Dust Extraction and Fume Extraction specialists. Whether it's Downflow Booths, mobile filter units, or Hood Positioning Devices (Extraction Arms), flextraction have products to suit your dust and fume extraction requirements.

Dust & Fume Extraction Equipment Ideal for the Food Industry

Posted June 19, 2013

Self supporting Hood Positioning Devices (HPD), including the Flextractor HPD, Extended HPD, Mini HPD and Flextender HPD from Flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products are available with ATEX compliant finishes or stainless steel. They are ideal for food ingredient tipping and drum filling in bakeries and all other food processing and production applications, where dust and fumes are emitted. With over 15 years of engineering design experience and computer modelling software to manufacture flexible extraction arms, Flextraction has strived to obtain the correct solution for most LEV problems. The HPD has been designed to address the deficiencies of conventional flexible extraction arms, in line with current HSE guidance, to ensure the correct design and positioning of LEV hoods. HPD’s in Stainless Steel finishes, all incorporate new mounting brackets, hoods and hoses for the capture and extraction of industrial dusts and fumes including hazardous and corrosive fumes at the point of source.

There are no mechanics inside the flexible arms for optimised flow properties and eliminating the risk of dust being collected in any crevices and also allowing the wash through of the equipment of paramount importance in food production. Being ATEX compliant means that painted products are coated with an anti-static paint so that they can be used in hazardous area zones, which are based on the frequency and duration of where there can be an occurrence of an explosive atmosphere in which a mixture of air with dangerous substances in the form of gas, vapour, mist or combustible dust may occur in normal operations.

Features of these HPD’s include a rear casing that is fully enclosed giving an improved aesthetic appearance and protection against dirt ingress, a rear boom extension giving a 270° working radius and a new 360° rotating swivel hood enabling more accurate hood positioning, whilst quick release clips are used to attach a range of flexible hoses including ATEX certified hoses. Flextractor HPD’s are suitable for standard wall or stanchion mounting, as well as upward and downward swivel, joist and ceiling mountings and are available in five standard lengths between 1,5m and 4m. The Extended HPD provides the user with the additional option of a longer reach up to a maximum 8m. The wall or bench mounted mini HPD is available in standard diameters 75mm, 100mm, 125mm, 150mm and 200mm with either a 1m or 1.5 m reach. A range of hoods is available in a wide variety of designs including bell mouth, flare, fish tail, flat screen and custom designed.

Flextraction also designs and manufactures a range of downflow extraction booths to contain dust over large areas where conventional hoods are not always sufficient, or where dust emissions can spread over a wider area, such as when scooping from tubs or bags into a weigh point in bakeries and other food production plants.

Flextraction Supplies Fume Extraction Equipment for North Herts College

Posted May 30, 2013

Flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) has recently delivered 6 wall mounted fume and dust extraction systems to Weldability-Sif in Letchworth Garden City and Flextraction Installation Engineers installed the equipment in the UK’s first specialist foundation level welder training facility at Stevenage Skills Centre, part of North Hertfordshire College (NHC).

These systems, two of which will be used with the College’s existing Flextraction systems, incorporate the Company’s latest totally self supporting Hood Positioning Devices (HPD) with 100mm diameter flared hoods equipped with mesh guards.

Managing Director Lee Darton said: “Weldability-SIF entered into partnership with The Welding Institute (TWI) and the College, to initiate foundation level welder skills training at the College as a step towards a full apprenticeship programme designed to meet demand and overcome the skills gaps in the UK welding industry. We have earlier installed our fume extraction equipment in 6 welding bays, but due to demand for welding courses, the College has built a further 6 bays, making 12 in total. This is the fourth order for fume extraction equipment for installation at this College. As an approved sponsor to the Weldability-Sif Foundation Charity set up to specifically encourage the development of new welder training facilities, Flextraction has now installed in each of the 12 welding bays; 2m standard telescopic HPDs, incorporating black polyester coated 100mm diameter PVC 371 hoses with a coated mild steel 100mm diameter flared hood and mesh guard.

Each HPD was supplied fully assembled with wall mounting bracket, control damper and with no internal components. Each bay was also fitted with an electronic airflow indicator attached to each hood to monitor the extraction air flow. In addition to the HPDs Flextraction also designed and installed the spiral galvanised sheet steel ductwork needed to safely extract the welding fumes and dust from the welding bays to a point outside the building. This was designed with inspection/access doors, flexible hose connections and supporting brackets, as well as being sized to give a good conveyance velocity throughout its length. These latest systems are an exact extension of the original contract to meet the growing demand for welder training.”

Flextraction on a Mission to Germany

Posted May 17, 2013

Managing Director, Lee Darton from Flextraction Ltd, the Melton Mowbray supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) has just arrived back from a UK Export Trade mission to Germany, taking in 7 cities including Cologne, Stuttgart and Dresden, to drum up new business for his Company.

Flextraction, who are now successfully exporting to France from a similar mission in 2011, joined the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) mission with the sole purpose of finding potential agents and distributors for their own design range of totally self supporting Hood Positioning Devices (HPD), the Flextractor HPD, Extended HPD, Mini HPD and Flextender HPD, all incorporating mounting brackets, hoods and hoses for the capture and extraction of industrial dusts and fumes including hazardous and corrosive fumes at the point of source. The mission ended very successfully with Lee getting an order from one German agent for his equipment.

Lee Darton said: “We started to look at the German market last year when we ordered through the UKTI an Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) report on Germany and in November 2012 we took the decision to take on a German placement student at our facilities in Melton Mowbray to help us get to know and better understand the market. On the Trade Mission, I received a tremendous amount of interest in our HPD products, which are designed to be used in a multitude of industrial applications, including surface grinding, welding, product tipping and drum filling as well as food processing and other manufacturing applications, where dust and fumes are emitted.

We are now busy processing the contacts made and I am looking forward to taking part in the next stage of the mission  which will be to establish a sound working relationship with a company that can sell our products into the German market.”

New Mobile High Vacuum Fume Extraction Unit from Flextraction

Posted February 22, 2013

The new “dustoo” mobile high vacuum compact fume extraction and filter unit from Flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products and sole UK representative for TEKA GmbH, Germany, is designed to be used in medium sized fabrication shops on welding applications both at the point of source using an extraction hood or on a welding gun fitted with an integrated fume extraction nozzle.

A feature of this single phase 230V/50Hz unit is its excellent extraction performance and its high separation efficiency.  This highly mobile fully automated system has a 99% extraction capacity extracting welding fumes and dust at the point of source filtering any hazardous substances.

Other features include two high pressure  0-340m3/hour turbines to provide the high extraction performance, efficient and cost effective yet durable filter cartridges, which are automatically and easily de-dusted using compressed air as the dust particles adhere to the outside of the filter cartridge without penetrating the filter material.  All de-dusted particles can easily be deposed of from the easily extracted dust drawer, whilst spark protection is a safety device fitted to protect the unit and operator from any flammable particles.

This lightweight (25kg) unit has four casters making it ideal for applications where the position of the welding job keeps changing.  It also comes supplied with a 2.5m hose fitted with a round extraction hood.  An option available from Flextraction is an on-gun extraction nozzle kit for fitting to MIG welding torches.

Extraction of Fumes Using Plenum Boxes when Mig Welding Furniture Components

Posted January 08, 2013

Flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products was recently asked to come up with a solution for the extraction of welding fumes for a steel furniture manufacturer supplying schools and colleges.

The company concerned was MIG spot welding components using static hoods in seven jig welding fabrication bays extracting from above, which was not taking all the fumes away from the welders’ faces. The Company is fabricating tubular steel seating and tables, but the range, type and demand for their products meant that they did not have long production runs and therefore the use of LEV type fume extraction equipment was impractical and not very economic. The welders were not only welding small production runs but also had only spot welds to complete and if using LEV equipment they would have to reposition the welding hood each time they started a different weld on an individual component.

Flextraction were asked to come up with a solution that met the company’s requirement for the welding fumes to be drawn away from the faces of their welders, so that welding was carried out in a clean environment and that they could carry out intricate welding operations without having to adjust any extraction system.

The solution proposed by Flextraction’s design engineers and ordered by the company was to fit rear plenum boxes with six louvered grills on the back wall of each welding booth in close proximity to the worktable, which would draw any welding fumes away from the face of the operator and into a new spiral galvanised sheet steel ductwork system with inspection/access doors and sized to provide good conveying velocity throughout its length.

A 3-phase centrifugal single inlet medium pressure extraction fan running at 2895rev/min and fitted with an impeller having backward facing blades is located on the floor outside the building with the fumes being vented into the atmosphere at a high level. Another modification recommended by Flextraction and taken up by the company was that each welding booth should be fitted with side curtains to contain the fumes and help direct the airflow to the back wall and into the louvered grills.

Flextraction also fitted electronic airflow monitors to each welding bay to confirm to the operators that the system was working to specification. An LED (red-green) and audible alarm confirms that the airflow, monitored by differential pressure, is reflecting a true movement of air.

Lee Darton, Managing Director at Flextraction commented: “We were asked to come up with a fume extraction solution to meet the customer’s specifications. The canopy system they had in operation was not recommended by the HSE and PPE equipment was a last resort. The rear plenum boxes gave the customer what they wanted in that the fumes were drawn away from the welder’s face rather than through the face.”

Air Filter Unit for Printers and Plotters Available from Flextraction

Posted October 30, 2012

The Airfilter IC suction and filter unit available through Flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products and sole UK representative for TEKA GmbH, Germany, removes irritable and harmful gases and fumes generated through the use of solvent inks in modern inkjet printing machines and plotters.

It is important that these hazardous gases are removed from the working environment and TEKA’s range of suction and filter units are designed to do this using sensitised carbon filters for maximum absorption capacity. (One gram of this carbon represents a filter area of more than two football pitches).

The Airfilter IC is designed to extracts harmful gases polluted with harmful substances during printing processes using paints containing solvents and to disperse the cleaned air into the atmosphere outside the printshop or into an existing air extraction system. The extraction and filtering unit starts up automatically after a set run-on time following the start of the printing press.

The replaceable filter cassette is powder coated inside and outside. The filter cassette is easily replaced through a large service door on the unit. Once the door is closed, the TEKA sealing system ensures that absolute extraction is achieved.

Features of the Airfilter IC include a maximum air flow of 180m3/hour, low noise level of 52 db(A) and 365mm x 496mm x 797mm activated carbon filter cassettes.

Ink producers offer a wide range of inks and Flextraction can supply specific activated carbon filters to deal with the gases given off by these different inks.

New Multi-Compartment Fume and Dust Extraction Filter Bags from Flextraction

Posted July 02, 2012

Flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products has designed a new low cost, multi-compartment filter bag with an innovative folded, labyrinth construction, designed to fit into existing laser and solder fume extractors being used on laser, solder and other industrial fume and dust extraction applications.

The design of the new bag is a major advance on existing designs with increased filtration surface area, F8 classification to BS En779:2002 standard and a 75% reduction in stitched seam length.  This dramatically reduces the cost of manufacture and also the potential for leakage through the seams.

New safety features, including an inlet non-return device to prevent dust from escaping during removal, allows an improved filtration standard plus other safety features, enabling the application of the CE mark for the first time to be used on filters of this type.

Features of the bag include a new extended card inlet device and foam rubber seal, thereby enabling single handed installation and removal, as well as eliminating any hand contact with the contaminated filter surfaces, whilst the folded structure makes the filter self supporting.

The life of each filter can be extensive, as the bag can be easily and safely removed, inverted and shaken to dislodge collected dust into a ‘V’ shaped end pocket.  Another feature is that compartment fastening tags prevent uneven inflation and reduce the bellows effect which can cause dust ejection when filters are removed and compressed for disposal.

Strongmaster Mobile Cartridge Filter Unit from Flextraction

Posted May 30, 2012

TEKA’s BGIA 200520840/1140 approved ‘Strongmaster’ mobile cartridge filter unit with either one or two extraction arms for industrial fume extraction is available through Flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products for dust and fume extraction.

The Strongmaster comes supplied with a separator, durable, de-dustable, large-surface filter cartridge and PTFE laminate and has been specifically designed for the extraction of fumes arising during thermal processing of precious metals.

The filter cartridge is de-dustable for a long life and reduced operating costs. It stays in the unit during de-dusting, preventing dust from entering the workroom and the unit comes supplied with a visual and acoustic filter monitor, sealing face lifter, hour-meter, direction display, cable reel and castors with brakes as well as PE-bags for the dust container. The Strongmaster is BGIA-approved for every type of TEKA suction arm and is ready assembled.

Features of the Strongmaster include a 1,1kW motor producing a 3,000m3/h fan capacity, low 75 dB(A) noise level, maintenance doors for easy access to filter cartridge, dust collector and fan.

The Strongmaster collects dust and fumes by means of a suction arm or suction hose into the filter unit. A large surface spark protection serves as pre-separator and distributes dust particles on the whole filter surface.

Cookies

Posted May 30, 2012

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) started enforcing the European Union Cookie legislation on the 26th May 2012, but has provided a last minute change to the policy so that cookies no longer have to be turned off as standard on websites.  We are working towards full compliance of the ICO ruling and are currently in the process of making the necessary changes.

Full details of the ICO’s update on the matter can be found at:

http://www.ico.gov.uk/news/blog/2012/updated-ico-advice-guidance-e-privacy-directive-eu-cookie-law.aspx

Teka Central Suction and Filter Unit from Flextraction

Posted April 18, 2012

The TEKA FILTERCUBE 2N/2H and FILTERCUBE 4N/4H are a series of BGIA-certified DIN EN ISO 15012-1 stationary central suction and filter units that are available from Flextraction Ltd, suppliers and manufacturers of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products and sole UK representative for TEKA GmbH, Germany, localised extraction arms manufacturer.

They are designed for large fabrication shops requiring multi suction from a number of extraction points within the workshop and are ideal for companies welding and working with non-alloyed metal, precious metals, galvanised materials and aluminium.

The separation efficiency of both systems is >99% conforming to welding fume category ‘W3’ for high alloyed steels, whilst the sound level is around 72bG(A).

The FILTERCUBE 2N/2H has units available with a volumetric fan flow ranging from 2,500m3/hr to 5,000m3/hr whilst the FILTERCUBE 4N/4H has units available with a volumetric fan flow ranging from 3,500m3/hr to 10,000m3/hr.

The main features of both units are fully automatic microprocessor controlled dedusting, using ‘Pulse Control-steering’ with easy to read text indicator and cartridge de-dusting carried out using a Power Spray system, which holds advantages over regular jet-and-rotation nozzles including it’s wear resistance, as only 4 bars are necessary for de-dusting compared to 8 bar when using rotation-nozzles and the optimal distribution of the air in the cartridge via displacement bodies.

Other features include an integrated control system for the fan plus a large dust collection tank with snap fasteners for easy access, whilst a maintenance door with a laminated glass inspection window provides easy access for the filter cartridge housing.

Both units are fitted with a silencer as standard. The FILTERCUBE 2N/2H units have 2 hanging filter cartridges each 600mm long (2N) or 1,200mm (2H) whilst FILTERCUBE 4N/4H units have 4 hanging filters of the same lengths.

Fume/Dust Extraction Products from Flextraction on Show in AWD’s Welding World Village at MACH 2012

Posted February 17, 2012

Flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products for dust and fume extraction, is exhibiting the Company’s latest totally self supporting Hood Positioning Device (HPD) along with TEKA’s dust and fume extraction systems in the AWD Welding World Village at MACH 2012 (16th - 20th April 2012).

HPDs being demonstrated or shown by virtual presentations will include the Flextractor HPD, Extended HPD, Mini HPD and Flextender HPD.

