Your typical plastic pipe system conveying dust can’t be adequately grounded. As we know, the reason people attempt to ground plastic pipe is because of the generation of static electricity. Static electricity develops when the dust particles constantly rub the plastic surface. A substantial electrical accumulation may result, which then begins to discharge into fine dust particles. It is likely an explosion will occur at some time under this condition. Interior and exterior grounding has to be considered.
Plastic pipe systems are not designed for dust collection use. A necessary diversity of fittings to meet design requirement does not exist. Also, plastic pipe elbows have a very short radius and plastic tee fittings are improper for dust removal. It is these types of problems that lead to an inefficient dust collection system.
Solution – a metal piping system. With a metal dust collection piping system you do not have the concern of static electrically developing. Elbows and other various fittings are properly designed for conveying dust. The diversity of fittings and accessories will enable you to meet design requirements. Inevitably, you will get the best performance from your dust collector.