Welding fumes kill, and there is really only one way to get rid of them… and that’s by using an effective welding fume removal system the will get rid of smoke and fumes.
Awareness of the Dangers of Welding Gases and Fumes is Vital
Welding processes produce gases and fumes, all of which are extremely hazardous. While we can see some fumes (most of which look like unthreatening smoke), we can’t see poisonous gases. Either way, when welders on the job breathe in gases and fumes, they put themselves at risk.
While some gases (like argon and carbon dioxide) are relatively harmless, others (like ozone, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide) are dangerously toxic. And if the welder is a smoker, the effect is going to be much worse, and could lead to life-long problems, chronic breathing problems, and even diseases like cancer.
Welding and cutting fumes and gases generally don’t cause health problems instantly, but rather over years. This is why it is so important to have an effective welding fume removal system in every welding workshop.
Effective Welding Fume Exhaust Systems
Professional welding workshops utilize welding fume exhaust systems that remove fumes and harmful smoke during all jobs related to welding, including grinding and cutting. There are various types, and the challenge is to choose the best system for each workshop, since different types are designed for specific applications.
Kemper America has a range of filtration solutions, from relatively small mobile units, to the very effective tower system that that works on the principle of displacement flow.
Effective filtration systems include the:
- PlasmaFil/Weld Fil filter unit that features automatic dust removal. Suitable for systems that utilize oxy-fuel and plasma cutting, for automatic, manual, and robotic welding, and any areas where there are large amounts of smoke and dust.
- PlasmaFil Compact/WeldFil Compact that takes up only a small amount of floor space and offers very flexible installation options. Suitable for oxy-fuel and plasma cutting systems and robotic, automatic and manual welding operations, it is good for areas where there are medium to high amounts of dust and smoke. This unit can also be used outdoors.
- CleanAirTower that is ideal in workshops where local extraction is inadequate or doesn’t work at all. An energy-saving form of indoor ventilation, it is particularly useful in an environment that has changing sources of dust and smoke, and may be used to supplement local cutting and welding fume exhaust ventilation.
Mobile welding fume removal include the:
- SmartMaster, a basic compact unit with an exhaust hood that rotates and swivels. Ideal for occasional use, it is suitable for welding high alloy steel in workshops where there are relatively low amounts of dust and smoke.
- ProfiMaster, which works for the same applications mentioned above, but is suitable for more frequent use in areas where there is low to medium dust and fumes.
- MaxiFil, which has the same applications as those above, but because of its larger filter, is perfect for regular use. It handles medium quantities of dust and smoke with ease.
- MaxiFil Clean, a highly mobile unit that features automatic, contamination-free dust disposal, making it an exceptionally economic option. Ideal for continuous use, it handles filtration of large amounts of smoke and dust, and like the other mobile units, is suitable for high alloy steel.
- MiniFil, a safe, simple-to-use, high-vacuum extraction unit that is able to deal with medium amounts of smoke and dust. It features an integrated automatic start/stop switch. Very compact, this unit is a particularly good option in workshops that have workstations that change frequently.
So whether you have a small welding workshop or an operation that involves massive production lines or unique manufacturing processes, there is a welding smoke extraction system that will meet your needs.