposure to respirable silica." ​- Official Statement of the American Thoracic Society on the Adverse Effects of Crystalline Silica Exposure. How to Prevent Silica Exposure There are multiple effective ways to help prevent exposure to dangerous levels of silica. Many positive steps have been taken by industries that deal with large amounts of silica dust. Examples would be industrial saws and other equipment that have water injection nozzles to dampen the clouds of dust from cutting stone and cement. However, regular housekeeping practices may not be sufficient. The OSHA Small Entity Compliance Guide states companies affected, “must not allow cleaning of surfaces or clothing with compressed air, unless the compressed air is used together with a ventilation system [i.e Dust Collectors] that effectively captures the dust cloud” (pg. 41). Furthermore, “cleaning methods such as dry sweeping, dry brushing, and use of compressed air can cause respirable crystalline silica to get into the air and be inhaled by employees. . .Employers are required to use other cleaning methods such as wet sweeping and HEPA-filtered vacuums” (pg. 41). The OSHA guidelines do state that in rare cases alternative methods like wet mopping or even sweeping can be allowed, but the key word is rare. In most cases, the safest and most effective method would be dust collection or vacuum systems. (If you'd like an overview of the differences between these systems, read our blog post here about the key points and most effective applications). “Each case of newly diagnosed silica-related disease in the U.S. represents a failure at the workplace to maintain a safe working environment for employees. Silica-related diseases are preventable with simple, inexpensive interventions. Today’s rule will greatly improve the workplace environment for millions of working Americans,” - Robert Cohen, MD, occupational health expert and ATS (American Thoracic Society) spokesperson. References: Crystalline Silica Overview: https://www.osha.gov/dsg/topics/silicacrystalline/ ​ Silica Guidelines for Construction: https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3681.pdf ​ Small Entity Compliance Guide: https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3902.pdf (This is a great tool for small business who need quick, but detailed information on the new Silica standards) ​ All Downloadable Silica PDF's from OSHA: https://www.osha.gov/pls/publications/publication.athruz?pType=Industry&pID=192

Just wanted to thank all involved in this informative, successful event and offer these resources to the interested parties we met at the luncheon. Please let us know if you need any more information or would like to schedule a meeting. 717-854-4050 or mysolution@airdynamics.net

Client Overview Evergreen Community Power needed to partner with a design/build company that had the capability to design and manufacture a complete pneumatic material transfer system for their bio-fuel facility in Reading, PA. They needed to effectively serve the compounding operation with a reliable supply of fly ash without carting the residue to a landfill using 40 semi-trailer loads per day at a cost of over $1M per year. WATCH THE VIDEO HERE Project Overview Interstate Resources, Inc. is a group of manufacturing facilities, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, that employs over 1,500 people in Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. It's subsidiary, Evergreen Community Power, LLC, (ECP), was founded in 2006 and is based in Reading, Pennsylvania. It provides electrical work and services. The company’s Reading facility can produce 33 mega-watts in a combined heat and power facility utilizing bio-fuels. The biomass plant's electricity and steam output supported the manufacture of 350,000 tons of kraft liner-board per year, and 180,000 tons of recycled corrugated medium per year. Fundamentally, the power plant was comprised of a boiler with a steam turbine and generator. The circulating fluidized bed boiler produces 330,000 lbs. of steam at 1,200 psi with a thermal efficiency of 87%. The steam from the boiler is directed to an extraction, condensing steam turbine. The three turbine extractions allow precise control of the paper mill and plant parasitic loads. The turbine condenser maximizes the amount of electricity produced from the excess steam. The generator is rated for 33 MW, much larger than the attached plant and mill electric loads. In situations when it is economically favorable, ECP generates excess electricity and opportunistically sells power back to the grid. The Challenge The facility's biofuels, or wood burning, created two types of ash by-products - bottom and fly ash. Bottom ash is a non-combustible residue that falls through the bottom of the boiler. Fly ash is driven through the boiler and escapes with the flue gas