Just because particles are not visible to the human eye, doesn’t mean they are not there. The health risks associated with certain industrial processes and materials are well documented but not always easy to spot. However, it isn’t what’s visible that’s important; it’s what’s breathable and, critically, respirable.
Extraction systems, such as those designed by Donaldson BOFA, filter particles with the potential to penetrate deep into the lungs and capture gases and vapors that present a health risk.
In this new blog series, we go back to basics to underline the value of effective filtration in industrial processes – as both a contributor to workplace atmosphere management and to enhance productivity.
- How do I know whether my process needs a fume extraction system?
All employers have a legal duty of care to protect workers from exposure to hazardous substances, whether that’s dust, fume, fumes, chemicals, vapors, mists, and gases.
When it comes to industrial processes, this mainly means controlling the dust, fume and fumes associated with airborne emissions. It’s worth knowing the difference between these because understandably there can be some confusion about what these categories cover. So, here’s a brief explanation.
- ‘Dust’ is made up of solid particles that can be generated by processes such as cutting or grinding, for example in sawmills or during certain procedures in dental laboratories. Clouds of dust can contain particles that are small enough to be breathed in (‘inhalable’), although it is those sized 10 microns and smaller have the potential to enter the lungs (‘breathable’) and cause harm.
- ‘Fume’ is micron-sized particles generated by thermal processes such as soldering and lasering and is produced when a solid material vaporizes and condenses, for example during laser engraving.
- ‘Fumes’ result from the gaseous phase of a substance which is normally a liquid or solid at room temperature. In industrial settings, fumes can be vapors, gases, and volatile organic compounds such as Styrene, which is emitted during certain extrusion-based 3D printing processes.
Countries around the world set occupational or workplace limits to maintain a safe and healthy work environment. These limits define permitted concentrations of hazardous substances in the air, averaged over a set period.
Safety Data Sheets also provide an essential resource about materials – and there is lots of sector-specific information available via organizations responsible for industrial health and safety.
Where a need to extract emissions is identified – because the size of particle is respirable or the composition of chemicals potentially harmful – businesses need to consider whether they can eliminate the source of the exposure or modify the process. If not, they will need to invest in local exhaust ventilation, such as Donaldson BOFA’s portable extraction technology, to filter potentially harmful airborne contaminants.
- Do all industry sectors need fume extraction?
The need for local exhaust ventilation is determined by a process and the materials being worked. While it’s true that some industries are more likely to require filtration systems than others, the type and composition of emissions can vary even within the same sector.
For example, laser-generated airborne contaminants can be solid particles, liquid droplets, vapors, or gases. Certain substrates generate extremely hazardous emissions – for example, PVC gives off Hydrogen Chloride/Hydrochloric Acid.
So, alongside equipment manufacturers, we design fume and dust extraction systems tailored to specific processes and workplace exposure limits. From captor hoods and receptor hoods to partial and full enclosures, the Donaldson BOFA line-up covers a range of solutions for multiple applications, including laser, electronics, printing, additive manufacturing/3D printing, and more.
All incorporate advanced filtration technology, such as the patented DeepPleat DUO pre-filtration, a main High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter and, if the process demands, a layer of activated carbon to remove vapors and gases.
The added benefit of such a system is a cleaner operating environment for equipment, which can in turn enhance productivity by reducing unplanned downtime caused by dust contaminating machine operation and impacting product quality.
Check out our sector specific solutions.
- How do I go about specifying the correct extraction system?
Conceptually, a fume and dust extraction system incorporates a suction pump that vacuums air in proximity to an industrial process, and a filter to capture potentially harmful contaminants.
However, the apparent simplicity of this architecture needs to take account of the complex interaction between materials, processes, and chemicals, as well as the size and composition of the emissions.
This will inform the design of the system architecture, the filtration media, the integration of sensors (for high-temperature applications for example) and the most appropriate monitoring and control mechanisms.
To ensure a perfect fit, our engineers work closely with equipment manufacturers, taking a wide range of factors into account. These include:
- The way airborne contaminants are generated (by laser, 3D printing, or soldering for example).
- The material being worked, having regard to relevant safety data sheets and workplace exposure limits.
- Matching filter media and capacity to the production process, the volume and size of particles, and any gases emitted.
- The need for risk mitigation in higher temperature processes.
Engineers have access to Donaldson’s global R&D and scientific laboratory network, which is particularly valuable in meeting the needs of fast-evolving sectors such as additive manufacturing, with its heavy reliance on materials technology.
If you already have a relationship with an original equipment manufacturer, they should be your first point of contact for specifying an associated extraction system.
That said, you can also access lots of useful information on our FAQ page or by using our website chat function.