At one time, the default position for many companies requiring some form of fume extraction was to hook up any new or changed process to a vent-to-air or centralized exhaust system. However, over the years, portable extraction systems, such as those designed by Donaldson BOFA, have gained traction with businesses keen to exploit the benefits of agile manufacturing.
There’s no doubt that centralized systems can offer a great solution for large-scale industrial processes, while a portable solution can offer the flexibility and performance required in sectors such as printing, laser, additive manufacturing, and electronics.
“There has been an increasing trend towards the adoption of portable extraction technology in recent years as more manufacturers focus on workplace atmosphere management and filtration options that deliver the best return on investment,” said James Stephenson, UK Sales Manager at Donaldson BOFA.
“The question for a business that requires effective filtration for any given process is whether to opt for portable or fixed technology.”
In weighing up the options, engineering and health and safety managers need to understand the risk in the workplace environment presented by any given process, assess the installation and the life cycle costs of fixed and portable systems, and try to project the future mix of work relative to agility, capability, and capacity.
Choosing Portable Extraction
For those landing on portable technology as the most appropriate system, the decision tends to be influenced by the process involved and the following considerations:
- Portable systems are more maneuverable than fixed systems, providing flexibility to accommodate changes to the factory floor layout.
- Installation and maintenance costs tend to be lower, whereas a vent-to-air system will have greater initial investment to match the scale of the industrial process. Altering ducting and pipework in response to a process change can also add cost, but this will be taken into account as part of a cost-benefit analysis.
- Portable filtration supports a ‘make anything anywhere’ production culture—it is quicker, easier to set up, and can be scaled progressively to meet demand.
- Because portable systems recirculate filtered air back into the workplace, they help to retain heated air within the building, reducing the need to replace it with cold outside air. As a result, energy consumption for space heating can be lower compared to centralized systems, which typically vent warm air outside along with the fumes.
- Many Donaldson BOFA portable systems include an option to be fitted with an exhaust spigot and connected to a VTA system.
Said James: “We are continuously working with industry to optimise the value of our portable extractions systems, matching design and filtration to specific processes and the type, volume, size, shape, and velocity of particles being emitted.
“Our portable systems also benefit from the world-class scientific and research and development facilities available through our relationship with Donaldson, which is a significant contributor in helping Donaldson BOFA maintain its leadership in portable filtration on a global scale.”
Donaldson BOFA offers a range of portable extraction systems to meet the demands of multiple industry sectors, including laser processes, electronics, additive manufacturing, and ink printing.
