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DUST & FUME EXTRACTION
manufacturers have adopted laser technology because it offers operating cost benefits over other coding/marking processes and the finished mark is more durable and less susceptible to moisture degradation. However, the high energy laser source can present a thermal risk in certain circumstances if appropriate mitigation measures are not in place.
At the other end of the spectrum, lasers play a key role in customisation and communicating brand, whether by engraving logos on products or cutting and marking the high-quality packaging that reinforces the values that appeal to consumers. For example, in the cosmetics industry, lasers are used to create high precision logos on products, such as lipsticks. Here, where look and feel are an essential part of the sometimes premium price pitch to consumers, there’s no room for poor marking or sub- standard packaging.
What these very different markets share in common is the requirement to filter fume or particulate emissions at the point of ablation…and that means investing in extraction technology. Fibre laser processes can generate very small particles which, if not properly controlled, can collect around the laser head, as well as the ducting and filters. To help address any associated health risks for operatives arising from these emissions and to help keep machinery free from dust, Donaldson BOFA’s portable extraction technology incorporates multi-stage filtration, innovations in airflow management and smart system control.
Some particles can also be highly flammable, so manufacturers need to ensure that their extraction systems are appropriately maintained to keep the area around the laser free from airborne contaminants. This will reduce the risk of an ignition source coming into contact with flammable material before it has had a chance to burn out. Operators can take a number of actions to help reduce the possibility of a thermal event as part of their overall health and safety strategy:
Undertake a risk assessment of the process to understand any potential risks and define any mitigation actions.
Educate operatives so that they understand any risks and the protective measures put in place.
Provide comprehensive guidance on the mitigation process should a thermal event occur.
Implement a rigorous maintenance schedule to ensure the laser area and ducting remain clear of contaminant, for example by ensuring there is adequate air velocity through the ducting to optimise filtration effectiveness.
To assist in risk reduction, Donaldson BOFA has developed a Spark Arrestor 2, which captures potentially damaging, incandescent particulate from entering the fume extraction unit by transporting emissions through specially designed impingement plates so that hot embers dissipate their heat.
If further measures are needed, companies can consider installing
the FireBOX GA, for general applications, and the FireBOX MA, for metal applications. This is a self-extinguishing inline pre-filtration system that can be positioned in advance of the fume extraction unit. The FireBOX incorporates temperature monitoring, which automatically switches off the extraction system power and closes electronic valves should the pre-set ambient temperature be exceeded by 10°C. If the temperature rises another 10°C then the integrated fire extinguisher will be activated.
These technologies help to counteract the thermal risks in lasering, particularly where a combustible dust can be generated by the process. While thermal events are rare, aside from the risk to human health, any such incident will inevitably lead to a disruption in production and can require the replacement of equipment.
BOFA International
bofainternational.com
ollowing the acquisition of Donau Carbon Technologies (DCT) by the Babcock Wanson Group in 2022, industrial process heating equipment and solutions specialist Babcock Wanson UK has expanded its range of regenerative oxidisers and is now able to offer complete solvent recovery systems to help reduce customers’ carbon foot print and meet increasingly stringent emission limits for solvents and volatile organic compounds (VOC).
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DCT solvent recovery systems feature activated carbon adsorption, using steam or inert gas for the regeneration. A distillation section (batch or multi-columns) allows for a very high level of purity – frequently exceeding international standards - for the recovered solvents to then be reused in production, making for a rapid return on investment. These solvent recovery systems are easy to use and, because they are modular, can be expanded and reconfigured to meet changing site requirements. With its compact size, plug and play design, plus easy maintenance, the latest solvent recovery system, the X-CSR, has been specifically designed for printers using smaller solvent quantities (as little as 300 tons/y), extending this valuable technology beyond the traditional, large print plants. Babcock Wanson UK has been providing oxidisers for many years but with the addition of DCT regenerative and recuperative oxidisers can now meet a wider range of industries and requirements than ever before. DCT regenerative oxidisers enable up to 99 per cent VOC abatement by increasing the polluted air temperature to over 750-800°C with a high efficiency (up to 95 per cent) heat recovery system based on the use of ceramic material; all whilst using minimal energy. DCT regenerative oxidiser capacities range from 3.000 to 300.000Nm3
/h. They boast low maintenance costs and consistency of performance across their life time. Additional DCT products supported by Babcock Wanson UK include VOC Concentrator Units for the purification of polluted air with low solvent concentration; Catalytic Oxidation to treat waste air or gases; and Scrubber and Filter Treatment Systems for inorganic polluted fumes.
The DCT range has already proven extremely popular in the UK and Babcock Wanson is currently working on a number of high profile projects, including its largest ever oxidation project, with a building materials manufacturer.
The DCT range of oxidisers and solvent recovery systems are one of the latest additions to Babcock Wanson’s comprehensive range of products and services for boiler houses and other process heating needs, including firetube boilers, coil type steam generators, thermal fluid heaters, hot water boilers, VOC and odour treatment by thermal oxidation, water treatment and process air heating solutions. The company aims to not only help optimise customer’s energy production but to also be the European leader in environmental solutions for industry.
Babcock Wanson
www.babcock-wanson.com
INDUSTRIAL COMPLIANCE | AUTUMN 2024 19
BABCOCK WANSON UK EXPANDS ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS
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