Baghouse Dust Extractors – How Do They Compare to Cartridge Dust Extractors?
Effective dust extraction has long been essential across a wide range of industries, driving continual development in filtration technologies. One of the most widely adopted modern solutions is the cartridge dust extractor. Popularised by leading manufacturers such as Donaldson Torit, cartridge systems have become one of the most recognisable methods for industrial dust capture.
However, before cartridge filters became prevalent, baghouse dust extractors were the established standard. Far from being outdated, baghouse systems remain a widely used and highly effective option for dust control today. While they differ in filter design, using fabric bags rather than cartridges, their performance continues to compare favourably in many applications.
In practice, the choice between baghouse and cartridge dust extractors often comes down to specific application requirements, operating conditions or user preference rather than major performance gaps. Read on to explore the key benefits of baghouse filters and how they honestly compare with cartridge filter dust extractors.
Baghouse Filter Extractors – What Are They?
Baghouse dust extractors feature a straightforward, robust design, typically consisting of a steel framework that supports fabric filter bags and a shaker motor that dislodges collected dust into bins below. This simple construction is a key reason for their long-standing reliability in industrial environments.
Well suited to continuous operation, baghouse systems can carry out their shaker cleaning cycle while still running, making them ideal for applications that require round the clock dust control. Their compact, self-contained design also means no additional auxiliary equipment is needed to keep them operating effectively.
The synthetic filter bags used in baghouse extractors offer good heat resistance, allowing them to handle airflow from higher-temperature processes. Available in a range of configurations, from high-capacity, low-pressure bags designed for extended service life to enhanced efficiency options such as HEPA filtration, baghouse systems may offer fewer filter variations than cartridge units, but they remain capable of meeting the majority of industrial filtration requirements.
Baghouse Filters Vs Cartridge Filters
While both baghouse and cartridge dust extractors are widely used for industrial dust control, their differences become more apparent when comparing performance, maintenance, cost, and filtration flexibility. Understanding these distinctions can help determine which system best suits a specific application.
Dust Removal Efficiency & Application Suitability
- Baghouse Filters are well suited to the majority of general extraction requirements, including HVAC systems and applications involving high-temperature air streams. Their fabric filter bags perform reliably in environments where heat, volume, or continuous airflow would limit other filtration methods.
- Cartridge Filters on the other hand, are often favoured for more specialised or large scale dust collection. Their pleated design provides a greater surface area, allowing for higher filtration efficiency and better performance with challenging dusts. However, cartridge systems are generally more sensitive to elevated air temperatures, which can restrict their use in hotter processes.
Maintenance & Self-Cleaning Operation
- Baghouse systems are known for their low-maintenance operation. The shaker cleaning mechanism allows dust to be dislodged from the filter bags during operation, reducing downtime and operator intervention. While replacing filter bags can take longer, they require less frequent changes due to their durability and extended service life.
- Cartridge extractors typically rely on reverse pulse jet cleaning to keep filters clear. This method is highly effective but requires compressed air and additional system components, increasing overall maintenance requirements. Cartridge filters are easier and quicker to replace, though they generally need changing more often than bag filters.
Cost Effectiveness
- From a cost perspective, baghouse extractors often offer lower long-term operating expenses. Filter bags are generally less expensive, last longer, and consume less energy during the cleaning cycle. The shaker mechanism is simpler and more economical to run than compressed air based cleaning systems.
- Cartridge systems usually involve higher filter replacement costs and increased running expenses, particularly when factoring in the energy and infrastructure required for reverse pulse cleaning. While they may deliver higher performance in certain applications, this often comes at a slightly higher overall cost.
Filtration Options & Flexibility
- Baghouse filters offer a solid range of filter media suitable for handling most common industrial dusts. While the variety may be more limited compared to cartridges, the available options are sufficient for the majority of standard extraction needs.
- Cartridge filters provide a wider selection of media types, coatings, and efficiencies, making them highly adaptable for specific dust characteristics, fine particulate control and regulatory driven applications.
