Maintaining fume extraction systems in optimal condition will enable manufacturers to reap the benefits of a technology that contributes both to a healthy workplace and a productive operating environment.
Donaldson BOFA helps businesses achieve these complementary goals through portable systems that filter potentially harmful airborne contaminants and aid process efficiency and product quality.
These significant benefits are evident at the point of installation, thanks to Donaldson BOFA’s ability to match extraction system architecture with emissions generated by a given industrial process, whether that’s lasering, soldering, additive manufacturing, or another application.
However, the continued effectiveness of extraction technology relies on establishing an appropriate inspection and maintenance regime – and an aftermarket strategy – to maximize filter life and help keep equipment free from process dust that might otherwise impact on product quality.
This is made easier by Donaldson BOFA operating systems, such as the Intelligent Operating System (iQ), as Geoff Hamilton, International Sales Manager at Donaldson BOFA, explains.
“Depending on the system, our fume extraction technology includes visual read-outs conveying instantaneous operating information covering temperature, blower status, airflow rates (actual vs target set point) and filter condition,” says Geoff. “This makes monitoring filter saturation and blockage levels simple and helps schedule exchanges in step with production cycles and maintenance regimes.
“However, to maintain optimal extraction performance, it’s really important that when the time comes for new filters, they are replaced with original Donaldson BOFA aftermarket parts, otherwise operators risk compromising system effectiveness.”
Why invest in original filters?
Non-original third-party filters are not constructed to the same design as Donaldson BOFA’s patented technology and may possess much lower emissions capture efficiency rates. In addition, non-approved filters have been shown to give incorrect pressure readings and will not be recognized by the iQ system, which risks compromising performance data and could, in turn, lead to equipment contamination and unplanned downtime – not to mention the potentially negative impact on atmosphere management.
As Arran Morgan, Senior Product Manager at Donaldson BOFA, warns: “There are very sound operational reasons for choosing original filters and replacement parts. With our Aftermarket technology, not only do end users benefit from warrantied original quality, most importantly they know that their extraction system is helping to protect their people and their original investment in often expensive manufacturing equipment.”
The blockage/saturation point at which filters need to be exchanged will largely be determined by the volume, size, and composition of the particles and fumes emitted during any given process – and if filter life has shortened unexpectedly, it’s worth checking whether the process itself has changed, perhaps in relation to the material being worked.
“It can also be tempting to try to remove fume and dust from blocked filters in an attempt to increase filter life,” says Arran, “but not only does this raise operative safety issues, it can also compromise the filter seal, degrade capture effectiveness and reduce overall system efficiency.”
With Donaldson BOFA technology, ease of filter exchange and parts replacement is designed in. Original Aftermarket spare parts, such as filters, pumps etc, are available for all the company’s systems, come with pictorial installation guides and are covered in user manuals, with some benefiting from ‘how-to’ videos.
Want to know more about filter lifecycles? Check out our blog – Optimizing Filter Performance.
