Settleable and airborne particles in industrial environments

Data taken from two separate programs designed to characterize and measure particulate content in industrial environments are presented and examined. This testing was undertaken to aid in understanding what is encountered by business machines installed in these environments. The method of collecting and analyzing the data obtained from a selection of industrial sites in the Chicago, Illinois area is presented. The application of data to the design and evaluation of a magnet sensor for use in these environments is illustrated. Settleable contamination was analyzed in six different manufacturing industries: heavy machinery, stainless steel sinks, motor vehicles, electrical connectors, and steel sheet metal stamping. The intent of the second sampling program was to monitor a diverse spectrum of industries with moderate-to-severe particulate environments. The particulate environment characterization covered five types of industry: steel, textiles, paper, railroads, and metal products manufacturers. Each site is listed with the sampling locations noted and quantitative and qualitative data tabulated for the locations.<>