laser fume extraction

LEV testing is applicable to laser fume extraction.  Why?  A system is defined as Local Exhaust Ventilation if it is used to contain, control or capture airborn particulate on or near to the point of emmision and then convey it to a point whereby they are released back in to the local atmosphere.  An effective laser fume system must be constructed in order to comply to the testing requirements under COSHH, in addition all LEV systems must tested every 14 months and results recorded and held for 5 years from the date of manufacture.

Regulation 9 - Requires all control measures to be properly maintained and regularly examined and tested. The employer should ensure all control measures are maintained in an efficient state, good working order and in good repair.

Many fume extraction manufacturers offer this as a part of an ongoing maintenance program.  LFE guidance is currently having engineers examined under the BOHS accreditation so that we can supply this service to you as a third party, un biased and easy.  Our full reports comply with COSHH guidelines and are valid for 14 months as required.

As the world’s leading exhibition for optical technologies, LASER. World of Photonics is the most important international information and networking platform for the industrial, research and scientific community where business is initiated and advanced. It is where market leaders and innovative startups present the entire range of solutions related to the key technology of photonics.

With this in mind Laser Fumex have created an industry forum for debate where the most important subjects can be discussed and argued over in the time between the next exhibition.  We hoping to put forward topics for further discussion at the event. 

Many processes where dust and fume extraction is necessary take place in an environment where electrostatic discharge can cause problems.

The actual process of air passing through an extraction system can create a static charge. This charge can damage sensitive electronic components, resulting in expensive reject rates. In applications where powder or dust is mixed with the airflow, for example in the chemical handling and pharmaceutical industries, a build-up of static electricity can pose a potential explosion hazard.

It is an interesting discussion point because in laser fume systems electrostatic fibres have been tested in a range of filter media for improving performance.  The theory that particles would ‘stick’ to the filters allowing a more open matrix of fibers was proved in the end to adversely affect the efficiency of a laser fume extraction system:  With particles traveling through to the ‘clean air’ stream when dislodge through vibration.  The issue has now gone full circle from a possible advance in technology to a proven nuisance in particular laser processes! 

Britain has been formally warned by the European Commission for breaching safe limits on industrial air pollution and officials have started investigating potentially dangerous levels of business pollution in the UK.

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs said the commission was pursuing infraction proceedings against the UK for contravening European air quality legislation, which came into force in 2005. If no agreement is reached, the EU may take the UK government to the European Court of Justice.

Although LGAC’s are not wholly to blame for such breaches that do actively contribute to the overall figure for air pollution, especially with the on going use of vent to air systems.  Such warnings have a knock on effect with increasing fines and more stringent regulation on any sort of industrial pollution, including laser users.

Laser Back pack for cleaning purposes.  An important if not under advertised sector of the laser industry.  Non the less CIProcess ltd have developed a system in conjuction with their German partners that is a portable laser cleaning system.  Laser cleaning is a process of using bundled focused light in a broad narrow beam to strip the upper most surface of a dirty substrate.  The laser back pack iu designed for restoration and removal of time etched dirt, rust paint.  The lasers direct a high precision beam onto the cleaning surface, which reflects laser energy. Any contaminants on the surface absorb the laser energy and are quickly vaporized, with any fumes or particulates removed by an in-built filter. This gentle cleaning method avoids the erosion and abrasion that normally occurs with most other cleaning methods.  We thought it should be mentioned due its stunning versatility and innovation see here for more.