where it is separated, transferred, and stored in a 2000-ton silo. The company formed "Evergreen Compounding" to convert the landfill product (fly ash) into sustainable and recyclable wood filler. The new product, named BioFill TM , reduces virgin plastics usage and replaces natural minerals used to convert plastic products. Now that there was a use for the fly ash, there was only one problem. The compounding facility was over 800 feet away from the fly ash storage silo. Trucking the material from the storage silo to a day silo was cost-prohibitive and too slow. Numerous firms could deliver all the necessary parts for a four TPH ash transfer system - in the typical 20-to-22-week delivery period - but only Air Dynamics could also deliver a full design/build solution. The fly ash transfer system had to move the material at a rate of four tons per hour (4 TPH) with a bulk density of 55 lbs. per cubic foot. The fly ash was introduced into a piping system at the base of the 2000-ton storage silo to a day silo located 550 feet horizontally and 65 feet vertically away. The horizontal pipe followed a unique path incorporating ten different, non-standard piping bends and two elevation changes so as not to interfere with raw material receiving. Upon reaching the ash air/material separator, the product falls through a double-dump type true airlock. The device is unique compared to a rotary-type valve such that there is little to no leakage as the material dispenses from the pneumatic receiver into the day bin even when there is a pressure differential of twelve plus inches of mercury. In addition to the pneumatic transfer system, ECP needed a bin vent to facilitate venting of the air displaced as fly ash filled the day silo. The bin vent filtration had to comply with the strict environmental limits within the city of Reading, PA. Lee Samuelson, an engineer at ECP further describes operations at Evergreen Power – “At our power plant we take construction materials such as wood, tires, and small bits of plastic. We take that material and we burn that in a boiler to create power for both this facility and to provide to the public. Before the compounding facility was built, we were moving between many tractor-trailer loads of both bottom and fly ash to the landfill. We take a waste product and transform it into a usable consumer product.” System Operation – The pneumatic transfer system design incorporated a vacuum-type verses a pressure-type conveying system. Since the material is abrasive and contains about 20% silica, the vacuum system lends itself well to any leaks (inward) that may develop due to abrasion. Material is entrained at the main storage silo where fly ash is metered or fed into the 5-inch convey line. The pick-up velocity is approximately 3600 feet per minute. Motive air is produced by a constant volume variable pressure pump. Pumps like this have mechanical clearances of .004 or four-thousandths of an inch. This makes them ideal for long piping runs and troublesome materials. As the material resists, the pump persists – the pressure rises to overcome clogs, large irregular pieces of ash etc. As the material moves through the pipeline, the rarefied air expands and accelerates as it moves toward the positive displacement pump. Material enters the air/material separator radially via a silo inlet to reduce wear on internal mechanical components. Since the ECP site had very stringent environmental criteria for exhausting process air, PTFE membrane media was necessary to meet environmental regulations. Prior to air entering the pump, a safety filter serves to prevent damage in the event of a primary filter failure. A challenge for any type of vacuum conveying system arises at the point where the conveyed product dispenses into a receiver or hopper that is at atmospheric pressure. A rotary-type valve presents challenges due to clearances at the rotor housing. Therefore, the designer must take adequate precautions to prevent leakage and wear at this point in the system. Flap-type valves are good choices for vacuum-consented abrasive material. The fly ash is dispensed into a silo at atmospheric pressure. A bin vent on the silo served to filter air displaced because of the 145 cubic feet of fly ash conveyed per hour. Energy Requirements – The energy required to move eight-thousand pounds of fly ash per hour over the project distance (615 feet) is relatively insignificant. The fly ash transfer system required one horsepower for every 350 pounds of material moved per hour. The fly ash system moves the equivalent of seven, fifty-pound bags of material over a distance of 550 feet horizontally and 65 feet vertically for each horsepower or 23 brake horsepower per 8000 pounds of ash conveyed per hour. The selection of the piping size for any project is a balance of pickup velocity and terminal velocity. If