Fumes extraction systems are fundamental in working environments where welding operations are carried out on a regular basis. As the fumes generated are an hazard to the health of the operators, they must be removed from the working area through a modern and cutting edge system.
In this article, we look at some tips and the main solutions on the market.
Why install fumes extraction systems in your company?
A fume extraction system removes the hazardous substances from the environment before they are breathed in by operators.
Welding activities produce a mixture of chemical compounds and fine particles that, if inhaled, can be very harmful to the breathing system.
A welding fume extractor collect harmful gases and toxic substances at their source, ensuring a healthy and efficient working environment. A healthy and safe working environment results in higher productivity.
A fume extraction arm is a very effective solution
This is a fume extraction system consisting of an arm specifically designed to collect welding fumes or grinding dust. These are extracted in by the fan, either centralised in the extraction system or directly connected to the arm, which can be:
- wall-mounted
- ceiling-mounted
- sliding on overhead rail
Extraction arms remove harmful substances from the working area, avoiding danger to technicians and workers.
There are different types of fume extraction arms for a wide range of industrial applications, that guarantee strength, durability and high performance even for high volumes of fumes production.
These arms can be installed on both fixed extraction systems and mobile units.
Let's see the difference between the two systems.
Fixed fumes extraction systems
Fixed solutions, in addition to articulated arms, consist of hoods and filters or extraction benches, which have the advantage that they can also be used as normal workbenches.
The extraction benches are connected to a fan, which extracts fumes from the working environment.
Mobile extraction systems
A mobile fume extractor, on the other hand, consists of a trolley mounted unit equipped with a fan, filter and articulated arm.
SMOBIPLUS is one of WORKY's portable welding fume extraction solution, appreciated for its extreme practicality and ease of transport from one area to another within the working environment. This solution is ideal for light and infrequent use.
For more intensive use, however, the ideal solution is SMOBIMAX, a fumes extraction system, also portable, but designed for more frequent use.
It is important to choose the most suitable solution based on:
- dimensions of spaces
- frequency of use
- intensity of welding activities
- size of welded materials
- welding method used
Tin soldering, for example, requires a specific fume extractor
Tin is a material easy to handle, which is often used in the electro-technical sector for soldering electronic circuit boards and wire connections, due to its specific melting properties.
The gaseous emissions produced by this type of soldering however, can cause some problems as it is a lead-containing alloy, they are toxic.
For this reason, it is always necessary (and also required by law) to have a fume extractor capable of extracting these substances.
The SMOBIPLUS fume extraction system is also ideal for situations where tin soldering is carried out, given its characteristics:
- 1.5 hp motor
- battery of 4 filters (the last one with activated charcoal, to deodorise the air before reintroducing it into the environment)
- 3 m articulated arm
Another suitable solution for this purpose is STOR-C, a portable vacuum cleaner characterised by:
- 0.88 kW single-phase motor at 230V
- filter cartridge for up to 99% of flue gas extraction
- 2 kg of activated carbon
- 2 m of 50 mm diameter hose
It is therefore important to rely on a supplier who can propose tailor-made solutions based on the customer's needs.
One of WORKY's strengths is its ability to develop projects that meet the needs of individual companies, carefully assessing the characteristics of the work area, both from an operational point of view and in terms of building design.
Customised fumes extraction systems provide a healthy and safe working environment, preventing possible risks and increasing the productivity of the company.
If you would like to discover all WORKY solutions or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us! Our experts are at your disposal for a free, no-obligation consultation!