HPDs are designed to capture and extract industrial dust and fumes at the point of source for surface grinding, welding or other manufacturing applications where dust and fumes are emitted.  They are also ATEX compliant for use in hazardous area zones.

HPDs are supplied complete with mounting brackets, hoods and hoses, with a range of hoods being available in a wide variety of designs including bell mouth, flare, fish tail, flat screen and custom designed.

Other products on show include the TEKA ‘filtoo’, a BIA approved 1.3kW, 230V or 110V/50Hz, mobile suction and filtering unit for the local extraction of fumes, dust and gases found in welding, bonding, gluing, brazing, soldering and laser welding.  It is a complete ready to plug and go system that takes polluted air in through the suction hood and hose into 4 different filters.

TEKA’s BGIA 200520840/1140 approved ‘Strongmaster’ mobile cartridge filter for industrial fume extraction comes equipped with a separator, durable, de-dustable, large-surface filter cartridge and PTFE laminate, will also be shown. The filter cartridge stays in the unit during de-dusting preventing dust from entering the workroom.

Additionally, on show will be one of TEKA’s, BGIA approved, DIN EN ISO 15012-1, central suction and filtering unit from their ‘Filtercube’ range with a dust extraction efficiency greater than 99%, an integrated fan and a large dust collection capacity.

Fume and Dust Extraction System Makes Welding Safer at North Hertfordshire College’s Skills Centre

Posted January 24, 2012

Flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) has recently installed a welding fume and dust extraction system in the UK’s first specialist foundation level welder training facility at Stevenage Skills Centre, part of North Hertfordshire College (NHC). The system incorporates the Company’s latest totally self supporting Hood Positioning Devices (HPD).

Earlier in 2011, Weldability-SIF entered into partnership with The Welding Institute (TWI), Cambridge and the College, to initiate foundation level welder skills training at the College. This was a first step towards a full apprenticeship programme designed to meet demand and overcome the current skills gaps in the UK welding industry and this was opened by John Hayes MP, Minister of State for Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning on 13th October 2011.

As an approved sponsor to the Weldability-Sif Foundation Charity, which has been set up and registered with the Charities Commission, to specifically encourage the development of new welder training facilities across the UK, Flextraction has installed in each of the 6 welding bays 2m standard telescopic HPD’s, incorporating black polyester coated 100mm diameter PVC 371 hoses with a coated mild steel 100mm diameter flared hood and mesh guard. Each HPD was supplied fully assembled with wall mounting bracket, control damper and with no internal components. Each bay was also fitted with an electronic airflow indicator attached to each hood to monitor the extraction air flow.

In addition to the HPD’s Flextraction also designed, manufactured and installed the spiral galvanised sheet steel ductwork needed to safely extract the welding fumes and dust from the welding bays to a point outside the building. It was designed with inspection/access doors, flexible hose connections and supporting brackets, as well as being sized to give a good conveyance velocity throughout its length.

Flextraction’s HPD’s all use mounting brackets, hoods and hoses specifically designed for the capture and extraction of industrial dusts and fumes including hazardous and corrosive fumes at the point of source in surface grinding, welding, product tipping and drum filling, as well as food processing and all manufacturing applications where dust and fumes are emitted.

David Stevenson, Welding Tutor at NHC said: “The Flextraction equipment is used daily to extract dust and welding fumes from 6 purpose built teaching bays with the latest Weldability-SIF 300A MIG welders and 200A AC/DC HF TIG inverters. At the present time we have 204 welding students and we are looking to double this number in 2012 and we will build additional teaching bays to accommodate this number.

We have very strict Health and Safety criteria and all the equipment we have, including the Flextraction installation, meet these requirements. When we were ordering the equipment we specified that the arms had to be flexible with the ability to keep close the point of extraction, which the Flextraction equipment has met in all aspects.

We have found that the equipment is very easy to maintain and clean as it has no filters, also it is easy to operate and the students have no problems in moving the extraction hood close to the work they are undertaking, making the overall environment in which they are welding very pleasant at the same time keeping their lungs clean.”

The Weldability-Sif Foundation Charity is currently looking for additional complimentary sponsors and further details can be found when you register at www.weldability-sif.org

Flextraction Launch New Range of Vehicle Exhaust Extraction Systems

Posted January 04, 2012

Flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products is launching a new range of Flextraction vehicle exhaust extraction systems designed to provide environmental protection to operatives in garage repair and vehicle body shops working on motorbikes, cars and commercial vehicles.

This new comprehensive range of vehicle exhaust extraction systems includes mechanical and motor-driven exhaust hose reesl for use with static vehicles in garage and fleet vehicle workshops where the hoses are required to be stored way when the extraction system is not in use. These systems are available in various sizes with nozzles to match, meeting and handling nearly every type of vehicle found on the market today.

Products available in the range include wall and ceiling mounted spring driven hose reels for use with motorbikes and cars, for workshops with high ceilings and working on high sided vehicles, wall and ceiling motor-driven exhaust hose reels with a push-button control to roll and unroll the hose complete with a safety stop and remote start/stop of the centralised fan.

Flextraction can also supply complete exhaust extraction system with Extruded Aluminium Track (ETK) and sliding carriages. Fan and adjustable sliding fixing points are also available. Included in this new product portfolio is a wide range of sheet metal fans with inlet and outlet flanges. Additionally, there are a range of zinc plated sheet steel floor traps equipped with elbows for under the workshop floor or for use with internal hideaway hoses.

Lee Darton, Managing Director, said: “This is our own range of vehicle exhaust extraction systems which complements perfectly our existing range of Flextraction fume, dust and fluid extraction systems. Our business covers a very wide range of industrial sectors including the vehicle repair sector and these new systems will give us a more competitive edge in a large market sector.”

Flextraction Appoints New Mananging Director

Posted December 14, 2011

Flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products, has announced that Lee Darton has been appointed Managing Director.

Lee has many years experience in the Fume and Dust Extraction equipment industry and has been with Flextraction for over 12 years as Sales Manager and most recently as General Manager (Products). This promotion comes at a time when the Company continues to further develop its range of products, aiming to increase its market share both in the UK and in Europe.

Wally Gilder, Chairman of Flextraction said: "Lee has played a significant role in the development of this company and has created a fully focussed and committed sales and after sales team. Under his guidance we have seen our market share continue to increase and this appointment comes at a time when the Company is experiencing improved trading conditions and the introduction of a wider product portfolio. It is just reward for all his commitment and endeavours."

Lee said: "Flextraction has a comprehensive range of dust and fume extraction products that cover a multitude of industries, which we continually strive to improve and develop. Our marketing strategy has led to increased order books both from the UK and from new markets in Europe.

Working with the UKTI (UK Trade and Investment) in order to find defined partners in Europe has led to the recent appointment of a distributor in France for our range of Hood Positioning Devices (HPDs). This in turn has resulted in increased production of HPD's at Melton Mowbray.

We are continuing to drive our export business forward and are currently looking at defined partners in Germany and Spain. My appointment as Managing Director will help us take the Company forward as part of our on going marketing and investment strategies, both in the long and short term."

Lee lives in Grantham, Lincolnshire, is married and admits to being an avid Arsenal supporter and a lover of fine foods.

Flextraction Introduces Fume Extraction Cabinets

Posted November 15, 2011

A new range of fume extraction cabinets (FEC) are now available from Flextraction, the UK supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems. The cabinets are ideally suited for use where operators are exposed to low dust emissions and small quantities of solvents and chemicals. They can also be used to perform weighing operations.

The range comprises of 6 models;

FEC 350

FEC 500

FEC 600

FEC HD

FEC LD

FEC SD

Each is made from extruded aluminium profiles in a corrosion protected anodised natural finish with clear polycarbonate infill panels.

The cabinets are supplied fully assembled with the spigot location normally at the rear of each cabinet and with a spigot size to suit the customer.

The FEC 350, FEC 500 and FEC 600 feature an open frontal face access, ranging from 350mmm x 230mm to 600mm x 325mm. They are connected to separate fans or mobile filters with airflow velocities ranging from 0.3m/s (90m³/hr) to 1.0m/s (700 m³/hr).

The FEC HD, FEC SD and FEC LD all have a hinged door to provide an open frontal access. The standard FEC HD measures 800mm (length) x 500mm (width) x 600mm (height), with a working access of 720mm x 560mm when open.

The FEC SD and FEC LD models are two angular cabinets, which can be designed and manufactured to suit the application.

For more information on the Fume Extraction Cabinets call one of our team on 01664 - 410 641.

New French Distributor for Flextraction’s Dust & Fume Extraction Products

Posted September 19, 2011

Flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products has appointed Wattohm Equipement based in Charnay les Macon as their distributor of HPD dust & fume extraction products within France.

Wattohm was established 25 years ago as a distributor and supplier of dust & fume extraction arms, hoses and filter systems to a multitude of resellers and end users throughout France.

Wattohm will be responsible for the marketing and selling within France of the Flextraction range of totally self supporting Hood Positioning Devices (HPD), including the Flextractor HPD, Extended HPD, Mini HPD and Flextender HPD which are all available and certified as ATEX compliant, being coated with an anti-static paint so that they can be used in hazardous area zones.

HPD’s incorporate mounting brackets, hoods and hoses for the capture and extraction of industrial dusts and fumes including hazardous and corrosive fumes at the point of source in surface grinding, welding, product tipping and drum filling as well as food processing and all manufacturing applications, where dust and fumes are emitted.

Lee Darton, Managing Director, Flextraction said: “We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Wattohm as our distributor in France. We have been working closely with the UKTI (UK Trade and Investment) to seek defined partners in Europe with France being our number one priority, as we look to drive our export business forward. Recently we have been successful in exporting to Spain, Romania, Canada, USA and Oman.

Wattohm is very well placed to sell our products through their market and product expertise and we are confident that this relationship will reap rewards for both parties in the near future.”

Mme Virginie Sauze from Wattohm said: “We are very happy with our new partnership with Flextraction. We appreciate the quality and the professionalism of their management as well as the quality of their product range. Therefore, we are assured that the Flextraction HPD’s will contibute to a significant market share in the French market. We believe in the success of this relationship which helps to complete our range of products”

New Laboratory Fume Extraction System from Flextraction

Posted September 09, 2011

The new Fumex ME extraction system that is capable of being either ceiling or table mounted, and offering a reach of up to 2000mm, is now available from Flextraction Ltd. Flextraction is a supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products, and the UK and Ireland representative for the Swedish based fume extraction equipment manufacturer Fumex AB. The Fumex ME system is designed for use in laboratories, education facilities, electronics industry and similar environments.

The ergonomically designed 75mmØ Fumex ME has an energy saving very low pressure drop, producing a number of benefits to the user including, reduced ventilation noise measured in accordance with ISO standard 3643, no need for a larger diameter extractor, and it can be integrated with other extraction systems.

With its unique joint construction this system allows air to pass through the joints without creating any unnecessary turbulence, with the variation in pressure drop between the extractor in the working position and a full retracted extractor being minimal.

This system can be rotated round 360º without the need for special sleeves or double wall brackets. Both the ceiling and wall mounted brackets are made of anodised aluminium for stability and easy fitting. The ceiling bracket, available in 8 different lengths from 0.25m – 2.0m, functions as a duct, thereby avoiding the need for expensive external ducting.

Another feature of the ME system is the internal spring located in the first articulating arm joint to support the weight of the arm and provided stability. For a 2m length arm, the ME system can be fitted with a gas spring to support it.

To meet customer requirements this system is available in a number of configurations, including:

• Standard - with polypropylene joints and aluminium tubes for most laboratory environments

• Polypropylene - with both joints and tubing in polypropylene for use with corrosive contaminants

• ATEX - with joints and tube in conductive polypropylene to meet ATEX directive 94/9/EC, for use with contaminants in explosive environments

• ESD - with joints in conductive polypropylene and aluminium tubes to meet EN61340-5-1 for use in the electronics industry.

A number of hoods are available including:

• suction nozzles • metal hoods incorporating a working light • dome hoods • square hoods • flat screen hoods.

Derby College Apprentice & Welder Training Centre Equipped with new HPD Fume Extraction

Posted July 05, 2011

What do you do with a derelict old engine shed that has Grade II listed status and had seen better days? Derby College turned it into an Award winning 18,000m² flagship learning and teaching centre as part of a £48m regeneration scheme.

Opened in September 2009, the Roundhouse now offers students a wide range of courses including, art and design, building services, gas electric and plumbing as well as engineering and welding.

For the engineering and welding centre, Flextraction through their distributor, Leengate Industrial Welding Supplies Ltd from Nottingham, who were already suppliers of welding and fume extraction equipment to Derby College, were asked, after successfully tendering, to supply the fume extraction equipment for the new welding bays in the apprentice and welder training area.

Leengate supplied a Thermadyne Synergic Pulsed MIG 320A welding machine and a 200A AC/DC TIG welding machine for each of the 12 welding bays, but before welding could commence fume extraction equipment was required and it was here that Flextraction became involved. Flextraction specifically designed and installed their latest HPD (Hood Positioning Device) system that was able to cater for the constricted space in the lower ground floor of the new Kirtley link building housing the welding shop and which also connects the old engine Roundhouse and the carriage repair shops.

Each welding bay has a self supporting 2m long, highly flexible articulated arm attached to a wall mounting bracket with each arm having an epoxy black 100mm diameter flared hood. To discharge the fumes away from each bay, spiral galvanised sheet steel ducting was sized and proportioned to give a good conveying velocity through out it entire length. The whole system was designed to go hand in hand with the structural set up of the building. Access doors were also installed for inspection and servicing requirements.

A single 3-phase centrifugal, single inlet, medium pressure fan fitted with an impeller with backward facing blades supplies the conveying velocity operating at 2,895 revs/min.

Also included in the installation was a manual plasma cutting machine with a TEKA 600mm x 635mm air suction table to extract smoke and fumes using 160mm ducting under the bench at 1,500 m³/hr and a Grinding bench for weld preparation and finishing work was also supplied.

The complete fume extraction system was installed by Flextraction engineers.

James Thorneycroft, Engineering Lecturer at Derby College said: “Our new Roundhouse facilities allow us to offer students excellent welder and welding theory learning opportunities. The HPD fume extraction system that we have installed provides our students with an excellent working environment. The fact, that the equipment needs very little servicing, means that we can carry out apprentice and welder training without interruption."

New Industrial Vacuum Cleaner from flextraction Ltd

Posted June 07, 2011

The new Delfin Mistral 202 DS ECO compact, mobile, high filtration dry industrial vacuum vacuum cleaner from Flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products and ‘preferred supplier’ in the UK and Ireland for Italian industrial vacuum equipment manufacturer, Delfin s.r.l features a specially designed side channel blower 1.8 KW / 2.4 HP motor enclosed in a protective steel casing.

Designed for round the clock 24 hours use in a multitude of cleaning applications including buildings, laboratories, fabrication shops, food and bakery environments, as well as woodworking and pharmaceutical facilities, it is available in both single phase and three phase versions.

This new vacuum cleaner provides an excellent ratio between power, suction performance (250 m³/h) and energy saving. Complementing the existing 202 DS models in the Mistral range, this new cleaner has a 100% steel construction, detachable container with dust collection disposable bags, outstanding 1 micron, class M filtration efficiency, a high Teflon coated polyester filter surface of around 30.000 cm² and inbuilt filter cleaning mechanism that makes it suitable even in the toughest extraction applications, involving very fine, clogging and also hazardous dust.

It is also available in H (hazardous dust), ATEX Explosion proof and stainless steel AISI 304 construction versions. Another feature of this cleaner is that it is supplied with a new suction inlet made of die-cast aluminium, replacing the PVC version found in previous models. This modification has been designed to improve the sturdiness of the suction inlet, improve the user friendliness of the hose connection and making the switching to 40 mm or 50 mm hoses and accessories easier.

