While fume and dust extraction
systems, such as those produced by BOFA, play a key role in helping businesses maintain 24/7 production schedules, they also capture potentially harmful airborne particulate, protecting the breathing zones of employees. The precise design of each system
will require in-depth analysis of many different variables – such as the material being worked, the manufacturing process and volume, and the mitigation of risk. This will involve taking account of
material safety data sheets, the make-up and volume of airborne contaminants and/ or gases given off by the process, the type of production machinery, whether the process is enclosed, the duration of production and whether there are thermal risks associated with higher temperatures. Once armed with this information,
BOFA will use data-driven airflow analysis, control parameters and advanced filtration technology, including pre-filtration, a main High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter and a layer of activated carbon to remove vapours and gases. The objective is not just to remove
airborne contaminants, it is to do so in a way that enhances productivity and maintains safety, for example by keeping fast moving laser marking and coding lines free from dust to avoid unscheduled downtime.
“There are also challenges that
go beyond fume and dust capture,” says Evans. “For example, extraction systems linked to some thermal and mechanical processes need to mitigate any potential fire risks. This is particularly important where a combustible dust has the potential to be drawn into the filtration system.” Under these circumstances,
managers should specify a system benefiting from fire-resistant materials for casings and filters, thermal cut-out protection and technology such as BOFA’s Spark Arrestor 2 and FireBOX to mitigate the risk of burning particulate entering the extraction system. The other key determinant for optimal productivity and safe operational conditions is system control, available through technology such as the company’s Intelligent (iQ)
Operating System, which provides independent filter status
monitoring, optimised airflow and remote system diagnostics.
Evans concludes: “In short, better
data and information means better extraction performance and the avoidance of unnecessary downtime - and a safe breathing environment for operatives.”
BOFA International
www.bofainternational.com
DUST & FUME EXTRACTION
FEATURE
BOFA’s FumeCAB offers a complete cabinet fume extraction solution
INDUSTRIAL COMPLIANCE | SPRING 2021 23
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