How Can a Triboelectric Broken Bag Detector Help Identify Leaking Filters?

By Omela Filtration — Industrial Filtration Experts

1. Industry Background and the Real Problem

In pulse-jet dust collector systems, even a single damaged filter bag can compromise the entire operation. If a baghouse filter bag tears, unfiltered dust escapes into the clean-air plenum and downstream ductwork. This causes:

• Increased particulate emissions
• Abrasive wear on fans and ducting
• Contamination of process equipment
• Failure to meet environmental regulations

Traditional methods — visual inspection or monitoring differential pressure — often fail to detect small leaks. This is where a triboelectric broken bag detector provides a more accurate early-warning solution.

2. How Triboelectric Detection Works

A triboelectric sensor operates on a simple physical principle:
When dust particles move through a metal probe, they generate an electrical charge from friction (triboelectric effect). The more particles present, the stronger the signal.

How it is used in a dust collector:

1. The sensor is installed in the clean-air duct after the baghouse.
2. Under normal conditions, clean air contains negligible particulate — the signal is near zero.
3. If a PTFE, PPS, or aramid filter bag fails or starts leaking, fine dust particles pass downstream.
4. These particles make contact with the sensor probe, generating a measurable electrical charge.
5. The signal is sent to a control panel that triggers an alarm or indicator.

Unlike opacity monitors or pressure readings, triboelectric sensors can detect extremely fine particles — even before visible emissions occur — making them highly effective in identifying early-stage filter failure.

3. Why Triboelectric Detection Is Better Than Traditional Methods

4. Omela Filtration’s Engineering Approach

Omela Filtration integrates triboelectric technology into both new and existing dust collector systems.

• Optimal sensor placement after the clean-air plenum for best accuracy
• Calibration to match air velocity, dust type, and baghouse design
• Integration with PLC, SCADA, or pulse-jet cleaning systems
• Compatibility with PTFE, PPS, and Nomex filter bags used in high-temperature or corrosive environments

Advantages of Omela-designed systems:

• Early detection of leaking filters before emissions are visible
• Reduced downtime and emergency shutdowns
• Lower maintenance costs — only the failed filter row is replaced
• Improved filtration efficiency and environmental compliance
• Supports ISO, EPA, and EN dust emission standards

5. Industry Applications

Triboelectric detectors are widely used in industries where continuous emissions monitoring is required: