Frequently Asked Questions
Various manufacturing processes create many hazardous substances, which can be dangerous to human beings. Soldering fumes and laser emissions are two examples. Due to their small sizes, the particles penetrate deeply into the bloodstream and can cause serious diseases. Filter and extraction systems protect you from these hazardous substances by sucking them in. They remain in the filter so they can no longer be inhaled. These particles would also attach to the machines, potentially blocking some mechanisms within them. Hence, the contaminated air does not remain that way or spread more and harm other people, a TBH filter and extraction system protects the environment as well. It is a triple protection in one system – for people, the environment, and the machine.
TBH filter and extraction systems capture contaminated air and lead it through the filter elements, which are suitable to your working process. Dusts, smokes and gases release harmful particles, which the systems’ various filters, like pre- filter, HEPA filter and activated carbon captures. Afterwards the system leads the cleaned air back into the room or to the exterior.
Choosing the proper filtration system can seem like a difficult choice with many different models and filter configurations based on specific application needs. To simplify the process choosing the proper system comes down to 3 key factors: Airflow, Static Pressure, Size of Filter Media.
Airflow – The amount of airflow needed to move the particles and fumes
Static Pressure – The amount of pressure needed to sustain airflow requirements
Size of Filter – The amount of square meters of filter media required to capture particulate
Our team helps customers select the best system for their application based on the above requirements.
The processed air will be led back into the room generally or can be led to the exterior in especially severe processes with hazardous materials. The advantage of recirculated process air is that it is heated during filtration, i.e. when going through the filter and extraction system. This can save heating costs.
The flow rate for all fume extractors should be set as low as possible while still achieving adequate airflow to safely capture the particles and fumes from your specific application.
Yes, there are a number of options to connect the interface of your fume extractor to other equipment in operation. Having automatic on/off processing of the fume extractor preserves the life of filters and internal components such as the turbine.
TBH also offers an optional foot switch and remote control device for their fume extractors to aid operating conditions.
Materials being processed and the method of processing will determine how often a pre-filter must be changed. TBH system’s unique design allows for a variety of pre-filters to be configured for a unit.
The standard models often have a pre-filter mat which is a thin filter media that captures particles before reaching the HEPA filter. Another option for more dust intensive applications is a Z-Line or Safe-Line filter box which captures a large amount of particulate before the HEPA filter.
Choosing the proper filtration system can seem like a difficult choice with many different models and filter configurations based on specific application needs. To simplify the process choosing the proper system comes down to the key factors listed below:
Laser Bed Size: Whether it is a desktop unit or a large format laser, the bed size will determine the amount of airflow required to safely remove particles and gasses from the laser processing area.
Number/Size of Exhaust Ports: – Knowing the number of exhaust ports on the system and size of each port will help determine the necessary airflow and static pressure required for the filtration unit.
Distance from Laser to Filtration Unit: – The distance from each unit will determine how much hose is required to connect the two units. Depending upon the diameter of the hose used along with the length of the run will help determine the proper extraction system for the job.
Application / Materials Processed: – The volume of materials being processed will be a key factor in determining the necessary airflow and filter configuration for the extraction unit.
Our team helps customers select the best system for their application based on the above requirements.
This is a common question for shops with multiple lasers. The answer depends upon a variety of factors including necessary airflow of each unit, static pressure required for each unit, distance from exhaust port to fume extractor, etc.
Airflow likes to take the path of least resistance, so if the lasers have different extraction requirements this may not be a viable solution.
If you have multiple lasers of the same model and size then it is definitely possible to utilize 1 filtration unit for multiple laser systems. The key to making this process work is to have an equal length of hose run to each unit and choosing a TBH system powerful enough to meet the demand of airflow for each unit.
Yes, in many instances a fume extraction unit can reduce day-to-day operating cost due to the interface of the unit along with recirculating processed air.
The fume extractor can be interfaced with certain laser models to provide an automatic on/off cycling of the fume extractor when the laser job starts/stops. This will help reduce energy consumption throughout the day while the laser system is being unloaded/reloaded. For laser models not supported, TBH offers an optional foot switch and remote control interface to allow operators and easy way to cycle the filtration unit on/off based on usage.
By recirculating the processed air instead of pushing air externally with an exhaust blower, this will help reduce heating/cooling costs for the area. When venting externally cooled/heated air is also removed from the building while a fume extractor releases cleaned air back into the room.