On-demand dust and fume collection for education.

Ecogate can control dust, fume, or mist collection in woodworking and cabinetmaking labs, welding schools, metalworking shops, architecture and fabrication studios, sculpture shops, technical education centers, and makerspaces. Every application requires engineering appropriate to its materials, equipment, hoods, ductwork, collector, and operating requirements.

Often, yes. Ecogate can be added to many existing systems if the fan, motor, collector, ductwork, and overall condition are suitable. An engineering review determines what can remain, what should change, and the expected savings opportunity.

A useful preliminary benchmark is Ecogate's average reduction of about 66% in dust collection fan electricity across applicable installations. Actual savings depend on fan horsepower, schedules, operating hours, simultaneous use, electricity rates, duct condition, and make-up air. Madison Area Technical College reports approximately 80% fewer kWh than a conventional system serving its 36 workstations.

Ecogate does not simply close gates and reduce fan speed. The greenBOX calculates the air volume required by active workstations and the configured minimum transport velocity. When necessary, it opens additional gates at selected inactive workstations or within duct zones so the system maintains required airflow while avoiding unnecessary excess volume.

Ecogate is the airflow-control layer within a complete system. In a properly designed, installed, and calibrated system, Ecogate is designed to fulfill the relevant NFPA 660 control-system requirement by maintaining required minimum transport velocities as gates operate. Full facility compliance includes broader design, hazard analysis, protection, installation, housekeeping, procedures, and AHJ requirements.

Project-specific engineering and stamped drawings are available when required. Ecogate can participate in technical discussions with project engineers, building officials, fire marshals, and other reviewers. Final requirements and approval remain with the project's design professionals and Authority Having Jurisdiction.

Installation options depend on system size and available expertise. Smaller systems are often installed by customers using Ecogate manuals, videos, and training. Larger systems generally benefit from Ecogate or dealer support for installation, commissioning, measurement, setup, and calibration. Licensed contractors should perform work where required.

Integration is available for suitable projects. Portland Community College's system connects to Honeywell Tridium building automation for monitoring, energy evaluation, measured exhaust air volume, and make-up-air adjustment. Integration scope and data points should be defined during engineering.

Useful starting information includes a floor plan, workstation list, duct diameters, collector and fan information, motor horsepower and voltage, schedule, estimated simultaneous use, utility rate, make-up-air details, planned additions, and known permitting or code requirements.