Fume Extraction

Fume extractors are similar to dust extraction systems, but they draw fumes and vapours from the air rather than vacuuming dust from the immediate environment. A negative draft pulls fumes and small particles into a contained filtration system. This prevents harmful chemicals from building up in the air, so workers don’t breathe them in.

Fumes are condensed and vapourised particles, while vapours are the gaseous form of particles that are usually liquids or solids. Heating solid particles can cause them to vaporise, becoming gaseous, then condense into a visible plume which still contains some solid particles. Toxic fumes can often be flammable or corrosive, or cause a strong smell.

There are plenty of industries that require fume extraction due to creating harmful fumes and vapours as a by-product of their manufacturing processes. The most common are welding, sanding, grinding, and spraying industries. Welding especially requires solder fume extraction, as the manganese in the welding rods is extremely toxic if inhaled.

People working with paints, plasters, epoxies, plastic bonding, and even 3D printing will also need equipment to prevent them from breathing in the fumes. Not only can fumes harm workers, but they can also damage machinery and affect productivity. The Health and Safety Executive regulates the use of dust and fume extractors in Britain.

If you think about the way that standard vacuum cleaners work, fume extraction systems work in a similar way. A motor creates vacuum pressure, while a turbine spins to generate power. This draws fumes from the air into the fume extraction unit, usually through a hose. The fumes and particles are then drawn through a filtration system to remove them from the air.

After the unwanted materials have been extracted by being trapped in the filters, the purified air is blown back out into the environment. There are many different filter types and configurations that work for different kinds of fumes and particles. Some are self-cleaning, while others need to be manually cleaned or replaced when they reach around 70% saturation.

The pre-filter, generally pleated cotton, traps dust and larger debris. Then a HEPA filter (High-Efficiency Particle Arresting, usually a fibreglass mesh) captures extremely small airborne particles. These aren’t effective at trapping gases, though, so a series of activated carbon filters will eliminate the leftover fumes and odours in the extracted air.

Just as there are different types of filters for various applications, there are several types of fume extraction units available. For example, if the source of the fumes moves around as part of your work, you’re likely to need a portable fume extractor. Otherwise, you might use a stationary fume extraction unit, perhaps with an overhead extraction arm.

There are numerous benefits to using fume extraction systems in the relevant sectors. In fact, fume extraction units are absolutely essential if you want your business to achieve:

• A healthy and productive workforce

Any honest employer will want to ensure that their employees are safe and protected at all times when working. Improving air quality and avoiding fume-related health problems will result in a more energetic and motivated workforce, which will translate to better quality and larger quantities of work. Why wouldn’t you want less absenteeism and faster manufacturing times?

• Legal compliance with COSHH regulations

Governmental regulatory bodies such as HSE have strict rules covering workplace safety. If you don’t comply with Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations, you leave your business open to fines and lawsuits – and it could even be shut down completely. You’re also likely to have to cover medical expenses or pay compensation to any injured employees.

• Reduced contamination for machinery and products

Contaminated air isn’t only a problem for people, but also for machinery. Dust, fumes, and vapours can clog up or even corrode machines, requiring costly repairs and shortening their lifespan. In the case of consumables, pharmaceuticals, or surface finishing, they can also reduce the quality of the final product and make them unsafe for use.

If your business involves the production of fumes, a fume extraction system would clearly be a worthwhile investment even if it wasn’t compulsory under British law.

The best fume extraction unit for your business depends on the nature of the work, and the specific kinds of fumes and particles that you need the system to filter. If you need the freedom to move it to different locations, then you should look for a portable fume extractor such as a welding smoke exhaust fan or a fume extraction unit on wheels.

Or, if space is limited, you might want a small compact fume extractor that you can place on the floor, a shelf, or a tabletop. Wall-mounted fume extractors are a better option if floor space is at a premium. You may be able to extend the reach of stationary units with extraction arms, or connect them to existing ductwork if you have such a system in place already.

To decide which type of fume extraction system is the best for your needs, you should ask yourself the following questions about your work:

• Does the process move around, or stay in a dedicated place?
• How big is the facility, and how many people work in this space?
• How much space is available on the floor, walls, and ceiling?
• What kinds of fumes are you producing, and which filters are required?

Once you know the answers, you should be able to find a fume extraction unit that fits all of the requirements for what you need it to do and where you need it to go.