A vacuum indicator allows constant checking of the suction performance and checking of possible clogging of the filter, whilst all vacuumed material is sucked directly into a 20 litres capacity, drop down bin which is easy to unload as the material is collected directly into a disposable bag.

Fume Extraction System Helps Train Rail Welding Operatives

Posted May 09, 2011

Two bespoke fume extraction systems using TEKA extraction equipment, both with four specially designed hoods from Flextraction are helping Network Rail in Bristol to train and certify future operatives in the techniques of aluminothermic welding, manual metal arc (MMA) and semi automatic and automatic flux cored arc welding (FCAW) techniques, as used in rail welding operations.

Network Rail has training facilities throughout the UK, with the older ones being replaced by new modern facilities to create a learning environment that simulates the real world, whilst at the same time is conducive to learning and providing a sheltered area to allow the trainees to maximise their learning potential. At Bristol, Network Rail train and re-certify staff employed in rail welding operations and also in the handling and using of small plant and inspection training.

The system ordered by Track Line Contracts Ltd, a Network Rail contractor, was specially designed for aluminothermic welding. It comprised a TEKA Filtercube 4H filter module with a 100m² filter area that is designed as a central suction unit for several welding points. It extracts polluted air using a ventilator to a filtering section; here any toxic particles are deposited on the surface of filter cartridges, which are de-dusted automatically using compressed air. The toxic particles are then collected in a tank and clean air is recycled to the workplace.

A TEKA ‘Spark Pre-Separator’ uses a water mist curtain to protect the filter device from fire. Two 3-phase centrifugal, single inlet, high pressure fans equipped with silencers were installed to extract the fumes from the point of welding to the filter unit. The four hoods, supported on heavy duty beam trolleys, were specially designed with 1000mm diameter canopies and side screens. The complete system, including spiral galvanised sheet steel ductwork, 48m of hose with light duty beam trolleys to support the hose, was installed by Flextraction Engineers.

Network Rail at Bristol also trains operatives in MMA and semi automatic and automatic FCAW techniques, which is where another Flextraction extraction system comprising a Filtercube 4H filter module with 4 x standard 4m Hood Positioning Devices (HPD) arms, each with 1m extensions and 150mm diameter flared hoods, is also in constant use in the welder training school.

Lee Janczysyn, Training Delivery Specialist (Welding and NDT) said: “Network Rail uses MMA and semi automatic and automatic FCAW techniques, in addition to aluminothermic welding. Both Flextraction systems are used for training purposes and the system for aluminothermic welder training has been very good, easily removing the fumes, whilst the spark box extinguishes all sparks before going through the filtration system. This system was installed in a building that was already constructed, so there were some constraints to its location, which were overcome.

There are two tracks each with two hoods designed to be moved along the track to the correct position for welding with two of them operating at any one time; however, we only ignite one welding portion at any time so that the welding trainer can supervise one activity at a time. In general we find the system easy to use; it has self cleaning filters and only requires the press of a button to start the extraction operation.

The other system in the welder training centre also works effectively and our trainees find the HPD arms easy to position.”

Lee Darton, General Manager Sales at Flextraction commented: “With the system for aluminothermic welding, we made some modifications during the installation to meet the requirements of both the contractors and Network Rail due to the constraints of the building, otherwise the systems was delivered as required. It is self cleaning with the filters occasionally need changing, which will be undertaken by us. It also has a second motor as a back up allowing the system to be used if the primary motor should fail.”

Fume Extraction System Improves Environment Environment at Badge Maker

Posted February 28, 2011

A specially designed and built fume extraction system from Flextraction Ltd, is to-day helping RETrade Ltd, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of bespoke badges, improve the working environment for its employees.

RETrade Ltd based in Hinckley, Leicestershire is the manufacturing arm of Recognition Express Ltd, who operate franchises in corporate recognition and promotional products. Recognition Express was established in 1979 and now has over 45 franchisees in the UK and Europe, in a growing market worth in excess of £3 billion per annum. RETrade manufactures a wide range of traditional printed badges and engraved styles to full-colour digital badges with complex graphics. The range is almost endless and includes everything from personalised name badges; ID cards; button and embroidered badges; pins and enamel badges; to conference and temporary badges for hotel and restaurant chains, as well as many well known industrial and commercial organisations.

Paul Mitchell, Operations Director at RETrade explains what was required from Flextraction: “A few years back, the company was given a project to produce a name badge with a durable wipe clean surface and enhanced appearance and we came up with a process, now called doming which is putting a self levelling epoxy resin over the badge to protect it. The process had existed but nobody had put it on a name badge before. Health and Safety regulations state that there are some associated risks when working with epoxy resins. We only use small amounts on each badge but produce a lot of badges, so we put in this extraction system to comply with the latest regulations. We approached Flextraction after finding them on the internet, they are fairly local and the only criteria we gave them was that the system had to be bench mounted. They came in, had a look at what we do, did some calculations and came up with a suggestion as to what we needed and then they put the system in. They responded very well to our initial enquiry and came up with a good solution. So all in all we are pleased with the installation.”

The Flextraction fume extraction system is designed and built round 5 different sized extraction cabinets, which are designed to contain and capture of all fumes, whilst still allowing operator access. 3 cabinets each measuring 500mm x 500mm x 1,200mm are used for applying self levelling epoxy resin to each badge, whilst 2 cabinets each 500mm x 500mm x 710mm are used to store and cure the resin on the badges, which give off fumes until hardened a few hours later. PVC-371 lightweight, flexible and compressible hosing with an operating temperature range of approximately -10°c to +110°C, links each cabinet to the ducting system, designed and proportioned to provide a good conveying velocity throughout its length. All fumes are extracted to outside the building using a floor mounted CB-1428 single phase centrifugal, single inlet fan with multi forward facing blades and running at 1,300 r/min.

Lee Darton, General Manager (Products) at Flextraction said: “We design and build a multitude of systems for a wide variety of applications and this particular application shows just how well the internet can operate in finding new business. In this application their skilled operators apply the epoxy resin to very small areas, so it is reasonably intricate work. We had to come up with a solution that took away the fumes, at the same time allowing their operators working access and this has been achieved.”

flextraction Fume Extraction Equipment Helps Food Industry Equipment Manufacturer

Posted November 15, 2010

Riley Product Handling Ltd in Derby is a manufacturer of bakery systems used predominantly in biscuit and cracker production. Their equipment links the exit of an oven with wrapping machines, sorting products into the right numbers of lanes and presenting the products at the correct angle and pressure.

When Riley Product Handling, which exports up to 80% of its products, took the strategic decision to dispense with out sourcing their MIG, TIG and MMA welding fabrication, they needed the appropriate equipment to undertake such work. Initially they used a portable fume extraction system with two extraction arms, before they decided to go for a fixed system with flexible extraction arms extracting fumes externally via a filter unit to save on space with no clutter and a much reduced noise level.

Tim Wilding, Engineering Manager at Riley Product Handling contacted Simon Plaister at Foster Industrial, his local welding equipment distributor in nearby Nottingham for advice. Foster Industrial is a distributor for flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products and was asked as one of three bidders to submit a quotation.

The flextraction system was selected on the basis of design, price and communications. It comprised 5 x extended HPDs (Hood Positioning Devices) and 2 x 2m standard HPDs. Each extended HPD consisted of a 3m standard extraction arm and a 3m extension. All seven HPDs were equipped with epoxy painted black 150mm diameter flared hoods and assembled complete with wall mounting, control damper and with no internal components.

A TEKA 400V/50Hz ‘Filtercube 4H-4000’ centralised filter unit with a dust extraction efficiency of >99% to meet BGIA certification DIN EN ISO 15012-1 (Health and Safety in welding and allied processes) was used. Dedusting of the filter cartridges is done using a fully automated microprocessor Pulse Control. The ducting used in the project was manufactured from spiral galvanised sheet steel and was installed with inspection doors, flexible hose connections and supporting brackets.

The extended HPDs are used for welding, whilst the standard HPDs which are linked to a wet pre-separator system before joining the main ductwork, are used for grinding operations.

Tim Wilding said: “We fabricate our products using 1mm – 6mm mild steel and stainless steel, occasionally up to 10mm. Typical components are frames for conveyors and machines, tracks for vibratory conveyors, guides and guards. The main welding process we use is TIG welding, however MMA welding is used for high strength welds in vibratory troughs, whilst MIG welding is used on frameworks where large fillet welds are required.

We decided on the flextraction system because with ever increasing Health and Safety legislation, we thought it prudent to install a system that did not just meet legalisation but would be future proof. As it was, the installation was completed in a week, which was to the timescale quoted and compared to our existing portable units the fabricators’ working environments are significantly improved with reduced noise levels. The length and type of HPD are light in weight and are quick and easy to locate for the point of extraction where ever it is needed, which is exactly what we wanted.”

Lee Darton General Manager Products at Flextraction said: “Our fume extraction system is equipped with gate valves so it can be balanced. During commissioning, the system was tuned to achieve the legislative face velocities at each point of extraction, which was easily achieved as the system is capable of 8,000m³/h over 6 extraction points. In fact we were able to reduce the velocities to meet current legislative levels to reduce noise.”

Tim Wilding continued; “The system is inspected every week by the shop floor person responsible and there have been no issues. We encourage individuals to look after their equipment and report any faults, all of which are logged in a book, which is used as part of a safe contractor qualification.”

Overall the system was installed successfully and on time, meets all the extraction requirements of Riley Product Handling and the workshop environment has greatly improved.

New Electronic Airflow Indicator from flextraction Ltd

Posted October 11, 2010

flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products has launched a new, small in size, Electronic Airflow Indicator. The Airflow Indicators are for use on all LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) hoods or at any LEV point on the extraction hose where it can be easily seen by the operator. They ensure that the airflow is adequate to control operator exposure to industrial dust and fumes, including hazardous and corrosive fumes, at the point of source.

These Electronic Airflow Indicators are designed for use in a multitude of industries including surface grinding, welding, product tipping, drum filling, food processing and all manufacturing applications where dust and fumes are emitted. Importantly, not only do they visually show the operator if the airflow is correct by a green LED or if it is in-correct by a red LED, they also have a built in audible alarm indicating if there is a fall in the air flow velocity.

Features include an indication of system performance by means of a single LED and constant monitoring, thereby ensuring operator protection at all times. The Airflow Indicator has no external buttons or switches thus preventing operator interference of the unit. Calibration and set up are straightforward and are carried out through the utilisation of internal switches and these are undertaken by flextraction at time of installation. The unit is powered by 4 x AA batteries, giving up to 2 years continuous operation.

Lee Darton, General Manager (Products) at flextraction said: “Section 106 of the Health and Safety Document – Controlling Airborne Contaminants at Work (HSG 258) states: ‘Employees need an airflow indicator at every hood because the operator needs some simple indication that the hood is working properly. It becomes critical when the operator has to adjust a damper to get adequate airflow. The airflow indicator must indicate simply and clearly when the airflow is adequate...’ These units are not only simple to install and economic to run, but they are a very cost effective means of ensuring that the user is protected from industrial fume and dust at all times."

Sales Vacancy at flextraction Ltd

Posted October 08, 2010

Do you have sufficient proven experience in the Dust and Fume Extraction Industry enabling you to hit the ground running to sell Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products?  Are you a conscientious, hardworking individual who has the self motivation to meet or exceed expectations?

Flextraction Ltd, who specialise in the manufacture and supply of a comprehensive range of LEV products for all sectors of industry, are looking to recruit an experienced Sales Engineer.

The role requires that you assess the needs of potential and current customers, discuss their requirements, recommend the correct solution to their dust and fume problems and sell from the comprehensive range of extraction products on offer.  Whilst you will be pro-active in obtaining sales leads, the administrative support that you receive will ensure that you are regularly supplied with enquiries.

If you feel that you are up to the role then please send your CV to:

Flextraction Ltd
10 Digby Drive
Melton Mowbray
Leicestershire LE13 0RQ

Alternatively, email your CV to recruitment@flextraction.co.uk or call John Lambert (Director) on 01664-410641 to discuss the position.

New HPDs are ATEX compliant for safer fume and dust extraction

Posted September 20, 2010

Most of the new range of totally self supporting Hood Positioning Devices (HPD), including the Articulated HPD, Extended HPD, Mini HPD and Telescopic HPD from flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products are now available certified as ATEX compliant.

These HPDs all incorporate new mounting brackets, hoods and hoses for the capture and extraction of industrial dusts and fumes including hazardous and corrosive fumes at the point of source in surface grinding, welding, product tipping and drum filling, as well as food processing and all manufacturing applications, where dust and fumes are emitted.

Being ATEX compliant means that products are coated with an anti-static paint so that they can be used in hazardous area zones, which are based on the frequency and duration of where there can be an occurrence of an explosive atmosphere in which a mixture of air with dangerous substances in the form of gas, vapour, mist or combustible dust is likely to occasionally occur in normal operations. Features of these HPDs include, a rear casing that is fully enclosed giving an improved aesthetic appearance and protection against dirt ingress, a rear boom extension giving a 270° working radius and a new 360° rotating swivel hood enabling more accurate hood positioning, whilst quick release clips are used to attach a range of flexible hoses, including ATEX certified hoses.

Articulated HPDs are suitable for standard wall or stanchion mounting, as well as upward and downward swivel, joist and ceiling mountings and are available in five standard lengths between 1.5m and 4m.

The Extended HPD provides the user with the additional option of a longer reach up to a maximum 8m. The wall or bench mounted mini HPD is available in three standard diameters – 75mm, 100mm and 125mm with either a 1m or 1.5 m reach.

A range of hoods is available in a wide variety of designs including bell mouth, flare, fish tail, flat screen and custom designed.

New Range of Specialist High Temperature Application Hoses from flextraction

Posted June 08, 2010

A series of suction and blast hoses for use in high temperatures up to 1100°C and chemical applications is now available from flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products and authorised distributor of flexible extraction hoses in the UK and Ireland for NORRES Schlauchtechnik GmbH & Co. KG, the Gelsenkirchen, Germany based manufacturer of technical and industrial hoses.

These hoses depending on the type and size, vary in weight, flexibility and compressibility to meet their suitability for the application as well as the temperature ranging from -200°C up to +1100°C.

The hoses in the range made from Thermoplastic polymers are suitable for use in applications where the maximum temperature is 125°C. Hoses made of steel can be used up 400°C, whilst stainless steel hoses can be used up to 600°C. For better thermal insulation, multi-ply constructed hoses using alternating special high temperature webbing and special insulating materials are highly effective up to 1100°C over short periods.

One example of hose in this range is the VA 471 TEFLON ®, double layer, ultra lightweight, compressible hose which is designed for use in applications where operating temperatures can range from approximately -150°C to +250°C and over a short period of time in applications up to 270°C. Typical applications for these hoses include use with equipment associated involving aggressive solids such as dust particles, powder and fibres, also aggressive gaseous applications such as vapours, fumes and smoke, all applications found in the chemical industry, manufacturing de-dusting and suction plants as well as in bellows and compensators.

Another example is the NORRES CP HiTex 483 multi layer high temperature suction and blast hose designed for use in applications can reach up to 1100°C such as dust, powder and fibre solids, gas, vapour and flue gas extraction, blast furnace exhaust and welding fume extraction as well as exhaust extraction in engine construction, engine warming, aircraft and military equipment construction.

New Permanent Anti Static Fume and Dust Extraction Hoses

Posted May 25, 2010

A brand new series of NORRES Protape® ATEX-PUR330-MHF/AS ATEX permanent anti static and abrasion proof suction and blast hoses is now available from Flextraction Ltd, suppliers and manufacturers of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products and authorised distributor of flexible extraction hoses in the UK and Ireland for NORRES Schlauchtechnik GmbH & Co.KG, the Gelsenkirchen, Germany based manufacturer of technical and industrial hoses.