the pickup velocity is too low, there is a risk of material dropout within the pipe system. If the velocity is too high at pickup, the terminal velocity may erode the system components prematurely. Automation can increase the efficiency of almost every function at a power plant. Pneumatic conveying lends itself well to automation - through instrumentation. If too much material enters the line for example because the material size varies, the feed rate can be slowed to compensate for the product size and density. Costs for these types of additions are minuscule compared to the overall benefit. Air/Material Separation – Separating air from a product conveyed to a receiver via vacuum or pressure requires an understanding of the material characteristics as well as taking advantage of filter manufacturer's media specifications, experience, mathematical calculations, and performance data. Evergreen Power required a warranty that the filter/receiver and the bin vent exhaust effluent will not exceed an average of 0.02 gr/DSCF (Dry Standard Cubic Foot) after being properly installed and maintained. Compressed Air and Dew Point Considerations for Outdoor Equipment – It is vitally important to consider the application of instrument-quality air to certain key aspects of a pneumatic transfer system. This system was no exception. Instrument air serves a special purpose when equipment resides outdoors. Diaphragms and solenoid valves require dry air to function properly under conditions at or below the dew point temperature. On-time delivery – The pneumatic conveying system was delivered on time and exceeded the four TPH design specifications by 2000 lbs. /hr. Air Dynamics differentiated itself with our in-house ability to take a project from concept all the way through to delivery, startup, and commissioning. This capability was something that Evergreen Power was able to quickly identify in the offeror's proposal. The Results Air Dynamics is proud to have been part of this successful, impactful complete turn-key solution, reducing freight costs by over $1M annually. The design and installation spanned a distance of 550 ft. horizontally, and 65 ft vertically and optimized the movement of fly ash to their compounding operation. The design was engineered to not interfere with the material conveyance for the facility. "Working with Air Dynamics was an incredibly enjoyable experience for our engineering firm. They brought expertise to the table that we did not necessarily have in-house, and they conveyed it in a way that was easy for us, our shareholders, and our executives to understand". – Lee Samuelson ABOUT AIR DYNAMICS Air Dynamics Industrial Systems Corporation is a veteran-owned company, founded in 1991. We pride ourselves on our over two and half decades of experience, solving unique challenges. If you have a challenge that needs a precise, turn-key solution, give us a call. Phone: (717) 854-4050 Email: sales@airdynamics.net Website: https://airdynamics.net

Customer Overview A textile services company approached Air Dynamics Industrial Services for a specialized central and portable vacuum system. The company is located in Phoenix, Arizona with a main focus is on the commercial linen and laundry service throughout most of Arizona, including many significant health care providers. Project Overview The company provides a clean process to removes dangerous biohazards commonly produced in medical environments such as hospitals, surgery centers, and hospices. Recent health incidents, involving Children's Hospital in New Orleans, LA, suffering five independent child patient deaths to an unknown infection.(1) It was later discovered that airborne soil particles and lint were contaminated by an infectious fungus endangering the quality of air to patients. The current cleaning procedures employed widespread use of compressed air at the facility and subsequently, the hospital's "clean" processed linens were contaminated. Since the client handles a large amount of hospital and health care linens in their business line, they wanted to be proactive in preventing catastrophes like this in the future by improving their cleaning methods. The Challenge Air Dynamics Industrial Systems Corporation was approached by the president of the Textile Services company requesting a more efficient and adaptable vacuuming system. The high volume of linens cleaned daily in the plant, produced significant quantity of lint accumulation. The plant was regularly cleaned with compressed air to "herd" dust, followed by a manual sweep to remove the settled particulates. However, the use of compressed air, even on a managed and controlled basis, launched some dust and lint into the air introducing the potential hazard of re-contaminating clean, processed re-usable linens. Also, in the course of a day besides housekeeping activities, the processing of linens, airborne lint was generated some of which accumulated on overhead surfaces until removed by routine, conventional cleaning. Besides the potential threat to clean linens, the laundry and housekeeping practices increased the risk of fire.