NEWS
HELPING TO KEEP MACHINERY PRODUCTIVE & SAFE THROUGH EFFECTIVE FILTRATION TECHNOLOGY
I
ncreasing productivity will always be a key goal for manufacturers and for many this means investment in lean tools and automation. In industries where processes emit airborne fume and particles which are potentially harmful to human health, there is a dual requirement for technology that can maintain a clean operating environment for workers while at the same time keeping valuable equipment free from dust that might otherwise harm product quality. For these sectors, fume and dust extraction systems play an important role in contributing to environmental health strategies for manufacturers while reducing the risk of unplanned downtime. This is important as in the UK, COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations stipulate exposure levels to potentially harmful airborne contaminants through workplace exposure limits (WELs). The same regulations also require that local exhaust ventilation systems, such as dust extraction units, should be thoroughly tested annually. So how should manufacturers address the dual demands for workplace safety and productivity? For many, an effective solution is portable extraction technology that not only helps operators meet their regulatory requirements but also provides a good fit for
an agile production setup. This is particularly the case for sectors such as lasering, printing, additive manufacturing/3D printing and automated PCB soldering.
Managers need to take account of a number of factors in deciding which type of filtration system to install. This includes in-depth knowledge of the materials being worked and the emissions resulting from say, laser ablation. This information can be found in the Safety Data Sheets for the material. This will highlight any hazardous properties, physical and chemical characteristics (e.g. flammability, explosive properties), the potential effect on human health, any chemicals with which it can adversely react, handling precautions and the types of measures that can be used to control exposure, emergency and first aid procedures. Manufacturers also need to take account of production processes, because these will determine the type, quantity, size and velocity of particles being emitted. Is the process 24/7? Is it enclosed? Are there are any thermal risks associated with higher temperatures? These are the questions that chemical specialists and systems engineers at BOFA can help managers address when specifying an appropriate extraction solution.
For example, where an application creates the potential for a thermal event, managers need to quantify the risk, taking account of the process and the materials being worked, and then put in place mitigating technology. This might include a spark arrestor and a firebox to filter any hot embers before they reach the thermal cut-out protected fume extraction unit. This will help safeguard valuable equipment and keep production lines moving.
Choosing the most appropriate filtration media is also critical and needs to be tailored to each process to help capture airborne contaminants and to facilitate the return of clean air to the operating environment. A typical BOFA extraction system includes pre-filtration, a main HEPA filter and a layer of activated carbon to remove vapours, gases and odours. The exact configuration, airflow rates and filtration media will depend upon each application and the industrial process involved.
Maintaining optimal extraction system performance as part of an automated manufacturing process is also critical. In the case
6 JUNE 2023 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS
Geoff Sagar is a Product Manager at BOFA with a particular focus on the laser industry. He has more than 25 years’ engineering sector experience and works with customers, particularly OEMs, to optimise the effectiveness of BOFA extraction technology.
of BOFA’s extractors which feature its iQ operating platform, there are a host of functions and innovations, including onboard data logs and real- time system condition visualisation so operators can easily monitor whole system performance. Better operational data can help enable better productivity, for example by supporting planned filter exchanges linked to production scheduling, thereby avoiding unnecessary downtime. Finally, regular maintenance of extraction systems is required to keep in step with local regulatory requirements to help safeguard the contribution that filtration technology can make to productivity and to maintain its value as an important contributor to a wider health and safety programme. To ensure that an extraction system keeps operating at optimal efficiency, it is advisable to disconnect and check hoses on a regular basis for any blockages, keep a log of all filter changes and run your extraction system at the lowest possible speed to reduce wear on internal components. There is also a requirement for extraction units to be officially tested every 12 months in the UK to ensure the system maintains effective performance.
BOFA
www.bofainternational.com
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