These highly flexible, super lightweight, ATEX approved hoses incorporate optimised flow properties, are designed to convey inflammable particles, chippings, powder, dust, oil vapours and welding fumes in a multitude of applications and industries ranging from de-dusting and suction plants, industrial vacuum cleaners, air-conditioning and ventilation applications, paint fume extraction, food industry applications, wood processing applications, granulate conveying systems, engine exhaust systems, chemical extraction systems to manufacturing and surface finishing applications. For food industry applications they meet EC guideline 2002/72/EC.

They are constructed using PROTAPE® tape hose and spiral sprung steel wire in special PRE-PUR® premium ether-polyurethane walls having an approximate thickness of 0.6mm. By being permanently anti-static, electro-static charging (separation of charged particles) cannot occur thereby eliminating any discharges that can ignite an explosive mixture of gas, vapour, mist or dust, dangerous or unpredictable behaviour caused by shock when this discharge takes place via the human body, process disruptions caused by the medium sticking to the hose wall or the malfunction of measuring devices and controllers. The average operating temperature range is between approx. -40°C to +90°C, but can be used over short working periods with temperatures up to +125°C.

Other features include a long working life, in that they have abrasive resistance about 2.5 – 5 times better than most rubber materials and are also about 3 to 4 times better than most soft PVC’s, microbe and hydrosols resistant as well as being PVC free.

Delfin Air Operated ATEX Compliant Industrial Vacuums now available from flextraction

Posted April 13, 2010

The Delfin range of DM, Mistral 352 and Mistral 802 industrial vacuums now includes AIR-Ex ATEX compliant air operated versions, available through Flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products and ‘preferred supplier’ in the UK and Ireland for Italian industrial vacuum equipment manufacturer, Delfin s.r.l The DM3 AIR EX, Mistral 352 DS AIR EX and Mistral 802 WD AIR Ex are the three new versions added to the existing Delfin range of 3 phase industrial vacuums and are all certified as being ATEX compliant for zones 1,2, 12 and 22 as per the European CE norm 94/9, meaning that they can be safely used where there is a risk of explosion, due to the presence of flammable or explosive dust, fumes or gas in the work area. All three machine can be used to vacuum up dry or dry and wet substances with different capacities depending on the model in a multitude of industrial applications including manufacturing and engineering, steel plants, building and construction sites, medical and laboratory applications, aircraft building and maintenance, ceramics production, agricultural and food processing and packaging applications, wood turning, paper, plastic and glass manufacturing industries.

The units have either a single or a double Venturi suction unit, which compresses air and turns it into a vacuum effect. There are no electrical or mechanical components, which completely reduces the risk of accidental sparks of either electrical or mechanical design. Other features include 100% anti static compliance, patented safe disposal ‘seal off bag’ system for safe disposal of hazardous waste, good filtration against fine and toxic dust, stainless steel body and electrical grounding.

Mobile Filter for Gas, Fume and Dust Particle Extraction from flextraction

Posted March 24, 2010

Fumex’s LF70 mobile filter for the extraction of airborne pollutants is available through flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products and sole UK representative for Fumex AB, Sweden. This filter unit is ideal for use in temporary workplaces or where a fixed installation would not be practical.

It is designed to extract gases, fumes and dust particles in educational, scientific and pharmaceutical laboratories, hospitals, electronic component manufacturing lines as well as in laser branding. The LF70 features highly efficient 3-stage dust filters comprising a G3 pre-filter, a F6 fine filter and an H12 HEPA filter which separate 99.97% of dust particles down to 0.3µm. For gases, fumes and other pollutants, a range of 4 different carbon filters are available depending on the gas to be extracted.

Using an easy to read digital display, shows which type of pollutant the filter is being used for and the easily adjusted airflow speed. For dust extraction, the filter starts at 0 hrs and the number of hours the filter has been operating is shown on the control panel. This will reset to 0hrs when the filter is changed. A LFD (differential pressure manometer) which indicates when the filter is full, is available as an option. For gas extraction the filter starts at the preset number of hours depending on the gas and the airflow. To obtain an exact air flow through the filter, a LFF (flow meter) is available as an option. A remote control to start and stop the fan is also an option. Depending on the application, the LF70 can be used with either one 75mm diameter extraction arm with an extracting airflow of 42 l/s or two 50mm diameter extraction arms extracting 2 x 21 l/s. Using a plexiglass hood to enclose laboratory or other sensitive instruments, the LF70 with a single 75mm diameter extraction arm is able to extract up to 70 l/s. The LF70 is EMC- LVD- and CE certified to meet EU Medical Directives and has a very low 56 dB(A) noise level at 100% rpm. It is compact, mobile and light in weight (25 kg) enabling it to be easily moved from one location to another and then placed under the work station.

Minimising Flour and Ingredients Dust at Manchester Bakery Group

Posted January 19, 2010

To control flour and ingredients dust at the point of weighing in preparation for onward baking, Martins Foods Group in Manchester has invested in two 4m downflow booths, designed to contain dust over large areas of emission, from Flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products for dust and fume extraction in the work-place.

Martins Foods Group, one of Manchester’s longest established bakeries founded in 1922, has a modern 50,000ft² central bakery in Newton Heath producing and supplying over 150 bakery and sandwich products every day to the Group’s 28 retail outlets in the Manchester area. The Group also has a 30,000ft² factory including a large holding freezer in Radcliffe, Manchester supplying frozen bakery products cakes and desserts to supermarkets and Foodservice outlets.

Flextraction’s own modular design, 304 stainless steel downflow booths with an acoustically enclosed fan to minimise overall noise level, operate on a re-circulatory airflow principle with a clean evenly distributed down flow of air at 0.5m/second. Extraction is via low level primary roughing filters and secondary bag filters and this then provides down flow via ceiling mounted 99.95% filtration efficient HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Arrestor) filters suppressing any dust downwards away from the operator’s breathing zone. Pressure indicating devices continually monitor the extraction performance, whilst automatically controlling the 2 x 2.2kW direct driven variable speed fans to maintain optimum operating conditions. Louvered grilles in the lower rear wall capture the airborne contaminants. Because the booth operates using continuous re-circulation of the air within the booth, no airborne contaminates can escape into the external environment. Their modular designs allows a size to be manufactured to suit the application and they are found in a multitude of industries in addition to bakeries, these include dye and paint manufacturers as well as pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturers.

Neil Martin, Managing Director, Martins Foods Group said: “I first came across a Flextraction downflow booth during a visit to the Birds Bakery in Derby. I was impressed with the dust free conditions in the weighing area and although at the time we were already undertaking good practice to keep the dust levels as low as possible, I realised we could improve our own working environment to the betterment of our employees, as well as the Company. As a major bakery group in the Manchester area, we have to ensure that our operations meet with the most stringent health and safety standards and this investment has enhanced those standards. After discussions with Flextraction, we decided in 2008, to invest in a 4m booth, basically because it fitted into the size of our Newton Heath operations and once installed, we immediately saw environmental improvements. We made dust emission checks and found that the employees weighing up and tipping flour or ingredients into removable bowl mixers had the lowest emission levels of anywhere in the bakery, which was excellent. In early 2009 we decided to invest in another one for our Radcliffe operations with exactly the same results. Both booths have been an excellent investment providing a much cleaner working environment and require very little maintenance, we only have to replace the easy to access filters, which is a very easy task.”

New Hood Positioning Devices For Better Fume and Dust Extraction

Posted January 05, 2010

flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products has launched a new range of totally self supporting Hood Positioning Devices (HPD), the ‘Flextractor HPD, Extended HPD, Mini HPD and Flextender HPD, all incorporating new mounting brackets, hoods and hoses for the capture and extraction of industrial dusts and fumes including hazardous and corrosive fumes at the point of source. These HPDs have been designed to be used in a multitude of industrial applications, including surface grinding, welding, product tipping and drum filling as well as food processing and all manufacturing applications, where dust and fumes are emitted. Importantly, they meet HSE requirements for the correct positioning and design of LEV hoods and are totally self supporting mechanisms providing stability and accuracy in the carrying and positioning of a wide range of hoods in different sizes, weights and designs including individual customised hoods plus hose combinations. Without any internal obstructions, there is no wear, corrosion, flow restrictions or solids built up within the hoses. The twin support mechanism incorporates two springs to provide a much greater return force than in previous models, producing a lighter as well as a more balanced feel to the arm, especially when manipulating it into the correct extraction position. This increased return force, as well as an increased surface area around the central pivot, enables the design of fully customised hoods to be added to the HPD.

Other features include a rear casing that is fully enclosed giving an improved aesthetic appearance and protection against dirt ingress, a rear boom extension gives a 270° working radius and a new 360° rotating swivel hood enables more accurate hood positioning, whilst quick release clips are used to attach a range of flexible hoses such as standard PVC, FD approved polyurethane, high temperature, chemical and solvent resistant as well as ATEX certified hoses.

Options include tubed, ATEX compliance and stainless steel models plus a fitted electronic airflow indicator. Flextractor HPD’s are suitable for standard wall or stanchion mounting, as well as upward and downward swivel, joist and ceiling mountings and are available in five standard lengths between 1,5m and 4m. Optional solid tubed sections in the same diameters and with flexible joints are also available to further reduce the risk of solids build up. The Extended HPD provides the user with the additional option of a longer reach up to a maximum 8m. The wall or bench mounted mini HPD is available in three standard diameters – 75mm, 100mm and 250mm with either 1m or 1.5 m reaches. The Flextender HPD has a telescopic extraction arm giving the user a 1,200 – 1,650mm reach, especially useful in low headroom or limited space applications. Flextractor HPDs and Flextender HPDs are available in either 75mm, 100mm, 125mm, 150mm and 200mm diameters. A range of hoods is available in a wide variety of designs including bell mouth, flare, fish tail, flat screen and custom designed. These are available in epoxy coated, stainless steel, polypropylene and ATEX versions.

New Industrial Downdraught Filter Bench from flextration Ltd

Posted December 04, 2009

flextraction Ltd, the Melton Mowbray, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products has launched the FB70011, a new downdraught filter bench to control airborne particles from applications such as sanding, de-burring, finishing, linishing, fettling as well as ingredient weighing in the food and agricultural industry plus other dust forming applications, thereby improve the working environment and helping to eliminate potential respiratory health problems for employees.

The FB70011 downdraught bench complies with Health & Safety Guidline 258 covering the control of airborne contaminants at work.  It features an inverter (variable frequency drive control) to regulate the operating speed of the single phase 230V, 50/60Hz, 500w high power backward curve centrifugal fan producing an air volume of 2,300m3/hr.

Other features include filter gauges with spring loaded filter clamp mechanisms and filter full indicators, a G4 pleated filter for efficient 0-500Pa gauge pre/primary filtration to remove any particles within the airstreams and 0-1000Pa HEPA Filter, both with ‘filter full’ indicators and an optional HEPA cartridge to remove submicron particulate with an efficiency up to 99.9%.

It also includes a motor fault warning light, 3 sided enclosure, levelling feet and an on/off push button control with a ‘power on’ light.  It measures 1,200mm high, 1,060mm wide and 740mm deep and it weighs 180 kg. It is also mobile having swivel and brake casters.

New Hoses Extend flextraction Product Portfolio

Posted November 30, 2009

flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products has been appointed the authorised distributor of flexible extraction hoses in the UK and Ireland for NORRES Schlauchtechnik GmbH & Co.KG, the Gelsenkirchen, Germany based manufacturer of technical and industrial hoses.

NORRES hoses are used in a multitude of applications and industries ranging from de-dusting and suction plants, industrial vacuum cleaners, air-conditioning and ventilation applications, paint fume extraction, food industry applications, wood processing applications, granulate conveying systems, engine exhaust systems, chemical extraction systems to welding and surface finishing applications.

Lee Darton, Sales Manager at flextraction commented: “We wanted to expand our portfolio of high quality hoses that we could offer our client base. NORRES is an international company with an excellent reputation, innovative products and a 24hr delivery service, which fitted our bill. The Company is ISO 9001:2000 certified and their hoses comply with a wide range of standards and specifications in the most diverse industries, including the ATEX Directive and FDA conformity and food regulations.” Ricarda Pieper, Export Sales Industrial Hoses at NORRES said: “We are pleased that flextraction has agreed to be our Authorised Distributor in the UK for our hoses and ductings for spot extractors, extraction arms, filter systems, dust and fume extraction and for high temperature hoses up to 1,100°C. Their considerable knowledge of and expertise in the market for fume and dust extraction products will be a positive advantage in the marketing of our products.”

A Range of Spot Air Cooling Units from Flextraction

Posted October 07, 2009

A new range of PROCOOL single phase 230V/50Hz, portable, spot coolers from Ecotechnics based in Italy, is now available in the UK, through Flextraction, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products for industrial dust, fume and oil mist extraction applications.

There are three coolers in the range, PROCOOL 9000, PROCOOL 17000 and PROCOOL 24000. They are designed as portable air conditioning systems delivering cool, dry air to an area or areas, where a reduction in temperature is called for. They are ideal for use in industry to improve the working conditions in working areas that do not have air conditioning, on NC controlled machine tools and electronic control systems that require cool air as well as in automotive workshops where mechanics often work inside cars and trucks, places where PROCOOL’s flexible delivery tubes can reach.

They can also be used by the rental market for hire to the Food and Events industries in serving areas, kitchens as well as corporate and social event marquees.

PROCOOL 9000 delivers 300m3/hr of cool air, cooling an area between 20-30m2 at an operating noise level 63db(A) at >35°C, using one flexible directional delivery tube, whilst the PROCOOL 17000 delivers 850m3/hr, cooling an area between 40-60m2 at an operating noise level 68db(A) at >35°C, using dual flexible delivery tubes that allow the airflow to be directed to two distinct areas and the PROCOOL 24000 delivers 1000m3/hr, cooling an area 70-100m2 at an operating noise level 69db(A) using 3 delivery tubes. A feature of the PROCOOL 24000 is that it also has the option of replacing the 3 delivery tubes with a single inflatable tube to supply cool air to large areas such as Marquees and complete workshops.

All PROCOOL spot coolers feature a digital display on the function control, with the user being able to set ambient temperature or the air delivery temperature at the vents. The flexible extensible delivery tubes can be positioned where required. The PROCOOL 9000 has a 10-litre capacity condensation tank whilst the PROCOOL 17000 and 24000 have 20-litre condensation recovery tanks for extended operating times.

Optional accessories include 3m flexible extension tubes and a vent for exterior discharge of hot air.

Fans to Extract Smoke at 400°C from flextraction Ltd

Posted October 01, 2009

flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products and UK and Northern Ireland representative for PISAC International s.a, the export arm of Barcelona based industrial and commercial fan manufacturer Sodeca s.a, has introduced a comprehensive range of ventilation fans to extract smoke and fumes up to 400°C/2hr.

These 3-phase 230/400V 50Hz fans are designed to vent industrial kitchens, educational centres storage buildings, inside and outside fire danger zones in public car parks, garages, bodyshops and on construction sites. The range is very comprehensive with multiple choice fans to suit the application and the area to be vented. The fans range from THT long cased axial fans including individual THT/ATEX fans and duplex extraction units with ATEX certification, CJTHT and CJTHT/ATEX extraction units with soundproof boxes to THT/IMP single direction or reversible long range impulsion fans in circular, rectangular or oval designs for smoke extraction meeting EN-12101-3-2002 certification For working inside fire danger areas, the ATEX certified long cased axial fans with impellers ranging from 40 - 125cm diameter have an aluminium strip to prevent sparks meeting EN 14986:2006 specifications and they incorporate a Class H motor with one-or two- speeds depending on the model selected. The long range impulsion fans have variable cast aluminium impellers for optimum impulsion and deflectors to increase the airflow range on the impeller side as well as silencers with thermal and acoustic insulation. They can supply a maximum airflow ranging from 2,130 – 64,850 m³/hr depending on the model selected. Depending on the floor layout, height and location of the fans, flextraction can design and supply the extraction duct systems and calculate the load losses. For car parks, flextraction is also able to design and supply ventilation systems both using the traditional ducting system and also using the new impulse ventilation system without ducting reducing installation costs and improving the overall ventilation.

