DCE delivers extraction excellence for Compass Windows & Doors
- PWT
- Mar 12
- 3 min read
Compass Windows & Doors, based in Londonderry, is Ireland’s premier manufacturer of timber, aluminium, PVCu and Alu-Clad windows and doors. Established in 1977, the company has experienced significant growth and development.
One such development was the acquisition of two state-of-the-art machines from SCM: a new CNC router along with a complex Windowflex machining cell, designed to perform all operations required for producing window frames from solid timber.
With the addition of these machines, Compass needed to re-evaluate its dust extraction systems. As such, the company enlisted the expertise of Dust Control Environmental (DCE) Ltd to design, manufacture and install a compliant dust extraction system.
Project requirements
• The existing cyclone dust collectors were undersized, necessitating a more efficient system to handle the new machines.
• Compliance with the latest EPA (Environmental Protection Law) regulations.
• Management of energy consumption and alignment with sustainability goals.
• Ensuring the safe operation of extraction equipment in a combustible atmosphere.
• Minimising production downtime by commissioning the new machinery before the dust extraction system was fully operational.
• Integration of existing machinery into the new system.
• Removal of the old cyclone units.
How DCE met these requirements
Dust Control Environmental Ltd meticulously planned the dust extraction system and installation process in order to minimise production interruptions. To ensure the CNC and Windowflex machines could be commissioned on schedule, DCE provided a stock ATEX dust extraction filter at short notice. This allowed the machines to remain operational while awaiting the new system.
Enhanced dust control was achieved through the installation of a DCE Envirojet W-Series, a negative pressure filter unit with ATEX adaptations to ensure safe operation
in an explosive-risk environment.
The Envirojet W-Series features an E-performance panel, which monitors machine usage and adjusts the cascading fan function to meet operational requirements. This process can deliver energy savings of up to 50% without compromising suction efficiency.
During installation, DCE linked the new extraction system to the older machines and removed two outdated cyclone filters free of charge while their fitters were on-site.
The benefits
DCE provided a comprehensive, end-to-end service, handling design, manufacturing and installation, including ducting, monitoring and control systems. The DCE Envirojet W-Series will ensure highly efficient dust extraction across processing areas, maintaining clean, healthy air for workers. Equipment and machinery will also be protected from dust ingress, reducing maintenance time and improving housekeeping.
The E-performance monitoring system optimises fan usage, regulating speed and function based on the number of operational machines. This results in significant energy savings year after year.
Production downtime was minimised due to the temporary ATEX filter, enabling a smooth transition from the old to the new dust extraction system. The advanced Envirojet W-Series dust collector, with its ATEX modifications, ensures compliance with EPA regulations while providing safe and efficient operation.
Client’s comments
Managing Director of Compass Windows & Doors, Michael O’Kane, commented: “The management team at Compass is extremely pleased to have appointed Dust Control Environmental Ltd to carry out a complete and comprehensive renewal of our dust extraction system in 2024.
“We found the staff at DCE to be highly professional, knowledgeable, helpful and accommodating throughout the entire process.”
DCE prides itself on delivering dust extraction that enhances productivity while protecting your workforce and equipment; for further information, call 01924 335 500 or visit the website: www.dustcontrolenvironmental.com.
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