Choosing the Right Dust Extractor for Your Application
Rather than one filtration system being definitively better than the other, the differences between baghouse and cartridge dust extractors are often subtle. Both options remain highly effective solutions for the majority of dust extraction requirements. While cartridge systems are currently the more popular choice, baghouse extractors should not be overlooked, particularly where cost efficiency, durability or continuous operation are key considerations.
Selecting the right dust extractor ultimately comes down to your specific process, operating environment and long term objectives. Whether you’re managing high temperatures, running around-the-clock operations, or balancing performance with operating costs, both baghouse and cartridge systems have proven strengths.
At Riley Surface World, we offer a wide selection of both used & new dust extraction equipment as its one of our most in-demand categories. Our used range of Dry Dust Extractors frequently stock range of both filter option while for those seeking a bespoke new solution, our Riley Downflow Reverse Pulse Cleaning Dust Extractor range allows you to build a system tailored precisely to your requirements.
Not sure which system is right for your application? Contact our team today at 01922 45 8000 or i[email protected] to discuss your dust extraction needs and find the ideal solution for your process.
Pura 2000 Clean Air Work Station
Pura's 2000 line of Horizontal Laminar Flow Clean Air Work Stations are engineered to enhance the performance of the cabinet and the overall airflow efficiency of the cleanroom.
- Stock No
- EA1813
- Category
- Dry Dust Filters
- Model
- Pura Pura 2000
- Approx Duty CFM / M³/Hr
- 600
- Filter Area ft² / m²
- 1170 x 600 x 570 work area
- Other Info
- Especially Designed for clean room use
- Refurbished Price [?]
- £ 1,950 (+ VAT)
- Special Price (sold as seen) [?]
- Login or Register for price.
- Special offer ends
- 25 February 2026 15:00 GMT while stocks last
Zubler V7000 Dust Collector
Zubler single suction units are highly versatile, used for a wide range of low dust and fume applications, and ideal for use in dental laboratories.
- Stock No
- EC2038
- Category
- Dry Dust Filters
- Model
- Zubler V7000
- Year of Manufacture
- Unused
- Approx Duty CFM / M³/Hr
- 53-80 // 90-135 @ 34 in wg // 85mbar
- Filter Area ft² / m²
- 43 + 75 // .4 + .7
- Other Info
- Suction of 20-40 L/S
- Condition
- Excellent Condition, Unused, Current Model
- Sold As Seen Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Zubler V7000 Dust Collector
Zubler single suction units are highly versatile, used for a wide range of low dust and fume applications, and ideal for use in dental laboratories.
- Stock No
- EC2040
- Category
- Dry Dust Filters
- Model
- Zubler V7000
- Approx Duty CFM / M³/Hr
- 53-80 // 90-135 @ 34 in wg // 85mbar
- Filter Area ft² / m²
- 43 + 75 // .4 + .7
- Other Info
- Suction of 20-40 L/S
- Condition
- Excellent Condition, Unused, Current Model, Seen powered at RSW
- Sold As Seen Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Zubler V7000 Dust Collector
Zubler single suction units are highly versatile, used for a wide range of low dust and fume applications, and ideal for use in dental laboratories.
- Stock No
- EC2041
- Category
- Dry Dust Filters
- Model
- Zubler V7000
- Approx Duty CFM / M³/Hr
- 53-80 // 90-135 @ 34 in wg // 85mbar
- Filter Area ft² / m²
- 43 + 75 // .4 + .7
- Other Info
- Suction of 20-40 L/S
- Condition
- Excellent Condition, Unused, Current Model, Seen powered at RSW
- Sold As Seen Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Zubler V7000 Dust Collector
Zubler single suction units are highly versatile, used for a wide range of low dust and fume applications, and ideal for use in dental laboratories.