Welding Fume and Vehicle Exhaust Extraction System from Flextraction

Posted September 16, 2009

Flextraction Ltd, the Melton Mowbray, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products for industrial dust, fume and oil mist extraction and sole UK representative for Swedish fume extraction equipment manufacturer Fumex AB, has a range of vehicle exhaust and welding fume extraction systems utilising a rail system for the automotive repair and manufacturing industries.

The APS aluminium rail system mounted on telescopic ceiling and wall brackets is a flexible solution for the extraction of exhaust fumes from moving vehicles that can be connected to a separate fan or a central exhaust system. Features of this system include the aluminium rail also acting as the suction duct with only one rubber seal placed on top of the duct, whilst the design of the trolley produces one of the lowest pressure drops for this type of system, thereby producing low running costs.

The APS system can be supplied with an automatic trolley return control and other devices for automatic control and when used alongside a production line to extract welding fumes, the rail can be supplied with one or more trolleys equipped with Fumex R or RX extraction arms equipped with a 360° swivel.

Heat resistant rubberised fabric EPDM/Polyester hoses are supplied in standard lengths of 5m in diameters of 75, 100, 125 and 150mm. Additional sections are also available are in 2.5 m lengths. The hoses are supported by a balance.

The AFS Hose rail is a simpler system with a tiltable supporting steel rail to achieve automatic return of the trolley and it has a 160mm diameter hose suspended underneath connected to a separate fan or a central exhaust system. The vertical suction hose is available in 100, 125 and 150mm diameters and in the same lengths as the APS System.

A range of different nozzles are available for both welding and for vehicle exhaust fumes including oval connections for both single and double exhausts, pneumatic rubber nozzles and high mounted exhaust pipes.

To view a video demonstration of the extraction system, please click on the link below and see for yourself this excellent product in operation: View demo video of the Fumex APS (42Mb MPG file)

Easy Venting to Atmosphere (VTA) Fume Extraction Solutions from flextraction Ltd

Posted September 09, 2009

flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturers of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products and sole UK representative of TEKA GmbH in Germany, has introduced two venting to atmosphere (VTA) mobile and stationary exhaust systems for the extraction of non-explosive dusts and dust particles, including welding fumes, in restricted working environments. They can also be used for the ventilation of underground pipelines, enclosed containers and rooms.

These low cost, easy to use and install exhaust systems provide a simple answer for venting to atmosphere in restricted working environments.

The mobile exhaust system comprises a 0.75kW 230V 50Hz 2,000m³/hr suction fan with protective grids at both inlet and outlet ends and mounted on a four wheel trolley, a 150mm diameter 6m long suction hose with a suction hood having a magnetic base for easy attachment within the work area and a 160mm diameter, 6m long exhaust hose.

Supplied as complete ready to use units, these systems are ideal for use in shipbuilding, agricultural, general fabrication applications and small to medium workshops, as well as bodyshops. The stationary exhaust system comprises a 0.75kW, 230/415V 2000m³/hr suction fan with motor overload switch, a powder coated sheet steel wall bracket, a 150mm diameter, 3m long self supporting suction hose type arm with internal joints and suction hood with a magnetic base, flexible 160mm diameter exhaust ducting up to 5m in length and a 160mm diameter exhaust connection with a protective grid. This system is ideal as a permanent system for use in small to medium sized workshops, including bodyshops.

Local extractor arms from flextraction offer greater flexability

Posted August 18, 2009

The Fumex range of Terfu brand local extractor arms is now available with 100mm diameter arms in addition to the existing 50mm and 75mm diameter arms from flextraction Ltd, suppliers and manufacturers of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products and sole UK representative of Fumex AB in Sweden.

These extractor arms are designed for bench, wall or ceiling mounting with airflows ranging from 75m3/h to 450m3/h and have the option of either two or three friction joints depending on the application. They all have an easy to access handle for simple adjustment as well as a 360° rotational swivel as standard. A single joint version is also available for bench mounting.

Terfu local extractor arms are made for use where great flexibility is required in pharmaceutical, hospital and food laboratories, universities, colleges, schools and light production such as gluing, brazing, TIG welding and handling solvents as well as High Street nail bars and hairdressing salons

There are 4 models that make up the range:

The Standard version with polypropylene joints and anodised aluminium tubes can be used for the extraction of most airborne contaminants.

The PP version with joints and tubes made in recyclable polypropylene and all parts in contact with the air stream made of acid resistant SS2343 stainless steel are designed for use in the extraction of high concentration corrosive contaminants found in pharmaceutical and chemical industry laboratories.

The ESD EN100015-1 approved version, which has conducting polypropylene joints and anodised aluminium tubes, is designed for use in environments where the need to eliminate the risks of sparks is paramount such as the electronics industry.

The ATEX 94/9/EC category 2 for gases and dust version, with conductive recyclable polypropylene joints and tubes as well as stainless steel parts that come into contact with the air stream is ideal for use in laboratories, chemical and petrochemical, gas distribution, paint manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries.

A wide range of hoods, ranging from suction, flexible nozzles, metal, dome, square and flat screen hoods are available for each model, plus reduction sleeves and protective grills to prevent large objects entering the system.

HSE Recommend Air Flow Monitoring Devices for all Dust and Fume Extraction Hoods

Posted July 07, 2009

The Health & Safety Executive now recommend that companies fit airflow monitoring indicators to all Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) hoods to ensure that airflow is adequate to control exposure. Employers have legal responsibilities in law under Health & Safety at Work etc Act (HSWA) 1974, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Heath Regulations (CoSHH) 2002, as amended, and the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR). Additionally, there are special provisions for employers in Safety Data sheets under REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of CHemicals).

Section 106 of the H&S document, Controlling Airborne Contaminants at Work (HSG 258) states: “Employers need an airflow indicator at every hood because the operator needs some simple indication that the hood is working properly. It becomes critical when the operator has to adjust a damper to get adequate airflow. The airflow indicator must indicate simply and clearly when the airflow is adequate.....”

flextraction is offering to visit your company to give you a ‘free of charge’ assessment and advice on how you can meet this HSE recommendation. To take up our offer of a free on site survey with regards to meeting the HSE’s recommendations, then please call one of our team on 01664 - 410 641 and quote “HSE Monitor Offer”.

Mistral Range of DELFIN Industrial Vacuums from FLEXTRACTION has Expanded

Posted June 16, 2009

flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products and preferred supplier in the UK and Ireland for Italian industrial vacuum equipment manufacturer, Delfin s.r.l has announced the launch of a further two industrial vacuums to their existing range of Mistral single phase and 3 phase industrial vacuums.

These vacuums are designed for a multitude of cleaning applications including cleaning of electronic equipment, vehicle cleaning in car washes and workshops, cleaning of ovens and other equipment used in the bakery and food industries as well as general industrial cleaning of floors, equipment and facilities in factories and offices.

The Mistral 202 DS is a new vacuum for collecting dust and solid material with an accumulation of static electricity as well as very fine dust and corrosive dust and material, whilst the Mistral 505 is a new wet and dry vacuum.

The Mistral 202 DS features a 360m/hr maximum air flow and a 2,300mm H0 maximum vacuum provided by 2 x single phase, 230V 50-60Hz independently operated by-pass motors in a noise reducing plastic casing producing just 74dB(A). These motors are designed to convey the exhaust air downwards to reduce dust levels in the working area.

Other features include a high surface cartridge with a 30,000cm² filter surface and filtration efficiency of M CAT (BIA)/1 micron, a manual filter shaker to help remove dust from the filter, a 60mm diameter suction inlet with 50, 38 and 32mm hose connectors below the filter, allowing dust and solid material vacuuming at the same time.

The Mistral 501 Wet & Dry features a 180m³/hr maximum air flow and a 2,500mm H²0 maximum vacuum provided by a single phase 230V 50/60Hz carbon brush type by-pass motor, whilst the suction inlet can be used with hoses ranging from 50-32mm diameter. The dust collecting kit is a bag type polyester filter with a filtration efficiency of L CAT (BIA)/3 micron. The wet kit is a floating device to protect the motor from liquids, foams and other solid objects. Discharge from the 50 litre container is by a flexible hose.

A comprehensive hose kit with the option to select from a wide range of cleaning nozzles, including static mounted floor brushes and squeegees, is available for both vacuums, which are mounted on 4 wheel chassis with two pivoting casters, one of which has a brake and both come with a 2-year warranty.

The Air That I Breathe…

Posted May 26, 2009

Lee Darton, Sales Manager at flextraction Ltd, a supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products for industrial dust, fume and oil mist extraction, looks at why manufacturing and fabricating industries should seriously look at the filtration efficiency of their LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) equipment.  He also believes that equipment suppliers should offer sound, practical, educational advice to industry regarding the testing and marking of air filtration systems for the extraction of welding fumes.

In the 60’s ‘The Air that I Breathe’ was a big hit for The Hollies, although the lyrics are not related to the working environment, the title of the song is very relevant to industrial health and safety.

In industry, it is relatively easy to extract fumes and dust particles from the workplace and filter and return them as clean air safely and efficiently back into the workshop, by using the correct and certified extraction equipment with visible and/or audible warning devices to warn the operator if equipment is not working correctly.  In the 60’s it was normal practice to discharge fumes directly into the workplace or outside without any fear of repercussions, to-day that is not possible.  If companies do not abide by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH) regulations and Environmental legislation, then they are not fulfilling their duty to control the risks and could face costly compensation packages to employees, whose health has been affected by the actions of employers by not providing the right equipment for their safety and welfare.   A costly error for both the employer and employee.

It is important that everyone must help the environment and protect the air that we all need to breathe to sustain life.

“In the UK to-day, there are still many thousands of workers, dying from lung disease or getting asthma because of contaminants in the air that they breathe at work” says Lee Darton.  “When flextraction was set up just over 10 years ago, we took the strategic decision to market LEV products that would not only meet all the standards but exceed those required by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

I have represented the BSI British Standards as UK representative for ISO15012-2:2008 specifying the health and safety requirements concerned with the separation of fumes from welding and allied processes. It also covers the testing and marking of equipment for air filtration and describes a method for determining the particle separation efficiency of welding fume separation equipment.  In addition, it deals with the major hazards caused by the emission of welding fume particles from welding fume extraction equipment, when operated correctly and as foreseen by the manufacturer.

This is the efficiency standard we would like to see every manufacturer abide by and put forward to users, sometimes however the cheaper option is easier and we see welders being exposed to re-breathing contaminated air due to poor or inadequate filtration.

As part of our education program, every time we visit a customer, our engineers always produce a written site survey - a 4 page document with over 22 important questions. The very first question we ask is ‘what does the customer expect us to achieve’? That answer is of paramount importance and only when we have analysed all the answers are we able to put recommendations forward that meet or in many cases exceed all the customer’s requirements and expectations.”

Because of this, we believe as a manufacturer and supplier we should help educate and advise manufacturing companies who are looking to invest in ventilation systems or improve their existing systems. We are UK representatives for TEKA GmbH, Germany, LEV products manufacturer, whose filtration efficiency is tested and certificated by the German BGIA (Berufsgenossenschaftliches Institut für Arbeitsschutz) to DIN EN ISO 15012-1 giving welders assurances that air being re-circulated back into the work space is filtered to >99%, or welding fume separation class W3. All filters that we supply, either in fixed equipment or mobile units, are approved and marked accordingly. We also recommend that the user carries out annual maintenance and to document his actions.

Education is a by product of sales and the extraction of welding fumes away from the operator was one of the first applications for fume extraction. Since the industrial revolution in the early 19th century, steel has become one of the most common products seen in to-day’s world, whether it be in ships, buildings, washing machines, to name a few. To join it together you need to weld, rivet or bolt it together. Welding is a process that produces dangerous fumes, more so when the operator is using stainless steels and other exotic materials, all of which are being used more and more in the UK as our manufacturing base moves from high volume mild steel welding to manufacturing high tech, high quality specialised products.”

It is important that all users of welding equipment are aware of ISO 15012-1:2004(E), the European standard as a starting point.  With escalating energy costs UK companies are keen to reduce these costs and one way is not to extract contaminated warm air out into the outside atmosphere, but to re-circulate clean and warm air back into the work space, however it must be filtered correctly and efficiently so as not to cause harm to the employees.  If it is not, it produces another cost – sickness and time off.

Lee Darton concludes: “Good working practice, including regular product maintenance, will reduce the payback time of a Company’s health and safety investment as well as reduce energy costs. It will also help to ensure that employers do not receive claims for compensation due to ill health at a later date. With education, industrial fabricators and manufacturers will start to ask the right questions, so that they do not receive second best”

Minimising Flour and Ingredients Dust at Manchester Bakery Group

Posted May 25, 2009

To control flour and ingredients dust at the point of weighing in preparation for onward baking, Martins Foods Group in Manchester has invested in two 4m downflow booths from Flextraction, designed to contain dust over large areas of emission.

Martins Food Group, one of Manchester’s longest established bakeries founded in 1922, has a modern 50,000ft² central bakery in Newton Heath producing and supplying over 150 bakery and sandwich products every day to the Group’s 28 retail outlets in the Manchester area. The Group also has a 30,000ft² factory including a large holding freezer in Radcliffe, Manchester supplying frozen bakery products cakes and desserts to supermarkets and Foodservice outlets.

Flextraction’s own modular design, 304 stainless steel downflow booths with an acoustically enclosed fan to minimise overall noise level, operate on a re-circulatory airflow principle with a clean evenly distributed down flow of air at 0.5m/second. Extraction is via low level primary roughing filters and secondary bag filters and this then provides downflow via ceiling mounted 99.95% filtration efficient HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Arrestor) filters suppressing any dust downwards away from the operator’s breathing zone. Pressure indicating devices continually monitor the extraction performance, whilst automatically controlling the 2 x 2.2kW direct driven variable speed fans to maintain optimum operating conditions.

Louvered grilles in the lower rear wall capture the airborne contaminants. Because the booth operates using continuous re-circulation of the air within the booth, no airborne contaminates can escape into the external environment. Their modular designs allows a size to be manufactured to suit the application and they are found in a multitude of industries in addition to bakeries, these include dye and paint manufacturers as well as pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturers.

Neil Martin, Managing Director, Martins Foods Group said: “I first came across a Flextraction downflow booth during a visit to the Birds Bakery in Derby. I was impressed with the dust free conditions in the weighing area and although at the time we were already undertaking good practice to keep the dust levels as low as possible, I realised we could improve our own working environment to the betterment of our employees as well as the Company.

As a major bakery group in the Manchester area, we have to ensure that our operations meet with the most stringent health and safety standards and this investment has enhanced those standards.

After discussions with Flextraction, we decided in 2008, to invest in a 4m. booth, basically because it fitted into the size of our Newton Heath operations and once installed, we immediately saw environmental improvements. We made dust emission checks and found that the employees weighing up and tipping flour or ingredients into removable bowl mixers had the lowest emission levels of anywhere in the bakery, which was excellent. In early 2009 we decided to invest in another one for our Radcliffe operations with exactly the same results.

Both booths have been an excellent investment providing a much cleaner working environment and require very little maintenance, we only have to replace the easy to access filters, which is a very easy task.”

