Dust and Fume Collection for Welding

Worker safety is critically important in welding applications. A huge priority should be placed on clean air when welding, since welding smoke has been linked to a variety of illnesses. A well designed and maintained dust and fume collection system is needed to prevent respiratory problems and keep facilities in compliance with current air quality requirements. In some cases, a good dust collection and ventilation system can eliminate the need for personal respirators and the challenges of getting employees to wear them.

Also, the equipment currently used in fabricating plants has reached a new level of sophistication. Robotic welding and other computerized systems are more sensitive than machinery was 10 or 20 years ago. If dust is not collected properly from welding stations or similar areas, a million-dollar investment can be ruined in no time. Several photos of dust collector installations on welding applications can be viewed here.

Dust/Fume Collectors for Laser/Plasma Cutting

CNC plasma tables and laser tables generate molten metal and smoke that is pulled down through the grate. The smoke is then removed through the duct work and filtered through the dust collector.

In these applications, a channel baffle inlet should be used to help deflect any sparks that make it to the collector. For safety, spark detection and suppression should be considered in extreme cases. Fire retardant cartridges should always be used in this application, as well as sprinkler heads in the collector itself.

Explosion vents should also be included when cutting aluminum. The collector should be located outside. It is best to check with your insurance carrier and follow the NFPA 654 Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing and Handling of Combustible Particle Solids. Continue reading here...