(2) The customer researched methods to provide a viable solution to their health and safety risks and contacted several industrial vacuum companies. Air Dynamic's was chosen to provide solutions because of their extensive knowledge and demonstration of experienced solutions in the field. The president of the company stated: "Daniel Lehman [Air Dynamic's president] was several times more knowledgeable [than the competition] - and possibly as knowledgeable as anybody in the country about the use of industrial vacuums". The Solution Air Dynamics provided a versatile central and portable vacuum, engineered specially for the client's needs, which included the ability to drastically reduce the time it would take to perform the cleaning process. Air Dynamics recommended their versatile PLECO HEPA Vacuum system. The PLECO incorporates several U.S. patents. It also features an innovative vacuum system design that performs a variety of applications. One of the key features of the PLECO system is its adaptability. This is critical due to the wide range of hazardous dust, lint, and particulates generated in many factories and industries. In the case of Textile Services Company, there were three major requirements that the PLECO needed to meet to perform its task properly: Vacuum up all particulates in the facility (i.e. lint and dust from textiles) Perform its duties in an easy and accessible manner Provide significant reduction to the maintenance of the cleaning facility Additionally, design the PLECO to support two simultaneous users to increase productivity The PLECO system that was installed, featured an 11.5 horsepower vacuum motor, coupled with approximately 350' run for the vacuum line. The central system was connected to 25 individual 2.125" drops spread throughout the facility 30" above the floor. To provide ease of access and full coverage of the facility, the drops were connected with an interchangeable 10' hose that spanned the distance between each drop-down tube. The operator can suction dust with a flexible 25' housekeeping hose. This hose can be equipped with a variety of nozzles and brushes capable of handling the customer's range of cleaning operations. The PLECO is a holistic system, providing a high-efficiency vacuum cleaning system with its primary filtration maintaining a 99.97% efficiency @ 1/3 micron. The Results The combination of a centralized vacuum supplemented with a convenient and efficient portable unit provided the necessary versatility for proper maintenance at the Textile Services company. In addition to the adaptable PLECO system, Air Dynamics recommended that the client polish their flooring to optimize the cleaning process. The polish prevents lint from clinging to the floor and allows the PLECO system to function at a higher capacity. The customer's needs were exceeded with Air Dynamic's solution. The president of the Textile Services company praised the efficiency of the PLECO HEPA Vacuum system, stating that: "Average time spent with compressed air 'herding' daily is estimated at two and a half hours. Now we are doing the same areas with much higher quality in about 40% less time. We anticipate continued significant improvement during the next quarter as we develop better techniques and tools" Higher efficiency equated to greater fiscal gains. The customer was able to provide a cleaner and safer work environment for its employees and a safer end product for this clients. Clearly, the PLECO HEPA Vacuum System was the right choice, and very well could be the one for you as well. Please consult our knowledgeable sales staff with questions or for a quote. ABOUT AIR DYNAMICS Founded in 1991, Air Dynamics Industrial Systems Corporation designs and manufactures turnkey industrial air cleaning systems. See what we're capable of online or give us a call to discuss your specific air and material moving challenge. Phone: (717) 854-4050 Email: sales@airdynamics.net Website: https://airdynamics.net (1) http://www.nola.com/health/index.ssf/2014/04/childrens_hospital_investigate.html (2) See https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/combustible_dust.html & https://www.osha.gov/dsg/combustibledust/ for more details

