Welding Fume Extractors are designed to be utilized as an engineering safety control to protect users from the occupational hazards presented with various welding applications. Given that the vast majority of the respirable particles in the airstream are under .4 microns in size, a filtered ventilation system that can filter down to that level is what is required to ensure the safety and health of the welder. These health effects carry short and long term implications.
When choosing an adequate ventilation system, it is important to make sure that you are aware of all of the elements that could vary the efficiency of the filtration of welding fumes. The particular welding application is usually the number one variable that helps decipher what is recommended, but additional configurations such as HEPA or ASHRAE filters, cleanable media, multi-operators, or portability are dependent of different elements that are best discussed with a trained specialist.
Sentry Air Systems’ line of Portable Welding Fume Extractors are designed with heavy-duty casters and self-supportive source-capture flex arms to give the operator full control of the unit’s position in relation to their welding process. These energy-efficient systems are equipped with high-quality filtration media which allows a recirculating air pattern that does not require exterior ducting or make-up air.
The Portable “Python” Welding Fume Extractors is designed for welding applications that are performed in hard-to-reach areas. All of Sentry Air’s “Python” welding fume extraction models are equipped with long, flame-retardant “python” hoses that are available in options up to 25 feet in length. The included magnetic source-capture hood allows the operator to attach it to a surface without having to manually hold the hose in place while capturing welding smoke and fumes.
Our line of Wall-Mounted Welding Fume Extractors are source-capture fume extractors that are designed to free up valuable benchtop and floor space. All wall-mounted units feature a free-hanging, self-supportive and flame-retardant flex arm that can easily be maneuvered by the operator to their desired location. All systems include mounting brackets and a Remote Variable Speed Controller.
Sentry Air Systems’ line of Multi-Operator and Multi-Station Welding Fume Extractors are designed specifically for two or more operators. These systems are frequently used in classroom and training environments, so multiple operators can work at once. Sentry Air‘s multiple operator units are typically available in dual or quad configurations; however, other options may be available depending on the application. The self-supportive flex arms on these systems can be taken on and off dependent on the user’s needs. Accessories (End Caps) are available to block inlet ports at the base of the unit if all flex arms are not required for operation.
Welding fume extraction systems are an integral part of the hierarchy of controls for managing fume, and serve as the safety control from hazardous particles left behind in welding applications.
There are several filters that claim 99% efficiency, but fail to divulge at what particle size the filters achieve this efficiency. An efficiency of 99% at 1 micron is not the same as a 99% efficiency at .3 microns, nor is it comparable to even 90% efficiency at .3 microns. Remember that the smaller particles are more respirable and must be filtered out to reduce the possibility of health effects.
