Deciding on the fumes extraction system which best meets your workshop's needs is not always easy, but it is necessary to ensure a healthy work environment and to improve productivity.
In today's article, we will take a look at some parameters to take into consideration when choosing the best extraction system for your company’s needs.
Workshop fumes extraction systems: three parameters to take into consideration
Owners of modern workshops have three main needs:
- Improve efficiency and have the ability to finish as much work in the shortest possible time
- Guarantee high-quality work and results which meet customer expectations
- Provide the highest level of worker health and safety
Operatives are, indeed, exposed to a range of risks. Often vehicles must be kept running while work is performed on them, causing toxic gases and fumes containing hazardous substances to be released. These gases are too impalpable to be filtered, and so must be extracted before they disperse in the environment by capturing them directly at the exhaust pipe.
An exhaust fumes extraction system ensures precisely that exhaust fumes don’t disperse in the work environment, safeguarding the health of the technicians working in close contact with the vehicles.
But that’s not all: the latest high-tech and innovative systems are designed functionally to meet the requirements of modern workshops in order to make the work faster and easier, and not hinder other operations.
There are a range of different types of fumes extraction systems available on the market today. So how to choose the right one?
Here are the three main considerations to take into account before you make a purchase.
The number of workstations in the workshop
The number of workstations is a key factor in choosing the best fumes extraction system.
There are two types of exhaust fumes extraction systems:
- Fixed systems
- Sliding systems
The former require permanent installation, and are equipped with different components, including hose reels as stand-alone or centralised stations connected to a single exhaust fan via a galvanised pipe which also conveys the fumes outside. These systems are the most suitable choice for small, medium and large workshops where the operations requiring extraction of fumes occur continuously and in a well-defined area.
The sliding systems, on the other hand, are very manageable and, thanks to the installation of a track along which the elements actually slide, they are recommended for large workshops containing many workstations which are not all used at the same time.
The mobile elements can be shared between the workstations, thus optimising space and costs.
The space taken up in the working area is indeed minimised, as the sliding element can be moved where it is required at any given time.
The innovative touchless arms also eliminate the need for specific adapters or nozzles, because they do not come into contact with the vehicle exhaust pipes. This is a flexible and universal solution which makes work even faster and more efficient.
Frequency of Use
The frequency with which extraction systems are used in workshops can differ greatly, and it is therefore necessary to assess which type of system best meets the individual needs.
For workshops where exhaust fumes are extracted on a daily basis, fixed systems – as well as the sliding ones described above – are ideal.
For less frequent uses, you may choose underfloor systems, as they are designed specifically to be run under the floor and pulled out only when required. If extraction is used occasionally, these systems are perfect, also because they minimise the space taken up and do not obstruct other work.
If the need for extraction is occasional or limited in duration, stand-alone mobile systems may be the best solution. As they are compact and equipped with wheels, they are highly flexible and functional, as well as being more economical.
Positioning of the System
Above all in large workshops, fume extraction fans may also be installed outside; nevertheless, they can also be turned off and on remotely thanks to microswitches, RF remote controls or control panels which means the operatives do not have to constantly go back and forth between the extraction system and their work. This is essential to optimise the operations and make the work more efficient.
If the fumes extraction fan needs to be installed outdoors, it will be necessary to protect the electric motor from the elements. If the fumes extraction fan is to be installed within the workshop, on the other hand, soundproofing solutions are available for each model.
In today's article, we have discussed the main factors to take into consideration before proceeding with the purchase of a workshop fumes extraction system. A reliable supplier will be able to offer personalised consultancy services, helping you evaluate the solution best suited to your individual requirements.
WORKY's technicians are able to develop customised projects to meet the needs of individual customers, analysing each business in depth to come up with a made-to-measure solution.
If you want to know more, we are offering a free session with one of our experts: book your slot now!
meta desc: How to decide which is the workshop fumes extraction system best suited to your premises? Here are the main considerations to take into account before purchasing.
