Dust Collector Controller & Interface
The Ecogate Dust Collector Controller gives each dust collector its own intelligent interface. Facilities can choose between two configurations:
Dust Collector Controller: Full monitoring and control of all dust collector motors via VFDs. (Main option)
Dust Collector Interface: Monitoring-only package with identical hardware, upgradeable later to full Controller.
Monitoring vs Monitoring + Control
Dust Collector Interface (Monitoring Only)
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Collects detailed status from the dust collector (fan pressure, filters, airflow).
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Provides alarms, dashboards, and remote visibility via the greenBOX®.
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Ships with Modbus Master included – ready to upgrade with VFDs later.
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Air Quality Sensor provides Air Quality Index, temperature, humidity, & atmostpheric pressure (optional dust sensor can be installed externally)
Dust Collector Controller (Monitoring + Control)
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Includes all monitoring features of the Interface.
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Adds direct control and monitoring of dust collector motors (fan, transport fan, cleaning pump, cleaning arm, airlock).
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Automates start/stop and sequences with proper delays.
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Provides motor underload/overload fault detection for early warnings.
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Dust Collector Controller – Key Capabilities
Core Functions
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Automatically stops all dust collector motors when workstations are idle and restarts them as they become active.
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Reduces electricity consumption and manual labor (savings up to $10,000 annually for a 200 HP collector).
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Integrates motor monitoring: voltage, current, power, speed.
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Controls supplementary equipment via relay contacts.
VFD Advantages
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Reliability: Higher MTBF than contactors.
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Cost Savings: Eliminates need for Zero Speed sensors.
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Gentle Starts: Prevents costly power peaks and reduces mechanical stress.
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Unlimited Start/Stop Cycles: VFD-controlled motors can cycle without limits.
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Fault Indication: Detects broken belts or mechanical locks early.
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Simplified Wiring: Single twisted-pair daisy-chain between VFDs.
Integration with greenBOX
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Connects via Ecogate Master Cable (same as Smart Gates).
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Status displayed on the greenBOX touchscreen or remotely via any web browser.
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Firmware updated automatically through Modbus RTU.
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Easy programming via greenBOX UI (“listbox style”) or remote support by Ecogate.
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Supports setup of motors and equipment naming in plain English, editable motor delays, safety sequences (fire alarm, spark detection, pressure limits), and basic functionalities (remote start/stop, enable signals, status lights, buzzer).
Advanced Features
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Manual Start/Stop buttons and status lights (OK, Warning, Error) with buzzer.
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Programmable digital and analog inputs for additional sensors (e.g., vibration).
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Remote dust collector Start/Stop integration with Power Master VFD.
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Automatic safety responses (fire alarm, spark detection, pressure limits).
Benefits
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Saves electricity and reduces downtime.
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Provides early fault detection for proactive maintenance.
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Improves workplace conditions (quieter during breaks).
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Empowers maintenance teams with full system visibility.
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Optional Add-On
External Air Quality Sensor (available 2026)
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Monitors ambient temperature, humidity, PM1/2.5/10 dust levels, TVOC, and eCO2.
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Can be mounted in the clean air duct to detect broken filter bags.
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Technical Specifications
(subject to change)
Enclosure: NEMA Type 12, UL listed
Power supply: 3-phase 460V AC (230V AC on special order)
Main input: Fused disconnect, interlocked with door
Dimensions: 72”H x 36”W x 16”D, wall mounted
Front Door: Manual Start/Stop buttons, status indicators (Green = OK, Yellow = Warning, Red = Error), main power disconnect, Ecogate decal and labeling
Cooling: Cabinet fan and exhaust filter, 24VDC
Motor Circuit Protection: Each VFD protected separately
VFDs: ABB ACS880-01, usable with motors down to 20% of rated capacity
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1 HP 3-phase 460V AC for Cleaning Arm
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5 HP 3-phase 460V AC for Air Lock
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15 HP 3-phase 460V AC for Cleaning PD Pump
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40 HP 3-phase 460V AC for Transport Fan
Power Supply: Mean Well SDR-240-24 V DC (240W total) for cooling fans, Dust Collector Interface, and external sensors
Dust Collector Interface:
Green metal enclosure, 10.5” x 7.5” x 3.5” with mounting bracket
Power: 24V DC, 10W max, redundant supply inputs (from greenBOX via Ecogate Master Cable, Mean Well 24V DC, or USB-C terminal)
Communication: Modbus RTU Slave (to greenBOX), Modbus RTU Master (to VFDs and Modbus sensors)
Pressure sensors:
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Fan Total Static Pressure (10 kPa = 40” w.c.)
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Filter Differential Pressure (2.5 kPa = 10” w.c.)
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Averaging Air Velocity Sensor (1 kPa = 4” w.c.)
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Optional: Cleaning PD Pump Pressure (100 kPa = 400” w.c.)
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Optional: Second Filter Differential Pressure (e.g., HEPA, 2.5 kPa = 10” w.c.)
I/O:
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5 programmable digital inputs
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3 programmable analog inputs (4–20 mA)
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4 programmable dry relay contacts (2 NO, 2 NO/NC)
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Input for manual Start/Stop
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Outputs for LED status lights (24V DC, max. 8W each)
Interface: 1.1” OLED display with touch button to scroll status pages
Terminals: Phoenix contact pluggable screw type (same as greenBOX)
Software Updates: Automatic via Modbus RTU from greenBOX; optional via USB-C using Rockhopper service software
Programming: From greenBOX UI via “listbox programming” (Adelie Programming Language – APL)
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What You Need
The Controller and Interface can operate standalone, but pairing with the greenBOX unlocks:
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Comprehensive monitoring across the system.
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Remote access and dashboards.
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Flexible programming.
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OTA software updates.
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