Efficient welding fume extraction makes production halls healthy and safe

Welding processes often generate harmful substances or fumes. LUTEC Luchttechniek is a specialist in the field of industrial climate technology and extraction of welding fumes, welding vapor and oil mist, among others. At Welding Week (booth F300 in Hall 4) you can learn about the solutions, including source extraction with extraction arms, mixing systems, push-pull installations and displacement ventilation.

Welding processes often generate harmful substances or fumes. LUTEC provides systems for the extraction of welding fumes and vapors.

The substances check app of the Inspectorate SZW and the FNV with information on harmful substances shows, that welding fumes are carcinogenic according to the World Health Organization. "This applies to the fumes released during regular welding, but certainly also when welding stainless steel, which produces chromium VI. Employees should therefore not be exposed to welding fumes," states Marjan Roes, Marketing Communications at LUTEC. "We specialize in industrial climate engineering and extraction of welding fumes, welding vapor and oil mist and provide various types of solutions, including source extraction with extraction arms, but also mixing systems, push-pull installations and displacement ventilation.

Intake systems and displacement ventilation

Blending is a form of spatial infiltration, where contaminated air is extracted from the work area and filtered. The filtered air is blown back into the workspace at high velocity at the level of the welding fume blanket. This powerful intake flow mixes contaminated air optimally with clean air, reducing the average contamination level. Advantages include low investment and maintenance costs, fast, economical application and easy relocation and expansion. "Welding fume extraction by displacement ventilation is a natural method of ventilation, especially suitable for high rooms. The clean, conditioned air is introduced at the bottom of the production hall, where people work and breathe. Pollutants rise through natural thermals and are removed. The entrained heat is reused in the space after filtering the air," Roes points out. "Advantages of this system, which meets today's and tomorrow's requirements, are the supply of clean, fresh air, the reduction of ventilation air by up to 50%, the savings in energy and operating costs, the high efficiency (heat recovery) and the fact that companies can qualify for subsidies."

LUTEC provides various types of solutions, including source extraction with extraction arms.

In practice

LUTEC installs systems at smaller and larger metal processors, such as Deprest NV, De Meyer Constructie, DAF Trucks and Bombardier. The client's wishes and the results of measurements on the shop floor are translated into an optimal installation. Advice is also given on subsidies or possibilities for saving energy.