OVERVIEW Air Dynamics was able to provide a LRS II system for a client In Reno, Nevada who needed a lint filtration system to handles its' heavy-duty laundry operation. The LRS II filters all lint prior to exhausting into the client's facility's ducting. THE APPLICATION Peppermill Casino in Reno Nevada was concerned about accumulating too much textile lint from their continuous laundry and operations. Their current industrial lint removal system was inefficient and maintenance-intensive. With the near 24/7 operation at the Peppermill Resort, the volume of particulate, and the fine grain nature of the lint, caused it to pass through the mesh screen in the outdated lint systems. Realizing the seriousness of the issue, such as the increased risk of fire, the management at Peppermill worked with Maxwell Mechanical and Air Dynamics to find a solution to their challenge. THE CHALLENGE Peppermill had new ironers that generated more lint into the production area, creating a fire hazard. While the laundry facility was still safe for the time being, prolonged use of the current system could lead to a fire or poor working conditions. Initially, Air Dynamics’ engineers were hoping to perform a retrofit of the old lint removal system. This sometimes is more cost-effective than installing new equipment. However, due to the design limitations of the prior system and its’ inability to handle the output of the laundry/dryer process at Peppermill, it was determined that the entire old system would need to be replaced with more efficient units. Air Dynamics’ engineers recommended the advanced LRS II designed by Air Dynamics to tackle filtration in heavy-duty laundry applications. Already proven in high-volume laundry facilities and marine applications the LRS II is a proven effective solution for minimizing the chance of fire in the exhaust (ducting) systems. PROVIDING THE BEST SOLUTION Air Dynamics performs a ACGIH certified industrial ventilation risk assessment and analysis for each project. This begins with a site visit. Air Dynamics employees visited the Peppermill Casino and took detailed measurements of spacing, laundry system specifications, and dryer details. It is during this phase that additional inefficiencies or issues that may have been previously unknown to the client are identified. Noticing these details is what sets Air Dynamics apart. The solutions are not off-the-shelf, or out-of-the-box. Air Dynamics’ systems are turn-key and M.T.O (made-to-order) so they focus on the entire process to ensure optimal efficiency and performance. Therefore, the comprehensive site visit is essential to the project and is the first step to ensuring a complete solution to the challenge. This is combined with careful research conducted on the dryer and ancillary ventilation systems. Research on the performance of the dryers is critical to match with the lint removal systems capabilities. If it is too small, the system will not handle the quantity of lint being produced in the process, and if it is too large the power requirements will cause wasted energy expenditures. Once the site visit and research were conducted, Air Dynamics proposed their LRS II designed to integrate seamlessly into Peppermill’s laundry system. The proposed design featured the LRS II with a total exhaust value of 12,000 CFM to collect lint for the two Chicago Ironers – Models 3200 & 5200. Each of the LRS II’s feature filters with 99.97% efficiency at one-half micron. An example of the advanced capabilities of the LRS II is obvious when we compare the standard 200 mesh filtration of most lint systems to the LRS II. 200 mesh, or 74 microns, filters material that is about the size of a grain of sand. The LRS II’s filters operating at 0.5 microns are 400% more efficient. This level of filtration can capture bacteria and other pathogens, as well as all lint passing through the system. The lint removal efficiency was optimized at Peppermill by installing compound hoods over the ironers to capture the lint at the source. These special hoods were powered by a boost fan that collected lint into the capture hoods. All the LRS II modules were controlled by a control panel that had both automatic and manual control. The control panel also featured a rotary disconnect for safety. The entire system was connected via ACGIH-certified ventilation ducting and capture hoods designed to transition the dirty air stream through the LRS II filters and exhaust clean air into the existing ductwork of the Peppermill facility. It is critically important when venting highly flammable lint into ducting that passes through the interior of a structure to remove any residual material. Once the LRS II modules were installed the Air Dynamics team followed through the turn-key process by overseeing start-up and commissioning of the system. After determining satisfactory results, Peppermill was provided with a full manual and training by Air Dynamics’ engineers to facilitate full support for future operations. CONCLUSION Air Dynamics successfully provided a customized LRS II system to mitigate any lint from the Peppermill Casino laundry area. Compared to alternative systems, the LRS II outperforms other lint filter systems. This is due to the high filtration efficiency. ABOUT AIR DYNAMICS Air Dynamics Industrial Systems Corporation was founded in 1991 and designs manufactures, and installs industrial portable and central vacuum systems, environmental test chambers, pneumatic conveying, and industrial dust collectors, and other air & material moving systems. All projects are turn-key, where a project manager follows the project from conception and design through installation, commissioning, and start-up. Visit us online to view our successful installations on a global scale. See what we're capable of online or give us a call to discuss your specific air and material moving challenge. Phone: (717) 854-4050 Email: sales@airdynamics.net Website: https://airdynamics.net

