BA_Airfilter Mini_151210_GB.doc
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22.07.2013
1 Introduction
In recent years, a special type of welding fume extraction systems has become an ever
more prominent factor: Filtering of welding fumes and return of the filtered air into the
workshop area.
This shows that the issue of environmental consideration has turned for the better for all
concerned. There never has been any doubt about the existence of harmful fumes at
welding sites. However, type of fumes depends on the particular welding process and
welding technique. One can generally differentiate between gases and fumes. The
fumes could also be referred to as fine dust. Investigating them under the microscope,
we are able to see particles of a size that will pass through the respiratory tract deep into
our lungs. The size of these particles is a small as 0.001 mm or even less.
Ventilation is the general approach to improve the conditions at the relevant work posi-
tions. Generally, this is effected by continuously exchanging the air in the workshop, i.e.
the total air volume is exchanged at a high rate. This method will reduce the concentra-
tion of harmful particles within the hall to a great extent, however, it will improve the air
within the breathing range of the individual welder to a negligible portion only.
This also applies to overhead suction systems, i.e. the installation of large extraction
hoods overhead of welding places. Here again the heavily polluted air passes upwards
through the breathing range of the welder. Extraction and/or filtering take place overhead
and outside the range of the welder. A point-attack extraction of the welding fumes right
at their place of origin is far more effective than room ventilation or overhead extraction.
Both capital investment for on-the-spot fume extraction as well as the operating costs for
such systems are far below those of the previous conventional solutions.
Environmental and work protection measures are prerequisite for the successful applica-
tion of advanced welding technologies, aside from the optimisation of such welding pro-
cesses. In view of increased awareness of the problems involved and in compliance with
pertinent legal directives, the danger potential for personnel and environment must be
considered at an early stage and it must be minimised using appropriate technical solu-
tions.
