The welding process releases fumes.
This kind of work is usually performed in fabrication centers by workers operating sophisticated tools and machinery. Modern metal fabrication uses advanced technology and automation processes to produce most of the products we use today. Although it is an essential part of our day-to-day living, metal fabrication is an intense and hazardous line of work, often involving exposure to extreme heat and deadly chemicals.
How are you optimizing your dust collecting systems for protecting the machineries and the workers - your valuables as we say at Nordic Air Filtration?
To learn more about metal fabrication processes like welding and laser/plasma cutting, their hazards, and the importance of choosing the suitable filtration devices for each, read on.
The Welding Process Releases Fumes
Nordic Air Filtration is one of the leading suppliers of high technology filters in the world. We supply filtration devices that cater to a wide range of industries like construction, food and beverage, metalwork, chemical, paper and pulp, textile, and more. Our products include air inlets/gas turbines, industrial air filtration, baghouse filtration, HVACs, and filtration cleaning accessories. We also provide services like dust collector inspections, laboratory testing, research, and technical support. Our team of experts will ensure you receive the highest quality filtration product for your business to make it as safe and efficient as possible.
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Welding
Welding is a fabrication process wherein two or more parts are joined by using heat or compression. The most common materials used in welding are metals such as aluminum and stainless steel. The process involves the materials to be connected, the parent parts, and the material that will be used to bond them, the filler.
As a by-product of the heating process, harmful gases and fumes are produced. These fumes can cause serious health problems when inhaled. Short-term exposure can lead to skin and eye irritation, dizziness, and nausea, while long-term exposure may lead to cancer and organ damage. Aside from fume concerns, hot sparks from the welding process can also ignite flammable objects like dust in the air. Hence, it is essential to install dust collector systems with high quality filtration cartridges where welding is taking place.
Our recommendations of medias for the different types of welding industry can be seen here.
Plasma Cutting
Plasma cutting is the process of cutting through conductive metal using accelerated jets of hot plasma. This process is usually used on metals like aluminum, stainless steel, brass, and copper. Its high speed and precision coupled with low-cost operation make it a popular choice in the industry.
Similar to welding, plasma cutting generates fine dust and fumes. These particles are just as dangerous. Side effects can range from skin and eye irritation from short exposure to lung cancer from long periods of exposure. The fumes are also a fire hazard, especially when they accumulate in confined spaces, a sufficient heat source could cause these fumes to combust.
We provide filter cartridges, pleated bags and flat cell panel filters specifically for plasma and laser tables and if the operation contains sparks, we supply cartridges with flame retardant filter media.
Laser Cutting
Laser cutting makes use of a thin, focused laser beam to cut through sheet metal or other industrial materials. The intensity of the laser beam allows it to burn, melt, or vaporize metal, then a jet of gas blows away the melted portion, leaving a high-quality surface to its edges. Unlike plasma cutting, which uses heated gas, laser cutting employs the use of electric discharges from light lamps inside a closed container.
Similar to welding and plasma cutting, the high heat of the laser combined with melted materials also creates harmful fumes. These fumes can cause a build-up of toxic chemicals inside the body, as well as causing symptoms like fever, and chills. Fume extractors with efficient filtration can collect these harmful particles, allowing for a cleaner workplace and proper disposal of harmful by-products.
Importance of Filtration Systems
Personal protective equipment and following safety protocols can help mitigate some of the harmful effects of metal fabrication, but to ensure maximum safety in the workplace, filtration systems need to be installed. The purpose of a filtration system is to extract and capture airborne particles from the workplace environment. Filtration systems that are less susceptible to fire make for excellent protection in high-temperature facilities. The cartridges equipped with UX NANO, flame retardant media can capture the smallest fume particles and are generally considered to be the safest and most efficient option.
Filtration systems, have always been a critical component of safety regulations. Their ability to capture unwanted and potentially harmful particles has made them irreplaceable in terms of industrial use. A safe working environment ensures machinery and the people who operate it are always in top working condition. Quality producers lead to quality products, and filtrations systems contribute greatly to creating this quality.
It’s never a bad idea to prioritize the safety of your working environment. Choose only high-quality filters to protect your workplace from hazards, and start building an efficient system for production. Visit our website to learn more. For further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
