About Project

The challenge for any welding operation and its environmental team is the ability to properly manage weld fumes in a variety of welding environments. Removing the fumes from the area is only the beginning of the process; how you filter the fume is just as critical as the equipment used to remove the fume. Choosing the right filter media will improve the overall function of the equipment, reduce maintenance, improve airflow, lower costs and improve air quality in the working environment.

Ask any safety manager about cleaning the air in a welding environment; the end game is filtering the fume as well as removing it from the work area. We are taking a harder look at weld fume management, specifically hexavalent chromium (CrVI or Cr6+). Simply relocating welding fume is not an option. It must be captured effectively. And while you can see smoke disappear into a filtration system and clear air comes out, much of the fume itself is actually invisible to the naked eye. Choosing a system should be based on a combined examination of the system and understanding of filter technology. Matching the best filtration with a high efficiency system will lower costs over time.

Weld fumes of all types, whether from carbon steel, aluminum, stainless and others, carry the same basic fume particle signature. Weld fumes are thermally generated particles that require high levels of filtration. Investing in the best equipment but pairing it with the wrong filter media can reduce your expensive fume extraction system into nothing more than a dust collector.

The ultimate decision of what filter media is right for your application boils down to two equally important factors:

Protection of the worker. Filters must allow higher airflow and efficient capture over a long period of time. By providing a higher airflow, they are protecting the workers as expected. The high-efficiency filter captures the thermally generated particulate.

Cost of the equipment, filters and overall operation. Choosing a filter with qualities that include high efficiency, low static pressure drop and surface loading will lower operating costs. Longer filter life will save costs.