Fume Extraction does the job for Fluorocarbon

Posted May 19, 2009

Teka Strongmaster

Fluorocarbon Bakeware Systems Ltd, Beeston, Nottinghamshire, one of Europe’s leading industrial bakeware product manufacturers recently installed two new welding cells complete with fume extraction equipment to enhance the capacity of their welding operations.

These new welding cells were installed by Engineering & Welding Supplies Ltd based in Sutton in Ashfield and distributors for Flextraction Ltd, who supplied two TEKA ‘Strongmaster’ BGIA approved 1,1 kW cartridge filter Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) units for the extraction of the welding fumes.

Fluorocarbon products include bread tin sets, large baking trays, pizza trays, pie hoops, cake tins and other baking products designed to meet individual customer requirements.  The company supplies many of the UK’s large plant and small size bakeries as well as exporting to a growing market in Europe.

To manufacture these products the company has extensive manufacturing facilities automated welding cells and stand alone MIG/TIG welding machines.

The TEKA ‘Strongmaster’ was chosen, because Lee Duckworth, Fluorocarbon’s Engineering Team Manager decided to incorporate portable extraction units to keep the footprint of the equipment in each cell to a minimum and at the same time the equipment should be adaptable for use in other processes if required and ‘Strongmaster’ fitted this specification.

‘Strongmaster’ is designed specifically for industrial fume extraction that is easy to use with a fan capacity of 3,000m3/hour, a separator and a durable manual dedustable large surface class W3 UPF filter cartridge, which remains in the unit during dedusting making operator exposure to dust extremely low.  The dust collecting bin has a volume of 50 litres and is sealed by a new TEKA developed sealing face lifter.  In addition a visual and acoustics filter monitor informs the operator when dedusting is required.

Lee Duckworth said: “We already had 5 existing welding cells, but because of strong demand for our products and the consolidation of an acquired competitor at Beeston, we needed to increase the capacity of our welding operations.  The new cells are being used to produce ‘fabricated bread straps’, which are seam welded bread pans held together by a strapping system and other parts depending on the construction.  Each cell is flexible enough to cope not only with different design parts, but also materials ranging from 0.9mm – 2mm thick alusteel and aluminium. The introduction of these cells has resulted in improved product quality, greater reliability and higher output.”

Each of the two new welding cells comprises a Lorch S-series Saprom digital MIG/MAG twin pulse inverter based welding machine and a Strongmaster fume extraction filter.  Each welding machine was adapted to be used with a Mitsubishi linear actuator mounted in a framework with viewing windows.  All controls are managed by a manually operated control pendant which allows manipulation of the PLC to change welding parameters including weld bead length, weld speeds as well as change welding programs stored in the welding machine.

Lee Duckworth continued: “Each cell is manually loaded and unloaded.  We have seen re-work levels improve with improved product quality, whilst the flextraction equipment has much improved the working environment for the operators.  The operators clean the filters each week, which is very easy to do.  We have also undertaken air sample monitoring and this has shown a tremendous improvement in air quality.  In the past although fume levels were not harmful they were unpleasant and our operators had to wear masks.  To-day, the efficiency of the fume extraction equipment and the resultant air quality means this is not necessary.”

Ian Elliott of Engineering & Welding Supplies said: “Working closely with Fluorocarbon and flextraction’s installation engineers, we were able to ensure that we were able to install the fume extraction equipment on the mounting flange and sort out the power requirement.  It is essential that the correctly specified fume extraction equipment in used in any welding application for the amount of cubed area you are extracting from.  Flextraction took care of all these requirements for us and made the installation very efficient with the customer more than satisfied at the end of the day.”

New Single Phase Industrial Vacuum Available from flextraction Ltd

Posted April 15, 2009

flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products and ‘preferred supplier’ in the UK and Ireland for Italian industrial vacuum equipment manufacturer, Delfin s.r.l has launched the DM3 single phase 230V industrial vacuum for simultaneously cleaning up dust, liquid and solid materials.

This new compact mobile vacuum has been designed for use as an industrial vacuum carrying out cleaning duties in a number of industries including: Chemical plants for general cleaning of mixed materials, Glass manufacturing cleaning up glass dust, Food and cereal production plants, Powder coating lines, Fabrication industries cleaning CNC machinery as well as lathes and drilling machine, Rubber manufacturing in production and warehouse areas, Warehousing for general cleaning, Garage workshops for vehicle valeting and Woodworking cleaning woods dust as well as for use by contract cleaners.

The maximum air flow rate is 540 m3/h, whilst the maximum vacuum rate is 2,500mm H2O provided by 3 by-pass motors, using carbon brushes operated by independent switches on the outside of the casing.

Features of this vacuum include a safe change facility for easy disposal of the dust collection bag, the option of either a fully automatic or hand operated shaker for filter cleaning, drop off collection container, pre-cast suction inlet, vacuum indicator and filter clogging warning lights, epoxy coated steel construction with the option of AISI 304 stainless steel, low noise operating vacuum around 76dB(A), a comprehensive hose kit with the option to select from a wide range of cleaning nozzles, including a static mounted floor cleaner.

It is supplied with a standard 20,000cm2 polyester filter and a 75 litres capacity (optional 100 Litres) plastic collection bag in a drop down bin. It can be supplied with a wide range of optional filters including a HEPA filter, 30,000cm2 coarse dust filter, a 30,000cm2 ‘M’ category fine dust filter with 1 micron efficiency, Nomax flame proof filter for use up to 250°C, BIA Certified filter with 99.999% efficiency for dust down to 0.3 micron as well as filters for corrosive or toxic dust and materials.

It weighs 80kg, is mounted on a 4 wheel chassis with two pivoting casters, one of which has a brake and is supplied with a basket for accessories and also comes with a 2-year warranty.

Downflow and Downdraught Extraction Booths Order for flextraction Ltd

Posted March 06, 2009

flextraction Ltd, the Melton Mowbray based supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products for industrial dust and fume extraction has recently designed, built and delivered a downdraught extraction booth and a down flow extraction booth to a German manufacturer of wet grinding, mixing and kneading products used in the manufacture of inks, paints, plastics, chemicals, ceramics and minerals.

The 2 metre Downdraught extraction booth is designed to control fumes created during liquid solvents dispensing and the 2m Downflow extraction booth is designed to control dust during the weighing of glass powders.  Both booths are fabricated from 304 stainless steel sheet and meet CoSHH legislation requirements.

The Downflow booth is a one piece design with the fan enclosure being acoustically lined to reduce noise levels. The air is collected at low level and filtered through 3-stage primary, roughing and secondary bag filters and then finally though HEPA filters providing 99.95% filtration efficiency.  The filtered air is discharged above the operators head with an evenly distributed down flow of 0.5m/second.  This system provides a continuous down flow to suppress dust below the operator’s breathing zone into the extraction area.

The extraction performance of the booth is monitored through pressure indicting devices and automatic control of the variable speed fans.

The Downdraught booth provides a laminar air flow with fumes being filtered through a F7 category primary filter and a carbon filter.  Extraction is through a rear mounted 7.5kW centrifugal fan discharging back into the room where this booth is located.  The fan starter is located on the booth control panel removing the need for any special on-site wiring.

flextraction Ltd to Represent Italian Industrial Vacuum Equipment Manufacturer in UK

Posted February 12, 2009

flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products for dust and fume extraction in the workplace, has been appointed as the ‘preferred supplier’ in the UK and Ireland for Italian industrial vacuum equipment manufacturer, Delfin s.r.l based in Settimo Torinese.

flextraction will be responsible for the Marketing, Sales and After Sales Support for Delfin’s complete range of industrial vacuum equipment, including single and 3-phase standard wet and dry vacuum equipment, 3-phase heavy duty vacuum equipment (from 7,5 to 25 Kw) for continuous and simultaneous suction of dust, liquids and solid materials, including ATEX certified versions and machines for the collection and separation of swarf, including the filtering and recycling of oil and coolants as well as fixed suction units for continuous duty and extraction on machinery.

Delfin products are used in numerous industrial sectors including metal fabrication workshops, steel producers and stockholders, foundries, pharmaceutical and ceramic manufacturing, cement making, agriculture, food production, automobile body and maintenance shops, including car valeting and other industries where industrial cleaning is required.

Lee Darton, Sales Manager at flextraction said: “This new representation complements the products that we already market in the UK and Ireland. Delfin has a wide range of products to suit every size of business in the UK requiring industrial vacuum equipment. Our staff already has considerable experience in selling industrial vacuums over a number of years and have now completed product and after sales support training on Delfin’s products."

Dimitri Di Salvo, Delfin’s Export Manager said: “We really needed a partner having a strong market position with an experienced sales and after sales network in the UK and Ireland markets, so as to provide direct contact with customers and provide specific solutions for their applications. flextraction’s appointment will provide us with capability to respond in the field to customers’ requirements and thus increase the reputation of our brand and our market share in the UK’s lucrative market.”

flextraction Ltd Exhibit Dust & Fume Extraction Products at Health & Safety 09

Posted January 29, 2009

flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products for dust and fume extraction in the work-place is exhibiting a number of new and existing products on stand number L36 at Southern Manufacturing 09 (11^th – 12^th February 2009) in Farnborough, Hampshire and stand number 092 at Health & Safety 09 (24^th – 25^th February 2009) in Sandown Park, Surrey.

Products from TEKA GmbH, Germany, localised extraction arms manufacturer, Fumex AB, Sweden, localised extraction arms and filters, Delfin of Italy, industrial high vacuum cleaning systems, as well as PISAC International’s range of their axial, centrifugal, roof and centrifugal smoke exhaust fans will be shown.

Products on show will include:

TEKA's 'Caremaster SF’ a BIA European Standard approved mobile one way welding fume filter for industrial fume extraction with a fan capacity of 2,500m3/hour and a dust collection efficiency of around 99.9% using a class W3 filter

Fumex's compact and lightweight LF70 mobile filter is designed for extraction of gases, fumes and dust in laboratories, hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturing, electronic component manufacturing, and laser branding as well as welding. With a highly efficient 0-70 l/second airflow, low noise level up to 56dB(A), it can be used with a wide range of easy to change gas and particle filters.

Fumex's LFK 175 single station local fume extractor designed to remove, fumes, gases and dust from the work station using a Terfu 75mm diameter arm with a maximum airflow of 0-80 l/second will be shown. Using a H13 filter, it is 99.99% efficient for 0.3µm particles.

Details of flextraction's own brand products will be available, as well as information on Industrial Cleaning Equipment, including Delfin's vacuum cleaner for the suction of slightly contaminated liquids, swarfs and accompanying coolants, lubricants and wet industrial waste.

Also available will be details on a new range of industrial Procool Spot Coolers from Ecotechnics S.p.A. based in Italy providing cool air where you need it in the workshop.

New TEKA Central Air Flow System from flextraction Ltd

Posted January 26, 2009

TEKA’s AIRTECH series of new central air flow systems is now available from flextraction Ltd, the Melton Mowbray based supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products for industrial dust and fume extraction and sole UK representative for TEKA GmbH, Germany, manufacturer of localised extraction arms and portable and fixed filter systems.

The 3-phase 400V/50Hz AIRTECH series is designed as a stand alone central cartridge filter system to clean polluted air and re-circulate clean air back into large working areas such as manufacturing and fabrication plants as well as warehousing facilities. There are 3 models in the series: AIRTECH P10 with 10,000m³/hr air flow capacity and 378m² filter surface, AIRTECH P24 with a 24,000m³/hr capacity and 504m² filter surface and AIRTECH P30 with a 30,000m³/hr capacity and 672m² filter surface.

All 3 systems have a fan in a sound absorbing chamber, fully automatic dedusting, extensive dust containers, require minimum maintenance and are equipped with category BGIA M (Berufsgenossenschaftliches Institut für Arbeitsschutz) long life filter cartridges providing a >99% dust collecting efficiency. 300mm diameter air intakes are found at a height of approx. 2m. on two sides of each unit, with flaps that automatically close during dedusting, whilst 14 air nozzles recirculate with warm or cool air depending on the season, from 3 directions at the top of each unit providing up to air flow up to 16m. The dedusting system has a variably adjusted either manually or by differential pressure or time dependent, micro processor controlled PULSE-CONTROL, to monitor all the suction and filtering device processes.

Extraction Equipment Eliminates Fume Emissions in Extrusion Process

Posted October 17, 2008

When Polyplas Extrusions Ltd, in Stourport on Severn, received a large order to supply profiled sections to a UK customer, they turned to Flextraction.

Polyplas’s order called for profiled sections made from Santoprene™ brand thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV), which comprises  of high-performance elastomers, combining the desirable characteristics of vulcanized rubber, such as flexibility and low compression set, with the processing ease and re-cyclability of thermoplastics.  Polyplas found, when extruded over extended periods, this material produced fumes in the production area to such an extent that fume extraction equipment was required.

Fume Extraction by Flextraction Ltd in Extrusion ProcessPolyplas is a manufacturer of custom made thermoplastic profile extrusions with a new 18,500m2 factory operating six extrusion lines, two of which are coupled with jockey extruders to produce co-extruded profiles, as well as ancillary equipment for additional processing.  Established 20 years ago, they supply both UK and Export markets with products for building &construction, bathroom & shower manufacturers, transport & marine, medical as well as mechanical / industrial engineering.

Although not all the lines are being used on this particular contract, a strategic decision was made to provide fume extraction on all six lines as this would cover all future eventualities.  Flextraction was chosen to supply 6 x 1.5m long, 150mm diameter ‘Flextractor’ articulated arms each with an epoxy black painted flared hood, all connected to a Sodeca 3 phase 230/240V 50Kz 2.2kW centrifugal fan running at 2,600rpm with a maximum airflow of 7,800m<3<><3<>/hr, more than enough to handle the 5,100m3/hr air volume required to cover all six lines.

The spiral galvanised steel ducting system to take the fumes away from the work place to an outside discharge flue and cowl, was designed by Flextraction to provide the correct conveying velocity throughout its length with the necessary access and inspection doors for easy maintenance.

Clive Chappel, Works Manager at Polyplas commented: “Although current environmental legislation played little part in our decision to purchase this equipment, we were fully aware that the installation of fume extraction equipment would help the working environment for our line operators.  Using the internet and my own knowledge of fume extraction we sought out suppliers.  Flextraction was chosen because their equipment was right for the job.  Although the installation is still new, we have found that it meets our requirements, with our line operators finding the articulated arms easy to use.  We decided to undertake the installation during our shut down period, but to meet orders we had to operate all the lines.  This, however, caused no problems and the installation proceeded without a hitch.”

New Wet Dust Separator from Flextraction

Posted July 22, 2008

A new TEKA type HNW1500 high performance Wet Dust Separator has been launched by Flextraction Ltd, the Melton Mowbray, suppliers and manufacturers of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products for industrial dist and fume extraction and sole UK representatives for TEKA GmbH, Germany, localised extraction arms portable and fixed filter systems manufacturer.

New Wet Dust Separator from FlextractionThe HNW1500 Wet Dust Separator is one of a series with airflows ranging from 1,500m3/hr to 10,000m3/hr. The engine sizes range from 1,5kW 400V 50Hz up to 15,0kW 400V 50Hz. With its high dust collection capacity it is designed for a wide range of industrial applications.

The air is cleaned by swirling the dust with water, with the air being centrifuged in the W-swirl, which was originally designed for the separation of explosive dusts and adopted for use with this Wet Dust Separator. Dust particles in the air flow are enclosed in the water due to the strong turbulence in the swirl.

Water in this separator can be used again and again and pumps or nozzles are not used. A robust high performance is utilised providing continuous operation of the separator. Through the arrangement of the impeller, the fan achieves a high negative pressure.

TEKA’s New Plasma/Oxyacetylene Modular Cutting Tables with integrated Fume Extraction

Posted July 22, 2008

A new plasma cutting table with integrated fume extraction from German fume extraction equipment manufacturers TEKA has been launched by Flextraction Ltd, the Melton Mowbray, suppliers and manufacturers of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products for industrial dust and fume extraction and their sole UK representative.

