Choosing The Right System
Getting the right system is essential. Which basic system is suitable for your requirements?
Many workplaces generate harmful airborne particulates in the form of gases, fumes, vapours and fine dusts. The control of these through AT SOURCE solutions, which extract the potentially harmful particles away from the breathing zone is the most cost effective solution.
The capture of airborne pollutants benefits both employer and employees. The reduced need for general ventilation decreases heat loss and energy costs. Risk of damage by pollutants to operatives respiratory system, brings a healthier staff, resulting in higher productivity, less sick leave and lower employee turnover.
Extraction or Filtration?
Extraction - Total removal of particulates and odours.
The total removal of particulates and odours can be achieved through the extraction of the potentially harmful air, away from the operator and filtering it prior to exhausting it through a length of flexi-duct, either to the external atmosphere through a window or through a wall or partitioning. The flexi-duct does not have to be fixed as in most custom extraction systems, it can be easily and effectively placed through and open window or door whilst in use, alternatively, the 100mm x 2m standard hose can be fixed via a domestic louvered wall ventilation grille. These systems are a must when the unit is to be used regularly , especially in a confined space and windows are available
Filtration as an alternative
Filtration is ideal, where the area from which the contaminated air is to be removed, is not located conveniently for the use of extraction.
Several stages of filtration take place before the filtered air is returned in to the work place.
- Initial cleaning of the air takes place by way of high dust holding capacity intake filters, these 3 stage filters stop ever decreasing molecules to 5 microns. The open structure of the first stage discourages surface loading and promotes depth filtration, ensuring a high dust holding capacity and reducing resistance to airflow. The denser backing filter and final scrim material provides finer filtration to 5 micron. NB: Spray particulate size varies from 10 to 20 microns.
- For finer filtration then optional HEPA filters remove particles to 0.3micron.
- The next stage is provided by carbon filters. Carbon impregnated fibre filters give additional filtration alongside the initial Intake filters, the filtered air is then recirculated back into the workspace.
- For high level removal of odour then High Efficiency Activated Carbon filters are used. In these filtered particles which pass through the intake filters are adsorbed by the carbon molecules in the filters and prevented from being recirculated back into the working environment.
