Do you use fume extraction for welding?

In the world of metalworking and construction, welding is an essential technique. Whether it's connecting metal parts in the automotive industry or creating complex metal structures for buildings, welding plays a crucial role. However, welding also brings health and safety risks. That's why fume extraction is an indispensable part of a safe work environment. In this blog, we discuss what fume extraction is, why it's important, and how it contributes to a healthy and safe work environment.

What is fume extraction?

Fume extraction is a technology used to capture and remove welding fumes and vapors released during welding, before they can spread into the surrounding air. During welding, fine particles and harmful substances are released, including heavy metals, oxides, and gases such as ozone and nitrogen oxides. These substances can cause health problems for workers and negatively impact air quality. Fume extraction prevents these harmful substances from spreading into the environment.

Why is fume extraction important?

Inhaling welding fumes and vapors can cause serious health problems, ranging from irritation of the respiratory tract and eyes to more serious conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and even long-term lung cancer. Workers regularly exposed to welding fumes are at an increased risk of these health issues. That's why it is essential to capture welding fumes at the source using fume extraction before they can spread through the air and reach workers.

Benefits of good fume extraction

Using a quality fume extraction system offers several benefits:

• Health and well-being: The main advantage of fume extraction is protecting the health of workers. By capturing harmful fumes and particles, exposure to potentially dangerous substances is significantly reduced.
• Increased productivity: A healthy and safe work environment often leads to more satisfied employees and higher productivity.
• Quality of work: Welding fumes and vapors can affect the quality of welding work. Contaminants in the fumes can result in defects in the weld joints, which in turn affects the overall quality of the product. By using fume extraction, the chance of such defects is reduced.

What does fume extraction consist of?

Mobile fume extraction

Mobile fume extraction systems are portable units specially designed to capture welding fumes and vapors at various locations within a workshop. These systems typically consist of an extraction fan, filtration system, and sometimes a flexible extraction arm. They can be easily moved to the location where welding takes place. This mobility makes fume extraction ideal for situations where welding is carried out in different locations within a factory or workshop.

Filters for mobile fume extraction

Filters are an essential part of mobile fume extraction systems. They play a crucial role in cleaning the extracted air before reintroducing it into the environment. There are different types of filters that can be used in fume extraction:

• Pre-filters: These capture larger particles and sparks, extending the life of the main filter.
• Main filters: These are usually HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters that can capture and retain microscopic particles, including harmful substances in welding fumes.
• Activated carbon filters: These filters are designed to absorb gases and vapors such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Extraction arms

Extraction arms, also known as welding fume extraction arms, are flexible and adjustable arms attached to the system. They are positioned above the welding work to extract welding fumes and vapors directly at the source. These arms are designed to create optimal airflow, so the fumes are effectively captured and removed. Extraction arms are available in different lengths and can be rotated 360 degrees, making them suitable for various welding conditions.

The Interfilter range of fume extractors

Dufil Mini fume extraction

The Dufil Mini is a mobile fume extraction specifically used for light smoke and dust applications. The unit takes up little space and is therefore suitable for any workshop. More importantly, it helps create a healthier work environment.

Tofil Pulse fume extraction

The Tofil Pulse is a self-cleaning mobile fume extraction specifically used for medium to heavy smoke and dust applications. The portable unit is suitable for the workshop and also helps create a healthier work environment.

Tofil Mono fume extraction

The Tofil Mono is a mobile fume extraction specifically used for light to medium smoke and dust applications. The unit is compact and portable, making it ideal for the workshop. It also helps create a healthier work environment.

Tofil Pro fume extraction

The Tofil Pro is a mobile fume extraction specifically used for medium to heavy smoke and dust applications. The unit is compact and portable, making it ideal for the workshop. It also helps create a healthier work environment. 

More information about mobile fume extraction?

For more information, feel free to contact one of our product specialists, Ruben van Sliedregt.

Would you like to order directly? Click here. You can click on a specific category to see the range and prices.