TEKA’s new plasma tables are supplied as modular assemblies so that additional lengths can be retrofitted to existing cutting tables at a later date. They have sectional suction chambers every 500mm and are suitable for both portal and boom cutting machines. For larger air movements, such as found in shipyards and other heavy duty fabrication shops, they are usually supplied with either TEKA’s new integrated ZPF 9N or 9H central suction and de-dusting cartridge filter system which takes polluted air from the suction point using specially designed pipework into the filtering units. (On the stand a 2m x 1m plasma table with a FILTERCUBE 9 central suction and filter unit will demonstrate how the system operates) The ZPF 9 is equipped with 9 long life BGIA M standard filter cartridges with a dust collecting efficiency of >99% . Included in the filtering units is a de-dusting system.

A feature of this system is the micro-processor controlled PULSE-CONTROL, which programmes and controls the operation of the suction and filtering devices. With easy to read digital display, it calculates and automatically adjusts the specific compressed air requirements of the de-dusting operation. A GSM capable version of the programme is also available providing a remote control facility.

Other features of the ZPF 9 central suction and filter units are their modular design to suit customers’ requirements, use of standard filter cartridges, dust collected efficiency > 99%, de-dusting of the filter cartridges using the POWER-SPRAY system, re-circulation of cleaned air into the work area.

For smaller air movements the FILTERCUBE ZPF 3 and ZPF 4 are available with fully automatic de-dusting and BGIA M filter cartridges.

The ZPF 3 is supplied with 3 suction arms and the ZPF 4 with 4 suction arms. These arms are 150mm in diameter, 3m in length and are supplied with exhaust ventilation hoods with throttle valve.

Tiltable Pre-Separator from Flextraction

Posted July 22, 2008

A Kiekens 2,000kg capacity tilt able pre-separator is available from Flextraction Ltd, the Melton Mowbray, specialist solution provider capturing at source all forms of airborne contamination – dust, fume and oil mist and sole UK representatives for Kiekens Products BV, Holland, industrial high vacuum cleaning systems.

This reinforced pre-separator has been designed for use with cyclone operations for high vacuum dust extraction installations, industrial vacuum cleaners and Kiekens plate filter type ‘Dustmaster’ fine dust systems. It has a manual operated tipping mechanism for unloading and is fitted with forklift truck profiles. It is supplied with either a 60mm, 80mm or 100mm diameter 325mm high cyclone pre-separator cover and safety chain to keep the unit from moving, the cover has a hinged partition for easy access and it is supplied with either wheel and swivel casters with brakes.

Options available include a sieve, drain cock and a water and wear resistant PV hose.

Other Kiekens pre-separators are available from Flextraction for high vacuum and low vacuum applications.

Fume & Dust Extraction Systems at Unistrut Ltd

Posted April 29, 2008

When Unistrut Ltd made the decision to relocate their manufacturing, warehousing and distribution to one central location within the West Midlands by moving from Oldbury to West Bromwich, about 2.5 miles away, they turned to Flextraction to help them dismantle, re-install and upgrade their existing fume and dust extraction systems.Unistrut supplies metal framing, cable management and pipe support products to the electrical, mechanical and industrial services industries throughout the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East & Africa). Significant projects include cable trays to the new Terminal 5 at Heathrow and channels to the £75 million refurbishment of the M25 Holmesdale tunnel. The Company forms part of the Tyco Electrical & Metal Products business division.

Some of the extraction systems at Oldbury were relatively new and others were in good condition, so Unistrut decided not to buy complete new systems, but to utilise their existing system. Following a number of meetings with Flextraction, they contracted them to carry out the dismantling, undertake any needed refurbishment, install new equipment where required and re-locate it all to West Bromwich. Flextraction were happy to work to a timetable decided upon by Unistrut Maintenance Engineers, although these timetables were often revised at short notice, the re-location took just 4 weeks to complete.

Unistrut LtdEric Shropshall, Unistrut's Production Engineer said: "The complete fabrication shop was moved including a robot welding cell, continuous MIG seam welding machine, MIG welding benches plus 2 cable ladder MIG welding benches all of which required fume and dust extraction systems. All this equipment is used to weld carbon and stainless steel bracket assemblies for our Metal Framing Systems including cantilever brackets. We also weld cable ladders in widths from 150mm to 900mm and depths from 100mm to 150mm, with all their necessary accessories to provide safe and effective management of heavy duty electrical cabling."

Lee Darton, Flextraction's Sales Manager said: "Our distributor in the West Midlands, Central Welding Supplies Ltd was fully involved in obtaining this contract, but overall we were responsible for carrying out the project. In addition to the re-location we manufactured and supplied a new extraction system for 2 cable ladder welding jigs using lip extraction, which uses long extraction manifolds mounted under the welding area to extract the welding fumes downwards away from the welder's face. This was a new concept for Unistrut and has resulted in a cleaner working atmosphere."

Eric Shropshall continued: "In addition to the ladder jig extraction and refurbishment of some of our equipment, Flextraction installed new more efficient fans to aid extraction. We currently discharge our welding fumes into the outside atmosphere, but we are currently working to use filtered units, which will allow us to re-circulate clean air back into the workshop and reduce our heating costs. The only problems we encountered were difficulties supporting the 8 ductwork stacks on the side of our building, fortunately Flextraction came up with a solution using some of our own products to construct framework to support the structures and spread the loads. We have been impressed by the service from Flextraction and their ability to react quickly to our requirements and find solutions to any problems we incurred. The result is that our fabrication shop has a better working environment."

Flextraction to exhibit new fume and dust equipment products at MACH 2008

Posted March 03, 2008

Flextraction Ltd, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products for dust and fume extraction in the workplace will be exhibiting a number of new products as well as existing products, on stand nr 4440 at MACH 2008, NEC, Birmingham.

New products include a brand new TEKA plasma cutting table with integrated fume extraction, TEKA’s new ‘ZPF9’ central de-dusting cartridge filter system with 9 long life BGIA M filter cartridges and a dust collection efficiency of > 99%, with the filtering device being equipped with PULSE-CONTROL for easy use and programming.

TEKA’s new high performance ‘Wet Dust Separator’ with a high dust collection efficiency for a wide range of applications, including difficult dust conditions will be demonstrated.

Other new products on show include a new grinding bench from TEKA for simple disposal of grinding dust, where dust is extracted through to the back and to the bottom of the table. 90% of the particles collected are separated immediately by an integrated pre-separator.
Other dust and fume equipment on show will include TEKA’s ‘Caremaster SF-W’ Stationary welding fume filter for almost every type of industrial fume extraction problem. It is equipped with a durable filter cassette, pre-filter unit, filter monitor, sealing face lifter, hour-meter, wall bracket and protective motor switch for wall mounting. Alongside it will be TEKA’s BGIA: 200520840/1140 approved ‘Cleanmaster’ mobile, high-performance welding fume filter for industrial fume extraction. It has a visual and acoustic filter monitor, sealing face lifter, hour-meter, cable reel and castors with brakes as standard.

TEKA’s BGIA: 200520840/1140 approved ‘Strongmaster’ mobile cartridge filter for industrial fume extraction comes equipped with a separator, durable, de-dustable, large-surface filter cartridge and PTFE laminate will be shown. The filter cartridge stays in the unit during de-dusting preventing dust from entering the workroom.

Other equipment on show will include Kiekens ‘Mistmaster’ centrifugal mist separator for the filtration of oil mist at turning lathes, milling and other production machines and iekens centralised vacuum system for on welding gun fume extraction and a TEKA ‘Handycart’ mobile portable high-vacuum extraction unit with manual de-duster or fully-automatic pneumatic de-duster and infinitely adjustable speed control as well as a downflow extraction bench and extraction equipment for print processing equipment.

Industrial cleaning equipment will be highlighted by Kiekens ‘W192 / Wet & Swarf’ cleaner for the suction of slightly contaminated liquids, swarfs and accompanying coolants, lubricants and wet industrial waste. Characterized by a strong suction power with a low noise level, it contributes to dust free and safer working conditions.

Flextraction’s new web site goes live!

Posted January 23, 2008

Flextraction Ltd, the Melton Mowbray, supplier and manufacturer of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products for dust extraction and fume extraction in the workplace, has launched its new website www.flextraction.co.uk which has been structured to enhance the Company’s identity in the market place and greatly improve its usability, as well as providing faster access to information on the company, its products and services.

The company’s products are divided principally into 6 groups comprising extraction arms, filter systems, vacuum systems, extraction fans, downflow booths and other products, along with accessories. There is also a section on Services and Support that the Company offers as well as a Latest News section with all the company’s press information and images, including application stories.

Lee Darton, Sales Manager at Flextraction said: “This new website replaced our old site at the beginning of January.  It has taken a considerable amount of painstaking work to complete, but in the end the information that is now available to visitors to the site far exceeds anything we were able to do with our former website.”

Flextraction Helps Working Environment At Foundry

Posted October 12, 2007

When Flextraction installed a lead/copper dust and fumes extraction system at Daido Industrial Bearings Europe Ltd in December 2006, it enabled them to meet the requirements of their local authority environmental department and receive their pollution prevention and control (PPC) permit.

Daido Industrial Bearings Europe LtdDaido, in Ilminster, Somerset produces plain bearings, bushings and thrust bearings for medium speed diesel engines, turbochargers and a range of other rotating and reciprocating machines for the engineering, shipbuilding and power generation sectors of industry. The Flextraction extraction system is being used in the production of castings for bearing casings on Dross Tanks, Crucibles and cooling stations. In total there are 9 extraction points with various hoods, including fishtail hoods and billet hoods.

The complete system comprises 1.5m diameter galvanised mild steel ductwork with radius bends, a Kiekens 12-FTEN-500/0.9, centrifugal, 400V 30kW, IP55 classification fan/air mover with a maximum air extraction rate of 18,200 m3/hr extracting from all the extraction points at the same time, a Donaldson Torit primary cartridge filter/air cleaner with 24 ultra web flame retardant filter cartridges, having reverse jet air filter cleaning, automatic flame retardant filters and 423.6m2 filter area with a filtration velocity of 0.72m/min.

There are also 6 x 32m2, HEPA, EU 13, 370Pa gauge secondary filters in line with a magnehelic monitoring gauge. The expected lifetime of these filters is around 2 years.

Alan Riste, Daido's Health and Safety Co-ordinator said: "Previously we used a 24-inch square ductwork system with inline fans extracting the contaminants into the atmosphere and it became clear we needed a new system primarily to meet the environmental standards for our 600mm diameter high cover stack system with a jet cowl. Also the air flows of the old system, needed to be continually maintained to control the hazard of lead to the operators.

The project began 9 months prior to the installation in December 2006; Flextraction undertook an initial survey of our requirements and came up with a solution that both met our requirements in the quality of the equipment as well as our requirement to control the lead emissions to the atmosphere.

Since the system was installed our last round of personal air monitoring in the area of the system has seen our lowest levels of lead, with improvements both on health and safety as well as for the local environment. We work day and night shifts so it is in constant use and has been very easy to maintain with the filters meeting our expectations and requirements."

Flextraction Move to Larger Premises

Posted October 04, 2007

After 10 successful years in the centre of Melton Mowbray, Flextraction Ltd, the specialist solution provider capturing at source all forms of airborne contamination – dust, fume and oil mist has moved to larger, more modern premises on the outskirts of the town.

The Company had outgrown their town centre site and the new facilities on the Leicester Road Industrial Estate, enables the company to have a larger products display area for customers as well as an expanded manufacturing area and more office space.

Lee Darton, Flextraction’s Sales Manager said:

“We have enjoyed considerable growth over the last few years and have literally outgrown our town centre premises. The new premises are more modern, spacious and with room for further expansion. We have also installed a brand new telephone system, which will allow our customers and suppliers to have improved communications with us. This move will enable the Company to continue its growth in the fume, dust wet and swarf extraction markets. This is a multi-million pound market covering a wide variety of sectors including welding and general fabrication, foundries, educational institutes, medical laboratories, hospitals, commercial offices, printing, food production to nail bars and hairdressing. Health and safety of the workforce in the workplace is statutory in 2007 and will continue to be even more so over the coming years.

Not only do we design and manufacture our own range of fume and dust extraction equipment, we are also sole UK representatives for Kiekens Products BV, Holland, industrial high vacuum cleaning systems, TEKA GmbH, Germany localised extraction arms, portable and fixed filter systems manufacturer and Fumex AB, Sweden extraction arms and filter manufacturers.”

Flextraction Helps Wire Thread Insert-Maker

Posted September 08, 2007

When Flextraction installed two TEKA Cartmaster PF dust extraction systems, each with four post mounted Fumex 75mm extraction arms for use on horizontal grinders in the tool room at Armstrong Precision Components Ltd (APC), they had limited space in which to install the equipment and it had to be done so as not to impede the operators workspace. And because of the intricacy of some of the components being manufactured, it had to work effectively without reducing the operator's view of each component.

APC, a member of the UK owned €1.1 billion steel and engineering products Caparo Group has a modern 3,250m2 automated manufacturing facility in Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire. They design and manufacture wire thread inserts and associated tooling, threaded fasteners in ferrous and non-ferrous materials as well as specially designed nuts and lock nuts to UK and International standards for a multitude of industries, including aerospace, automotive, defence equipment, rail and power generation.

In addition to the Cartmaster extraction systems, a TEKA Strongmaster BGIA-approved mobile fume extractor type UBF-BIA class W3 with a 3,000m3/hour extraction capacity and a 3m. long, 150mm diameter hose type arm, was supplied for general use around their manufacturing facilities. Before the installation of this equipment, 10 very old dust extraction units with ductwork and hoods, one to each grinder were used, but this did not cover all areas, so personal protection equipment was also used.

As Andy Sallis, Safety, Health and Environment Engineer, APC explained: "The old equipment did provide extraction of fumes and dust, but had seen better days and a new more effective system was required. The new Flextraction system has given us a greatly improved working environment, with very little or no evidence of dust around the operators work area."

Each 415V 3-phase 50Hz Cartmaster, which re-circulates the air back into the workplace at 3,000 m3/hour, has 4 extraction points with a maximum of three being used at any one time. The arms are fitted with dampeners, so they can be closed when not in use to allow greater velocity in those being used. The hoses in the arms made of spring steel coil embedded in PVC coated polyamide fabric, are very manoeuvrable allowing the operators to reach awkward areas that the company's processes require. Visually the complete installation is appealing, in that all the spiral ductwork, stanchions and arms provide make for a good working area.

Andy continued: "The Flextraction system has had a large impact on the operators' morale, due to the cleaner atmosphere in which they work, whilst the Strongmaster has given us more scope to improve the working environment for less used processes that previously had no extraction system in place. Because our grinding processes are very intricate and as much natural light as possible is required, the adaptability of the arms to reach awkward areas was paramount. The large area filters in the systems have just reached the 1,000 hour cycle and on inspection they have coped well, with automatic cleaning being a real bonus as it removes the human factor for remembering to clean them."

The performance of this new equipment helps APC, meet the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH) Regulations 2004.

New Industrial Air Cleaners from Kiekens and Flextraction

Posted August 08, 2007

Flextraction Ltd, the Melton Mowbray, specialist solution provider capturing at source all forms of airborne contamination – dust, fume and oil mist and sole UK representative for Kiekens Products BV, Holland, industrial high vacuum cleaning systems has introduced Type 40, 80 and 120 industrial air cleaners with a high filtration capability.

These 180, 370 and 750 Watt units are designed for industrial use to clean air in workshops, print shops, construction sites, equipment stores and offices where medium polluted air has to be cleaned to ensure the working environment is kept healthy and clean. They are also ideal for use by the hire market.

