Here we aim to help you find answers to your questions about extraction systems!
Please note this page is a work in progress so if you can’t find the answer here, do get in touch to ask us directly.
Choose from the categories below or browse all to find out more about how extraction systems work, what the requirements for each industry are or what product might best suit your application.
When choosing a dust and fume extraction system, several key factors should guide your decision. Firstly, assess the nature of your operations and the types of contaminants involved.
By considering these factors — contaminants, airflow, filtration efficiency, maintenance, noise, and compliance — you can make an informed decision that prioritizes both worker safety and operational efficiency.
Determining the appropriate size and capacity of a dust and fume extraction system requires a comprehensive analysis of contaminants, emission sources, airflow requirements, and regulatory considerations. Engaging experts and carefully considering these factors will help you design and implement an effective and compliant extraction system for your facility.
This is what we do to ensure we design a system that’s right for your needs:
Assess Contaminants: Understand the type, volume, and health hazards of contaminants.
Identify Sources: Locate emission points and measure their output.
Capture Velocity: Calculate the required capture speed for each source.
Airflow Volume: Determine necessary airflow to capture contaminants effectively.
Select Filters: Choose appropriate filters considering contaminant properties.
Optimize Ductwork: Design efficient duct layouts to minimize pressure drops.
Plan for Future: Consider redundancy and potential facility changes.
Compliance: Ensure adherence to safety and environmental regulations.
Energy Efficiency: Prioritize energy-efficient components and controls.
Expert Guidance: Consult professionals with expertise in industrial ventilation.
Testing and Maintenance: Regularly validate and maintain the system for optimal performance.
We always take the bigger picture into account, understanding all the nitty-gritty details of the processes involved. Unlike some who choose to cut corners by going for a cheaper, undersized filter, we’re all about considering the full life cycle cost. Sure, we might not always be the cheapest option out there, but we’re committed to being the best.
The AtSource approach is different; we don’t just offer run-of-the-mill solutions. Our engineers design each solution to perfectly fit your needs, creating a custom package that’s tailored to you. We’re not here to sell you off-the-shelf units that are sitting in stock. Our equipment isn’t just a product; we stand by it, with you, and for you.
Exposure to industrial dust and fumes can pose significant health risks to workers and nearby communities. Particulate matter generated from industrial processes, such as construction, mining, and manufacturing, can lead to various respiratory and systemic health issues.
Inhalation of fine particles, often present in industrial dust, can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing or exacerbating respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Prolonged exposure to hazardous fumes, such as those containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or heavy metals, can lead to serious health problems including lung and liver damage, neurological disorders, and even certain types of cancer.
Workers in industries prone to dust and fume exposure are particularly vulnerable. Without proper protective equipment and workplace controls, they face increased risks of lung and airway inflammation, as well as long-term health complications. Furthermore, communities residing near industrial facilities might also be affected as these pollutants can travel through the air and settle on surfaces, leading to potential health impacts for residents.
To mitigate these risks, stringent industrial hygiene measures, effective dust and fume extraction systems, personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers, and regulatory oversight are essential. Comprehensive monitoring, regular health assessments, and ongoing education on safe practices can collectively contribute to minimizing the adverse health effects associated with industrial dust and fumes.
In addition to respiratory and systemic health concerns, industrial dust and fumes can also pose a significant risk of explosion. Fine particles suspended in the air can create explosive atmospheres when ignited. This risk is particularly pronounced in industries handling combustible materials, such as flour, wood, and certain chemicals. Preventive measures like compliant, engineered dust extraction systems, and adherence to safety protocols are crucial to mitigate this potentially catastrophic hazard.
There are many industrial processes that cause harmful aerosols including dust and fumes.
Our many years of experience and engineering expertise, along with comprehensive and internationally proven product ranges from Nederman, SEAT etc ensure we can help with clean air solutions in most industries.
Most commonly, our extraction systems are used in:
Direct at-source capture and extraction of dust and fumes at the point of emission is widely recognised and proven to be the most effective and efficient method of eliminating airborne contaminants from the workplace.
When released into the air, dust and fume particles can remain suspended for hours – causing ongoing risk to anyone working or entering the area, and risk of harmful particles traveling to adjacent areas also.
An extraction fan on the other side of the room is better than nothing, but it doesn’t stand a chance at keeping your air clean.
AtSource have a wide range of at source extraction product solutions to cater to your unique space and methods of working, to ensure the best possible result for clean air in your workplace.
For optimal fume extraction we recommend portable, benchtop or wall-mounted extraction systems – depending on your specific needs.
Portable extractors are wheeled units and can be easily moved to where you need them.
Benchtop extractors are fixed to your workspace right where it they’re needed. These are ideal for soldering workshops, pharmaceutical sorting or any other small scale practise that could generate fumes.
Wall-mounted extractors are fixed out of the way, above where fume removal is required.
Another, less flexible option is enclosed extractors – these are integrated into a work bench or just above it, or on the wall behind the workspace.
You might not be able to see much dust, but it’s the dust that you can’t see that is the most harmful.
Dust particles over 50 microns wide are visible, but it’s those that are 1-10 microns wide that can become trapped in our lungs and cause damage to mucous membranes. Our body is able to exhale particles less then 1 micron, and our systems are designed to expel particles over 10 microns.
Our extraction systems, with appropriate filters and installation, remove almost all dust from your workshop – visible and invisible – so you can rest easy, knowing you are breathing clean air!
AtSource systems can handle virtually all airborne substances, including:
Note that different substances may require special consideration, and some may need special equipment.
For example, volatile and flammable solvents will almost certainly require flameproof motors, and anti-static equipment.
AtSource engineers are fully trained and experienced to provide the appropriate system design and equipment selections for your specific application.
A dust extraction system captures airborne particulate contaminants in production facilities, workshops, and other industrial or commercial environments. The system first captures and separates the matter, then cleans the air by pushing it through filters, and once it meets the appropriate emission standards it is then expelled outside or recirculated.
The system will generally consist of hoods that must be arranged to capture the dust as it is emitted, a ducting system in which the air velocity must be high enough to transport the dust, and a filter or dust collection unit.
Yes, as a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) you are legally responsible for managing risks at work including the management of dust. This is clarified under the The New Zealand Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA 2015) which sets out the principles, duties and rights in relation to workplace health and safety. You can find out more at Worksafe, which states that “a guiding principle of HSWA is that workers and others need to be given the highest level of protection from workplace health and safety risks, as is reasonable.” Worksafe provides more detailed guidance here.
Browse our range of Low Vacuum or High Vacuum dust collectors or contact us for help with your requirements.
