Mistaway Frequently Asked Questions

The Mistaway mist collector utilizes a simple design of progressive filtration and is very effective and reliable. The Mistaway unit uses inexpensive filters that are easily accessed and quick and easy to change or service. Mistaway has both a low initial cost and low overall operating cost. The Mistaway uses a very efficient fan and low restriction filters, thus saving energy and electricity. The Mistaway also produces much less noise than most other mist collectors.

There are basically three types of mist collectors: media, centrifugal, and electrostatic. The Mistaway is a new patented media type of mist collector that uses panel filters. Mist is drawn into the Mistaway from the bottom, the mist coalesces on the filters and then drips off returning through the bottom intake. The filters in the Mistaway are inexpensive and are quickly and easily accessed for service or replacement. Centrifugal mist collectors have filters mounted on a rotating wheel that usually also works as a fan. This type tends to go out of balance and vibrate excessively as the filters become loaded and/or the wheel needs cleaning. Maintenance requires disassembly of the unit to access the rotating wheel and new filters are installed on the wheel. Electrostatic types use the principles of static electricity and use a high voltage power supply to electrify metal plates in the filter to attract mist to the plates. Cleaning the filter is troublesome because particulates can become well adhered to the delicate metal plates and small wires inside the filter. When the filter gets dirty the plates continually arc and a repeated snapping noise is heard. At this point the filter becomes ineffective and mist bypasses the filter and mist is emitted along with ozone gas. Ozone gas is a known health hazard and is regarded as toxic. Due to the dangers of ozone gas many companies have decided to remove electrostatic mist collectors from service.

The Mistaway units are designed to collect both water soluble and straight oil coolant mists that are produced from machining operations. Some oils may be considered highly hazardous per the MSDS sheet, or may have a low flash point. The Mistaway units should not be used with highly hazardous oils, or oils with a flash point below 200 F.

Roughly measure the inside of the enclosure and determine the approximate internal cubic feet. For best results change the air in the enclosure approximately 3 to 5 times per minute. For example: Enclosure = 4ft x 5ft x 8ft = 160 cu.ft. The MA700 = 700 CFM. 700 CFM/160 Cu.ft. = 4.3 air changes per minute. The MA700 would change the air 4.3 times per minute and would be a good fit for this application. See instruction manual for more info on mist collector sizing (instruction manuals are located on the download files area of product pages in the Mistaway store). There are four Mistaway models: MA400 (400 CFM), MA700 (700 CFM), MA1000 (1000 CFM) and MA1200 (1200 CFM). For very large machine applications two or more MA1200’s can be installed. The MA1000 is a higher pressure and CFM version of the MA700 and includes an on/off switch and variable speed setting on front of the unit. An optional speed control unit could be added to fine tune the CFM of the MA400, MA700, and MA1200.

The Mistaway can be installed using several methods, please refer to our Installation Examples website page and/or the instruction manual (located on the "Download files" area of mist collector product pages in the Mistaway store) for more info. 1) The Mistaway can be direct mounted (Cut an opening in the enclosure top to match the Mistaway intake and bolt the Mistaway unit directly to the top of the machine). 2) The Mistaway can be installed to a round enclosure top opening using a Mounting Plate (see Installation Accessories). 3) The Mistaway can be mounted on a Floor or Machine Stand, or hung from the Ceiling, or Wall Mounted, and a duct can be run from the machine to a Plenum mounted on the bottom of the Mistaway (see Installation Accessories). 4) The Mistaway can be installed on a Portable Cart with Extraction Arm and moved from one machine to another as needed.

You can check filter pricing on the Replacement Filters Tab in our on-line store.

The large gauge on the front of the Mistaway is a differential pressure gauge and indicates the filter restriction. When the needle climbs into the yellow area air flow is reducing and filter maintenance is needed soon.

The filters prior to the Main Filter are washable and reusable. The Main Filter is not washable and should be changed as needed. Typical life of the Main Filter is approximately 1 year but can vary depending on the application and conditions.