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Designed to meet and exceed the specifications set by the MIL-STD Blowing Sand and Dust by a factor of 100 in order to simulate desert environments for the testing of equipment and devices. The Desert Wind™ sand/dust test chamber is ideal for those striving to meet MIL-STD Blowing Sand and Dust standards in the testing and certification of a manufactured device or laboratories that require certification of a device. KEY FEATURES Test chamber to accommodate any size item Access door Viewports Exterior finish of high-temp industrial paint Parameters are displayed and recorded in real-time and are programmable logic control Interior lighting 4″ tubular support frame for chamber and air mover Industrial duty fan with TEFC motor Control panel mounted to a common support stand High-temperature suitability – ambient to 190ºF Ethernet communications Patented design DESERT WIND ENVIRONMENTAL TEST CHAMBERS Part One: The Desert Wind (TM) Blowing Sand & Dust Test Chamber is being prepared to test a specimen in accordance with MIL-STD-810G Method 510.4. The blowing dust test chamber exceeds the MIL-STD concentration standard by at least 92% and is fitted with a system that is fully automated using the latest Allen-Bradley PLC controls and software. Part Two: The Desert Wind (TM) Blowing Dust and Sand Environmental Test Chambers incorporate a rotating table. The feature allows remote positioning of the test specimen from the local operator console or via a remote operator console. Here, the specimen is verified to rotate freely. Part Three: Due to the fact that proper handling of silica dust is serious business, the blowing dust environmental simulator system is loaded or charged with silica dust using the built-in, automated system, hence making the process of handling silica safer and less labor-intensive. In addition, our automated system is designed to comply with OSHA requirements for Industrial Ventilation as required by the American Conference of Industrial Hygienists and Part 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Part Four: Today’s laboratory environment requires automation in order to perform complex blowing dust and blowing sand testing, hence yesterday’s handwritten checklists no longer measure up to the world of technologically advanced environmental simulators such as the Desert Wind system. As a result, our automated test chamber produces 8640 data points in a typical 6-hour blowing dust test. In this video, the test is started with a few operator inputs at the local touch screen or remotely via Ethernet. APPLICATIONS Simulated environments for dust and sand MIL-STD Blowing Sand and Blowing Dust Industrial Application Military Aerospace Communications U.S. Patent No. US 8,733, 186 B2 • US 9,677,991

All Industrial-Duty vacuum cleaning systems properly designed and manufactured can be centralized either indoors or outdoors if the manufacturer has taken this aspect into account during the engineering process. HEPA–certified, high-efficiency particulate arrestance filters are an absolute must when using vacuum cleaners indoors. HEPA filters must be matched to the maximum flow of the vacuum exhauster. In addition to combustible dust, employees are sometimes exposed to hazardous dust or HAPS referred to as hazardous air pollutants the industrialized vacuum cleaner can handle. Additionally, most factories emit dust and debris from specific manufacturing operations that can infiltrate other critical processes. The vacuum system (low volume high pressure) can be fitted to these operations to capture quality killing particulates from affecting in-process or finished goods. Vacuum as a utility. Vacuum cleaning systems equipped with this capability can be adapted to “lift” material over 100 feet vertically thus performing double or triple duty as a bulk lifting or material transfer tool for large amounts of material accumulations on horizontal surfaces or large piles of steel shot or even powdered tungsten weighing 1200 lbs./cu ft. Learn more about our central vacuum systems: https://www.airdynamics.net/central-vacuums