Custom Dust and Fume Solutions for Complex Applications

Some dust, fume and ventilation challenges can be solved with a straightforward equipment recommendation. Others require a deeper understanding of the facility, process and existing systems before the right solution becomes clear.

VentMapping® gives RoboVent engineers a structured way to investigate complex applications, identify the factors affecting performance and develop a solution tailored to the real conditions in your facility. Depending on the challenge, that may involve onsite evaluation, testing, engineering analysis, system design or advanced tools such as 3D scanning and CFD modeling.

With VentMapping, you can:

  • Reduce guesswork by basing engineering decisions on actual facility and process conditions
  • Identify the root cause of airflow, capture or system performance problems
  • Evaluate the whole system instead of treating equipment, ductwork and ventilation as isolated components
  • Right-size the solution to avoid underperforming systems or unnecessary equipment and expense
  • Address unique constraints such as difficult layouts, changing processes or interacting ventilation systems
  • Move from problem to implementation with engineering support from evaluation and design through installation and validation
RoboVent engineer reviews airflow modeling data to evaluate indoor air quality compliance in an industrial facility.

A Five-Step Approach to Complex Dust & Fume Challenges

1. Understand the Challenge

We start by learning about your facility, processes, contaminants, production goals and current dust collection or ventilation systems. This initial discovery helps define the problem, identify key constraints and determine what additional information is needed.

dust fume and ventilation challenges

2. Evaluate the Facility

Next, we gather the data needed to understand actual operating conditions. Depending on the application, this may include onsite observations, airflow measurements, air quality or exposure testing, system performance testing, dust accumulation assessment or evaluation of existing equipment and ductwork. Learn more: Facility Testing and Evaluation

3. Analyze the Problem

RoboVent engineers use the information collected onsite to identify root causes, evaluate airflow and capture requirements and determine the best path forward. For more complex applications, this step may also include engineering calculations, 3D scanning, CAD modeling or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. Learn more: Computer-Based Design and Modeling for Dust Collection

4. Engineer the Solution

Once the problem is understood, we develop a solution around your facility, processes and performance requirements. Recommendations may include source capture, dust collection, fume extraction, ambient filtration, ventilation, ductwork modifications, controls or a combination of approaches. Learn more: Dust Collection System Design and Engineering

5. Implement & Validate

RoboVent goes beyond recommendations and system design. We support installation, commissioning and system optimization, then verify performance through airflow measurements, testing or other evaluation methods as appropriate. The goal is to make sure the finished system performs as intended under real-world operating conditions. Learn more: System Installation

Comprehensive Dust, Fume & Ventilation Engineering

Depending on your challenge, your VentMapping® engagement may include:

Facility Testing icon

Facility Testing & Evaluation: Assess current conditions, contaminant levels and system performance.

Ventilation Engineering

Dust Collection & Ventilation Engineering: Develop a custom solution for your process and facility.

System Audits

System Audits & Optimization: Identify performance gaps and opportunities to improve existing systems.

Source Capture & Airflow Analysis

Source Capture & Airflow Analysis: Evaluate how contaminants are generated, captured and moved through the facility.

Advanced Modeling

Advanced Modeling & Simulation: Use 3D scanning, CAD or CFD when deeper visualization and analysis are needed.

Performance Validation

Implementation & Performance Validation: Support installation, commissioning and verification that the finished system performs as intended.

RoboVent technicians discuss facility conditions during an on-site indoor air quality compliance evaluation.

Engineering Expertise for Complex Dust & Fume Challenges

VentMapping® is backed by an experienced engineering team with decades of experience solving difficult industrial air quality and ventilation problems. From heavy weld fume to complex bulk and powder applications, RoboVent brings the technical depth, application knowledge and practical experience needed to engineer solutions that work in the real world.

  • Decades of engineering experience in dust collection, fume control and industrial ventilation
  • Broad application expertise across welding, metalworking, bulk and powder, combustible dust and other demanding processes
  • Standards-informed design using ACGIH guidance, ANSI/ASSP Z9.2, OSHA requirements and applicable NFPA standards
  • Whole-system expertise encompassing source capture, airflow, ductwork, filtration, ventilation and controls
  • Advanced tools when needed, including onsite testing, 3D scanning, CAD and CFD modeling
  • End-to-end support from evaluation and engineering through installation, commissioning and validation

Have a dust, fume or ventilation challenge that doesn’t have an obvious answer?

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Frequently Asked Questions

VentMapping

What is VentMapping®?

VentMapping® is RoboVent’s comprehensive engineering process for complex dust, fume and industrial ventilation challenges. It brings together the evaluation, testing, analysis, engineering and specialized tools needed to understand the problem and develop the right solution for your facility.

When do I need VentMapping?

VentMapping is typically used when a standard equipment recommendation is not enough. This may include difficult source capture applications, underperforming existing systems, unusual facility constraints, interacting ventilation systems, complex bulk and powder processes or new processes and production lines requiring a custom-engineered solution.

What is CFD modeling?

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling uses computer simulations to visualize how air, dust and fumes move through a facility or ventilation system. RoboVent may use CFD for complex applications where airflow patterns, contaminant movement or system interactions are difficult to evaluate through measurements and calculations alone. It can help engineers compare design options and predict performance before changes are made in the facility.

Does every VentMapping project include CFD modeling?

No. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is one of many tools RoboVent engineers may use when it adds value to the project. Depending on the application, a VentMapping engagement may rely on onsite testing, airflow measurements, engineering calculations, system analysis, 3D modeling or other methods instead.

Does VentMapping include facility testing?

It can. Facility testing and evaluation may be used to establish current conditions, measure contaminant levels, evaluate airflow or determine how well an existing dust collection or ventilation system is performing. The scope depends on the specific challenge.

What happens after a VentMapping evaluation?

RoboVent engineers translate their findings into actionable recommendations. Depending on the project, that may include system modifications, equipment recommendations, a complete engineered dust collection or ventilation solution or additional analysis and testing.

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