How to recognise high-performance welding fumes extraction systems

Effective welding fume extraction systems are necessary in companies because they remove suspended particulates (metals and derivatives) that are dispersed into the environment during operations.

However, it is often difficult to choose the best solution and the most reliable supplier who can guide us through the investment. In today's article, some tips for recognising a truly high-performance system.

Welding fumes extraction systems: how to choose them

In industrial, metal-mechanical environments, welding is an activity that takes place on a regular basis and, to protect the health of workers, who stay exposed to the fumes released for a long time, it is therefore necessary to equip the staff with a fume extraction system.

In fact, there are many chemical components and very fine gaseous or particulate metal particles released during welding, and these substances are harmful to people's health. An effective fumes extraction system picks up the suspended particulates and expels them outside the working area.

It is therefore important that workplaces where these types of work are carried out are equipped with welding fumes extraction systems capable of capturing the fumes directly at the source, before they are inhaled or dispersed into the environment.

Features to evaluate when choosing an effective fume extractor

The first element to evaluate is the type of system best suited to the company. There are in fact two main types:

• Fixed systems, which offer great extraction power and require a proper installation.
• Mobile systems, mounted on wheeled units, which are preferred when there is a need to move the extractor from one area to another, or when there is no possibility of installing a fixed system due to the structure of the building.
  
  

Fixed welding extractors can be part of two different types of systems:

• Systems with wall or ceiling-mounted arms or hoods: fumes are captured by means of appropriately sized articulated arms or hoods and conveyed to the welding fume extractor, to be then expelled outside.
• Duct with sliding elements: which makes it possible to share the arm between several workstations, located along the duct. In this way, depending on the workstation in use, the arm is manually slid by the operator.

Mobile systems, on the other hand, can consist of two macro solutions:

• SMOBIPLUS- very compact and suitable for extracting welding fumes in light and infrequent applications.
• SMOBIMAX- for heavier and medium duty applications thanks to its equipment with a more powerful motor.

What makes a fume extraction system perform?

All components of a system are essential for its proper functioning and high performance.

The suction arms must be of high quality, strong and flexible, and have:

• A robust structure and internal parallelogrammic support fitted with special clamps that allow them to move in any position and then remain stable in the chosen position.
• A variety of lengths (from 3 to 9 metres) and diameters (150 or 200 mm) to always reach the correct point with an adequate flow rate.
• The steel swivel for 360° rotation.
• A range of accessories such as wall or celeing bracket and integrated shutter.
• The possibility of installing a LED lighting kit in the hood and an airtight closing dumper designed to ensure complete closure.

This makes the arms adaptable to any situation and ensures the correct extraction of welding fumes from the working areas.

Combining the arm with the extraction fan results in a simple, compact and functional system that has an incredible impact on workers' health.

In addition to the arms, therefore, the fan is certainly crucial for proper fume extraction. The fan must be correctly sized to ensure maximum efficiency, depending on the company's needs.

Choosing the most suitable fume extraction system means assessing the company's needs accurately and appropriately, considering

• The dimensions of the working area.
• The layout of the rooms and machines already present.
• The number of workstations and their arrangement.
• The extent of the welding operations.

The help of an experienced partner can be really essential to make an appropriate investment that brings a significant improvement to the company's business.

WORKY designs fume extraction systems according to customers' needs, assisting them with

• on-site consultancy
• attentive and punctual commercial service
• system installation
• after-sales service

It is also possible to request a three-dimensional design service of the working area, to get a clear idea of what the final result will look like even before starting the project.

Book a free consultation with our experts to find out more!