- Stock No
- EC2042
- Category
- Dry Dust Filters
- Model
- Zubler V7000
- Approx Duty CFM / M³/Hr
- 53-80 // 90-135 @ 34 in wg // 85mbar
- Filter Area ft² / m²
- 43 + 75 // .4 + .7
- Other Info
- Suction of 20-40 L/S
- Condition
- Excellent Condition, Unused, Current Model, Seen powered at RSW
- Sold As Seen Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Tilghman (Wheelabrator) 4 Cartridge, Reverse Pulse Dust Extractor
This second hand Tilghman extraction unit with 4.0kW / 5.3 Hp motor is an extremely versatile fine dust filter, capable of handling numerous dust types over a wide range of applications. Pulse jet cleaning system, inlet deflector and large dust collection bucket.
- Stock No
- EC2096
- Category
- Dry Dust Filters
- Model
- Tilghman (Wheelabrator) 4 Cartridge Reverse Pulse
- Approx Duty CFM / M³/Hr
- 3300 // 5600 Approx.
- Filter Area ft² / m²
- 900ft2 // 85M2 Approx.
- Other Info
- Quick Release Vertical Cartridges
- Condition
- From a working environment
- Refurbished Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
- Sold As Seen Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Donaldson Torit (DCE) F2018BSF40 Dust Filter Unit
The DCE 2000 series are an automatic bag house reverse-jet cleaned type of dust collector designed to handle large quantities of dust-laden air and are capable of continuous operation over extended periods.
- Stock No
- EC2112
- Category
- Dry Dust Filters
- Model
- Donaldson Torit (DCE) F2018BSF40
- Year of Manufacture
- 2010
- Approx Duty CFM / M³/Hr
- 1800 // 3060
- Filter Area ft² / m²
- 194 // 18
- Other Info
- ATEX Rated Explosion Relief Outdoor Unit
- Condition
- From a working environment, Good Condition, Current Model
- Refurbished Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
- Sold As Seen Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Nederman Filterbox Rotating Cartridge Floor Type, Fume & Dust Extraction Unit
Nederman 2.2kW / 3Hp Filterbox portable welding fume and dust extractor for capturing and eliminating welding fumes and dust at source, featuring a rotating cartridge filter with dust scraper.
- Stock No
- ED2135
- Category
- Dry Dust Filters
- Model
- Nederman Filterbox
- Year of Manufacture
- c. 1999
- Approx Duty CFM / M³/Hr
- 600CFM // 1000M3/Hr (Approx.)
- Filter Area ft² / m²
- 140ft2 // 13M2
- Other Info
- In Line Hepa After Filter
- Condition
- From a working environment, Excellent Condition
- Sold As Seen Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
HN Technical Services Ltd Reverse Pulse, 8 Cartridge Dust Extraction Unit
The HNTS product line offers state of-the-art cleaning power and dust collection capacity. Designed to collect process-generated metal laden dusts. Featuring roof explosion panels, inlet deflection, reverse pulse jet cartridge filter cleaning and collected dust extraction via a suitable vacuum system (not included).
- Stock No
- ED2139
- Category
- Dry Dust Filters
- Model
- HN Technical Services Ltd 8 Cartridge, Reverse Pulse
- Year of Manufacture
- 03-2002
- Approx Duty CFM / M³/Hr
- 7000 // 11900
- Filter Area ft² / m²
- 2480 // 230
- Other Info
- Floor Mounted Independent 11kW Fan
- Condition
- From a working environment, Good Condition
- Refurbished Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
- Sold As Seen Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
HN Technical Services Ltd Reverse Pulse, 6 Cartridge Dust Extraction Unit
The HNTS product line offers state of-the-art cleaning power and dust collection capacity. Designed to collect process-generated metal laden dusts. Featuring roof explosion panels, inlet deflection, reverse pulse jet cartridge filter cleaning and collected dust extraction via a suitable vacuum system (not included).
