In Automotive and shipbuilding companies, but also in the aerospace, energy and construction sectors, welding activities are very frequent. Ensuring a safe and clean working environment is therefore essential to protect the health of workers. Two of the most commonly used methods are extraction and filtration of welding fumes. In today's article, we will analyse the differences between the two approaches and try to give some advice on the most effective one.
A comparison of welding fumes extraction and filtration
Welding is an essential practice in many industries. It is crucial in automobile manufacturing, shipbuilding and aerospace to join components with extreme precision. In the energy sector, it is used to assemble pipes and structures, while in construction it is crucial for building steel structures such as skyscrapers and bridges. Welding is also found in equipment manufacturing, railway production, piping and electronics. Finally, it is often used for repairs and maintenance in various sectors.
The fumes produced during welding, however, contain particulate matter, gases and harmful chemicals. These contaminants, if inhaled, can cause a range of respiratory problems and other illnesses. In this context, it becomes essential to adopt effective solutions to eliminate harmful fumes.
Let's look at the difference between welding fumes extraction and filtration
Extraction: extraction refers to the active removal of the fumes directly from the source, before they can be dispersed into the surrounding environment. This method uses a system of fans and pipes that remove the fumes produced during welding activities, preventing them from reaching the welder's breathing zone.
Filtration: unlike extraction, filtration focuses on eliminating fumes once they are already dispersed in the working environment. It works by capturing contaminated air, passing it through special filters that capture particles and contaminants cleaning the air.
The main difference between extraction and filtration therefore is the point of intervention. While filtration acts on the fumes, once they are already present in the air, aspiration actively prevents their dispersion.
Welding fumes extraction at the source is therefore considered more effective than simple filtration, especially in terms of immediate prevention of fume dispersion in the working environment.
Early intervention
Source extraction intervenes directly where the fumes are generated, preventing them from spreading into the surrounding environment. This means that the fumes have been eliminated before they can reach the welder's breathing zone or disperse into the work area.
Exposure reduction
Since the fumes are extracted immediately, the worker's exposure to potentially harmful contaminants is minimized. This is important when considering ultra-fine particles that may escape some filtration systems. Extract at the source allows to capture a wider range of particulate matter, further reducing the risks associated with inhalation.
Less maintenance required
Filtration systems require regular replacement of filters to maintain their effectiveness. In the long term, this may lead to higher operating costs and downtime during filter replacement. On the contrary, extraction systems require less maintenance, making the operation easier and less costly in the long run.
Adaptability
Modern extraction systems can be equipped with flexible arms, which, when positioned close to the welding source, ensure effective elimination of fumes regardless of the position of the welder.
However, there are situations where filtration can have advantages or can be used in combination with extraction, for example:
- in large environments where it might be difficult to implement source extraction for each individual workplace, centralized filtration systems can treat large volumes of air, providing an overall reduction in contaminants.
- there are specific filters designed to capture particular contaminants; this allows targeted filtration based on the welding materials used.
In conclusion, both extraction and filtration of welding fumes play an important role in the elimination of harmful fumes produced by welding, but extraction proves to be the most effective method of ensuring a clean and safe working environment. The adoption of modern and well-designed extraction systems is a key investment for companies that want to protect the health of their workers and ensure efficient and productive operations.
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.
A customised welding fumes extractor provides a healthy and safe working environment, preventing possible risks and increasing the company's productivity.
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!