Each model is supplied in 2 outlet variants for filtering directly into the room or area and through a 160mm tube for connecting to a hose

They have a large suction capacity ranging, depending upon the model, from 400 m3/hr – 1400 m3/hr using a powerful centrifugal fan with variable fan speeds for maximum efficiency. They are fitted with high quality exchangeable multi-configurable filter cartridges. They are supplied with a pre-filter area ranging from 0.14m2 - 0.35m2, a F7 class fine filter area ranging from 2.3m2 – 6.9m2, whilst the HEPA class 13 filter has a filter area ranging from 2.5m2 – 7.5m2. Different configurations of pre-, fine and HEPA filters are used depending on the requirement.

Each unit is CE marked and is supplied with 2 large solid wheels and 2 swivel casters with brakes for mobility and easy installation.

Flextraction Helps Severn Valley Railway Steam Ahead

Posted August 03, 2007

When the Severn Valley Railway (SVR) in Shropshire, needed support with their welding fume problems, they turned to, Flextraction, who supplied their latest TEKA mobile cartridge filter welding fume extractor - Strongmaster UPF.

It has a welded steel body housing a high efficiency filter cartridge, 3,000 m3/hr fan unit and 1.1kW motor. A filter full indicator is standard, which tells the user when to clean the filter cartridge. This is carried out quickly and safely by the unique way TEKA has designed the safe clean chamber. The cartridge filter also enables the unit to be also used for grinding.

The SVR application was unusual having its roots at the heart of the steam age - the steam engine firebox. One area in particular, repairing the fireboxes, was creating a problem with fumes and dust. Both MIG and TIG welding processes operating at over 400 amps, are used on a range of materials. The main concern was the firebox lining, which was 16mm triple dioxide phosphorous arsenic copper. SVR's welder David Howell often has to climb into the firebox to cut away and replace panels. David said, "The fumes were considerable and we needed a flexible and mobile solution that could reach the areas of weld, wherever I was, on or even in the firebox."

Due to the workshop environment and the high degree of filtration required, there was a need for a long reach and flexible extraction arm. The stability of the TEKA system enabled Flextraction to fit a 4m long self-supporting arm allowing David to reach right into the firebox.

David and his colleagues have noticed a considerable difference in the workshop atmosphere since purchasing the unit. David continued, "The workshop used to fill up with fumes and our face masks became very dirty. This no longer happens and we are delighted with the TEKA Strongmaster. I can be welding anywhere on the railway and as the extraction equipment is so mobile I am able to take with me, where ever I go." Non welders and support staff within the workshop also commented how they are no longer exposed to the fumes created by the welding and grinding operations.

Severn Valley Railway dates back decades to the Hanbury to Shrewsbury line via Bridgnorth. When it was broken up by British Rail, a society was formed, uncannily at the local pub at one end of the line, and they saved this beautiful stretch of historical railway.

The society has a large and impressive range of steam engines and a continuous programme of repairs, maintenance and overhauls is carried out at their extensive Bridgnorth workshops.

Meet Handycart, a Mobile Portable Extraction Unit

Posted August 02, 2007

Flextraction Ltd, the Melton Mowbray, specialist solution provider capturing at source all forms of airborne contamination – dust, fume and oil mist and sole UK representatives for TEKA GmbH, Germany, localised extraction arms portable and fixed filter systems manufacturer has introduced ‘Handycart’ a new highly mobile, portable high vacuum cartridge filter welding fumes and dust extraction unit.

It is available as a 280m3h 1,1kW or a 320m3h 1,2kW 230V 50/60Hz version equipped with either manual or fully automatic pneumatic filter cleaning. It has an infinitely adjustable speed control plus a user friendly Air Control.

It is designed for use as either an attachment to a MIG welding torch or with a range of nozzles including, slot, round and funnel nozzles as well as suction hoses up to 10m in length to suit most fume and dust applications in the construction, shipbuilding, automotive car repair industries and small general fabrication shops.

The filter cartridge in the unit prevents dust from contaminating the work area during filter cleaning and has dust collecting efficiency of >99%. The standard version of this unit has 2 x 45mm diameter suction connections, a service door and a removable dust collector as well as an hour meter and a visual filter monitor.

The ‘Handycart’ can also be supplied with a sound absorber and an activated carbon filter can be installed for use with gases. It is mobile and compact in size.

New Wet and Swarf Suction Cleaner from Kiekens

Posted July 03, 2007

Flextraction Ltd, the Melton Mowbray, specialist solution provider capturing at source all forms of airborne contamination – dust, fume and oil mist and sole UK representative for Kiekens Products BV, Holland, industrial high vacuum cleaning systems has introduced a new W192 industrial wet and swarf suction cleaner.

The W192 is designed for the suction and cleaning up of contaminated fluids, swarf, coolants, lubricants and wet industrial waste found in many industries such as food production, metal fabrication, building and construction industries as well as the chemical and pharmaceutical industries including hospitals.

It is a compact, 65b kg, highly manoeuvrable 230V 50/60Hz cleaner with 2 x 1000W turbo compressors and a powerful suction capability up to 20.5 kPa measured at the inlet with an airflow of 370 m3/h. It comes supplied with a 10m mains cable and a filter for the separation of air and swarf and a removable, powder coated 35 litres mesh basket for the separation of liquids and swarf. It has a 1.4m2 fluid and oil resistant filter cartridge for final filtration and a high performance integrated pump for pumping out liquids. It has also a low operating 68 dB(A) noise level.

Options include an automatic pump facility to prevent the overfilling of liquids and a self-aspirating pump for continuous pumping of liquids.

IC11 Air Filter For Industrial Printers, Now Available From Flextraction

Posted July 01, 2007

Flextraction Ltd, the Melton Mowbray, specialist solution provider capturing at source all forms of airborne contamination – dust, fume and oil mist and sole UK representatives for TEKA GmbH, Germany, localised extraction arms portable and fixed filter systems manufacturer has launched an infinitely adjustable, 360m3h capacity, IC11 air filter for industrial printers.

Modern inkjet printers using solvent inks release harmful and irritating gases, which need to be extracted. TEKA’s 230V, 50Hz or 110V 60Hz, IC11 Air filter extracts these gases during the printing process using activated carbon filters. Controlled using a colour screen display and keyboard. It is completely powder coated inside and out and the carbon filters are easily accessed and changed through a large user friendly service door. As printers are usually located in small rooms, this unit has a highly effective silencer producing 60dB(A). Filtered air is either fed back into the working room by a 125mm outlet spigot or to the outside via a hose.

It has an automated start-stop system, so that it only operates when the printing equipment is in operation. A run-on time can be set to meet the operators individual requirements.

The unit has four wheel for easy mobility, measures 365mm wide x 801mm d x 797mm high and weighs only 66kg.

The IC11 air filter can be supplied with a standard 1,500mm wide collection element for use with larger industrial printers found in the market.

LFK Local Filter Kits For The Beauty Industry

Posted June 25, 2007

Flextraction Ltd, the Melton Mowbray, specialist solution provider capturing at source all forms of airborne contamination – dust, fume and oil mist and sole UK representative for Fumex AB, Sweden extraction arms and filters manufacturer has launched single station and LFK 250F twin arm filter system complete with Terfu 50mm diameter local extractor arms and FS600-50ESD flexible suction nozzles

The LFK150F and LFK250F are part of a series of Local Filter Kits (LFK) and these models are specially designed for use in beauty and nail salons to remove hydroxyethyl, methacrylate, acetone and buffing dust as well as other odours arising from products used in the health and beauty industry, from the beautician’s and customer’s breathing zone. It is capable of filtering contaminants with an efficiency of 99.99% down to 0.3micron.

They are both based on the LF50PG-230 particle/gas fan and filter combination providing an . The fan has a high power 195W, 230V 50Hz motor and is compact with an integral speed control operating at a very low noise level around 60 dB(a). The multi-stage filter utilises an H13 standard HEPA filter, separating parts to 99.99% for 0.3 µm particles. A 6.5 kg activated carbon filter then filters gases, vapours and other odours.

The LFK 250F is supplied with hose adaptors and interconnecting ductwork.

Wide Range of ATEX-Approved Local Extractor Arms from Flextraction

Posted June 25, 2007

Flextraction Ltd, the Melton Mowbray, specialist solution provider capturing at source all forms of airborne contamination – dust, fume and oil mist and sole UK representatives for Fumex AB, Sweden localised extraction arms and filters manufacturer has introduced a wide range of Fumex ATEX approved local explosive gas and dust extractor arms, which meet European directive 94/9 EC category 2 for equipment intended for potentially explosive atmospheres.

Models R EX, R EXH 1500, 2000, 3000 and 4000 available in lengths of 1.5m, 2m, 3m and 4m as well as RZ EX 4500 and 6500 with longer arms up to 6,6m, are designed for use in the chemical, petrochemical, gas distribution, food processing, pharmaceuticals and paint manufacturing industries as well as laboratories.

The wall bracket and arm for the R EX models are made of powder coated steel with conductive metallic grey paint, whilst a stainless steel spring balances the arm’s dead weight, the anti-static polyester-polyurethane hose is ATEX marked R<108Ω and they have a manual damper with conductive knob.

The RZ EX models have all parts earthed and the arm structure is supplied complete with steel wall bracket finished in conductive powder coating. The longer arms are all one piece providing a low pressure drop, limiting dust deposits for easy cleaning.

The R EXH models have stainless steel, SS EN 2343 wall brackets and arms with stainless steel components, joints, screws and conical hood for use in aggressive environments and for easy cleaning.

The smooth bore hoses are easily changeable and available in 75, 100, 125, 160 and 200mm diameters in a range of lengths up a maximum working radius of 6,270 mm, whilst all externally mounted components are designed to reduce any solids build up. Accessories include conical hoods as well as a range of ceiling mounting brackets.

Modular Stainless Steel Downflow Booths From Flextraction

Posted April 27, 2007

Flextraction Ltd, the Melton Mowbray, specialist solution provider capturing at source all forms of airborne contamination – dust, fume and oil mist has a range of modular, stainless steel, Downflow Booths available, operating on a re-circulating airflow principle.

These booths from 2m wide to 8m wide as standard, but available to suit specific requirements of customers, have been designed to suppress and extract dust over large areas of emission, where conventional local extractors would not be adequate nor effective. Typical process operations where these booths are used are weighing, sieving, filling and mixing as found in bakeries and food production plants as well as dye and paint manufacturing, pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

Features of these booths include the re-circulation of the airflow, whereby a clean down flow of air is supplied from the ceiling through HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Arrestor) filters suppressing dust away from the operator’s breathing zone at a down flow of 0.35m/second to 0.6m/second. Louvered grilles in the back wall collect airborne dust at a low level and filter it through a 3-stage filtration using primary roughing filters, secondary bag and HEPA filters discharging through the ceiling. The filtration efficiency is >99.99%. Inward airflow ensures that any airborne contaminants cannot escape into the external environment, whilst pressure indicators monitor the extraction performance with automatic control of the variable speed fan, which is housed in acoustically lined enclosures to reduce overall noise levels.

Also available as options are internal/external 415V/230V power supplies, an audible filter alarm for when the filter need changing as well as bag disposal and compactor.

Fumex LFK175 Single Station Local Filter Kit From Flextraction

Posted February 23, 2007

The Fumex LFK175 single station filter system complete with Terfu 75mm diameter local extractor arms and a S300-75 suction nozzle designed to remove fumes, gases and atmospheric dust from the workplace is available from Flextraction Ltd, the Melton Mowbray, specialist solution provider capturing at source all forms of airborne contamination – dust, fume and oil mist and sole UK representative for Fumex AB, Sweden extraction arms and filters manufacturer.

The LF175 is one of a series of Local Filter Kits (LFK) designed for use in a wide variety of applications including electronic equipment manufacturing, soldering, gluing, bonding, dental laboratories, moulding, TIG welding, stained glass working, botany research and sculpturing. It is based around the LF50PG-230 particle/gas fan and filter combination. The fan has a high power 195W, 230V 50Hz motor and is compact with an integral speed control operating at a very low noise level around 60 dB(a). The multi-stage filter utilises an H13 standard HEPA filter, separating parts to 99.99% for 0.3 µm particles. A 6.5 kg activated carbon filter then filters gases, vapours and other odours.

The Terfu local extractor arms have friction joints with ball bearings to make positioning easy and accurate. The arms stay in position when adjusted using adjustable plastic joints, 3600 swivel, brackets, support springs and they comes supplied with an air tight damper. The arms are easy to clean with smooth aluminium tubes and easy to dismantle joints. An ESD version with ESD approval to EN 100015-1, where any static electricity is diverted away to a special ground connection, is available for the electronics industry and laboratories using combustible gases.

Introducing the Fumex LF70 Mobile Filter For Extraction of Gases, Fumes and Atmospheric Dust

Posted February 12, 2007

The Fumex LF70 portable filter for the extraction of gases, fumes and atmospheric dust is available from Flextraction Ltd, the Melton Mowbray, specialist solution provider capturing at source all forms of airborne contamination – dust, fume and oil mist and sole UK representative for Fumex AB, Sweden extraction arms and filters manufacturer.

The LF70 has been designed specifically to meet the requirements for the extraction of all airborne pollutants in laboratories, hospitals, pharmaceutical and electronic equipment manufacturers. It can also be used for TIG welding, soldering, laser marking as well as conservation work. It is EMC-, LVD and CE-certified to meet EU Medical Directives and is ideal for use in temporary workplaces or where a fixed installation would not be practical.

Weighing only 25 kg with a low noise level of 56dB(a) at 100%, it has a 315W, 230V 50/60Hz motor producing an infinitely adjustable airflow of maximum 252m3/hour. It has an operator friendly control panel showing the kind of pollutant the filter is set for, whilst a cycle counter shows exactly the airflow speed. Incorporated Fumex designed software produces these calculations.

For dust particles, the 3-stage filter separates 99.7% of all particles >0.3 µm, starts at 0 hours, being automatically re-set when the filter is changed and shows the number of hours the filter has been running. As an option a differential pressure manometer is available to indicate when the filter needs changing. For gases a carbon filter is used for maximum gas absorption.

To obtain an exact flow of air through the filter, a flow meter is available as an optional extra. Also available as options are a remote control to start and stop the fan as well as to adjust the airflow and an outlet connection to connect a separate outlet hose. Additional extraction arms can be attached and a plexiglass hood can be added to the extraction hose to encase laboratory scales or other instruments.

New Mobile Industrial Fume Extractor From Flextraction

Posted February 05, 2007

The TEKA Caremaster SF is a new BIA European Standard approved mobile one way industrial fume extractor available from Flextraction Ltd, the Melton Mowbray, specialist solution provider capturing at source all forms of airborne contamination – dust, fume and oil mist and sole UK representative for TEKA GmbH, Germany, localised extraction arms manufacturer.

Designed for most types of industrial fume extraction including welding, the 1,1kW, 400V, 50Hz 3-phase motor on this extractor produces a fan capacity of 2,500m3/hour with a low operating noise level of 75dB(A) and a dust collection efficiency of around 99,9% using a class W3 filter for when high alloy steel with >30% nickel based alloys are involved. It is very user friendly incorporating a large access door for easy filter changing and has both an audible and visual alarm when the filter needs changing. It is supplied with a durable filter cassette and pre-filter unit with a large surface filter fleece and is BIA approved for use with most TEKA extraction arms up to 12 meters in length.

Other features include a specially designed sealing face lifter for the filter seal inserts producing an airtight seal allowing air to re-circulate through the filter inserts, a running hours meter, four casters with 2 having brakes and a cable reel. It weighs 128kg and measures 665mm x 681mm x 995mm.

TEKA’s Caremaster is also available as a wall mounted version or as a two extraction arm model.