- Stock No
- ED2141
- Category
- Dry Dust Filters
- Model
- HN Technical Services Ltd 6 Cartridge, Reverse Pulse
- Year of Manufacture
- 03-2002
- Approx Duty CFM / M³/Hr
- 5250 // 8925
- Filter Area ft² / m²
- 1860 // 175
- Other Info
- Floor Mounted Fan, 7.5kW Fan 3432Pa
- Condition
- From a working environment, Good Condition
HN Technical Services Ltd Reverse Pulse, 6 Cartridge Dust Extraction Unit
The HNTS product line offers state of-the-art cleaning power and dust collection capacity. Designed to collect process-generated metal laden dusts. Featuring roof explosion panels, inlet deflection, reverse pulse jet cartridge filter cleaning and collected dust extraction via a suitable vacuum system (not included).
- Stock No
- ED2142
- Category
- Dry Dust Filters
- Model
- HN Technical Services Ltd 6 Cartridge, Reverse Pulse
- Year of Manufacture
- 03-2002
- Approx Duty CFM / M³/Hr
- 5250 // 8925
- Filter Area ft² / m²
- 1860 // 175
- Other Info
- Floor Mounted Fan, 7.5kW Fan 3432Pa
- Condition
- From a working environment, Good Condition
- Refurbished Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
- Sold As Seen Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Teka Mobile Dust Extraction Unit
The Strongmaster BIA is a portable extraction & filter unit for the removal of welding fumes from the work environment. Including new ducting for suit arm to be supplied
- Stock No
- ED2144
- Category
- Dry Dust Filters
- Model
- Teka Strongmaster BIA
- Year of Manufacture
- 2003
- Approx Duty CFM / M³/Hr
- 1766//3000 @ 2500Pa
- Filter Area ft² / m²
- 353/10
- Other Info
- New ducting to suit arm will be supplied
- Condition
- From a working environment, Good Condition, Current Model
- Refurbished Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Heaton Green Rotary Valve, Reverse Pulse, Venting Extractor with Heat Insulation
HG Reverse pulse, filter bag dust venting unit suitable for the capture and filtration of dry dusts and fumes from process machinery. Including a screw conveyor and rotary discharge valve to release the gathered dusts into suitable waste disposal containers/bags.
- Stock No
- ED2170
- Category
- Dry Dust Filters
- Model
- Heaton Green HG Reverse Pulse Extractor
- Year of Manufacture
- 2018
- Approx Duty CFM / M³/Hr
- 2400 // 4000
- Filter Area ft² / m²
- 520ft2 // 48m2
- Other Info
- Rotary Valve Venting Unit i.e. No Fan
- Condition
- From a working environment, Good Condition, Current Model
- Sold As Seen Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Donaldson Torit (DCE) DCE UMA 102 G1 Dust Extractor
This Unimaster UMA 102 G1 dust extractor is a compact, self contained fabric filter dust control unit complete with 0.75kW 1 Hp fan, self cleaning mechanism, easy access filter assembly, and 2ft3 waste container.
- Stock No
- ED2180
- Category
- Dry Dust Filters
- Model
- Donaldson Torit (DCE) UMA 102 G1
- Year of Manufacture
- Ref by JK
- Approx Duty CFM / M³/Hr
- 600 / 1000
- Filter Area ft² / m²
- 100 // 10
- Other Info
- ATEX Explosion Panel, Door reinforcement
- Condition
- From a working environment, Good Condition
- Refurbished Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
- Sold As Seen Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Tongbao Free Standing Air Handling None Powered Dust Filter Plant
A stand alone venting unit ideal for inclusion in a dust extraction system to add additional capacity or give an existing process enhanced environmental and operator safety benefits. Manual shaker sock cleaning mechanism. (Please ask for details of suitable fans we have in stock to go with this unit)
- Stock No
- EE2200
- Category
- Dry Dust Filters
- Model
- Tongbao Venting Unit
- Year of Manufacture
- 2016
- Approx Duty CFM / M³/Hr
- Fan Dependent
- Filter Area ft² / m²
- 180ft2 // 17.66m2
- Other Info
- inlet 200mm outlet 210
- Condition
- From a working environment, Good Condition
- Sold As Seen Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
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