How does fume extraction work in a fabrication workshop?
Posted by Connor Urquhart on
The main purpose of a fume extraction system is to remove hazardous particles from the air. By using a fume extraction system, you are protecting the workers on the shop floor as well as any workers that may enter the workshop regularly or occasionally.
Many industries use processes such as welding, cutting, and grinding that create dangerous fumes that need fume extraction to protect people, machinery assets, and the environment which is shared by everyone.
How to use fume extraction units
Mobile units are easy to install by switching on the unit and pointing the extraction hood on the end of the arm to within 300mm of the source of the process that is creating fumes. This will suck up the fumes sending them into the filtration process. The fumes and dust get separated and the clean air is pushed back out into the environment. The dust will be collected in a special tray or bin which should be safely regularly to keep the fume extraction system unit working effectively.
Extraction filters
Fume extraction systems have a variety of different types of filters depending on the application. These filters separate fumes and dust from normal air particles. Sparks that may enter the fume extraction unit from welding, plasma cutting, and grinding are separated away from any dust via gravity filters and spark arresters.
Mobile and stationary extraction units
The fume extraction units can be mobile or stationary central units. This is dependent on the application, the number of bays that need fume extraction, and the location of the work that is creating the dangerous fumes. Mobile units are favoured due to the installation being a ‘plug and play’ set up meaning there will be no configuration considerations.
Changing fume extraction filters
The filters in the fume extraction systems either use an internal sensor that will inform you when the filter needs changing or work on timers. Changing the filters is a process that typically needs to be done within a twelve-month time frame or as required for the equipment to run at full capacity. Filter replacement is usually an easy process using the instruction manual to change the dust and fume extractor filter. Remember that personal protective equipment must be used as the filter and collection bin are full of harmful materials extracted from the air.
Spares and service
To ensure the fume extraction unit is working at its optimal performance, it is recommended that regular servicing is scheduled. After some time the fume extraction arm may need adjusting as regular use can loosen the arm making it difficult to maintain its position near to the source of the dangerous fumes. Also, in most cases, regular servicing may only require filter inspection and cleaning only if the unit does not offer automatic filter cleaning. Again, personal protective equipment must be used as the filter and collection bin are full of harmful materials that were extracted from the air.