Solvent fume extraction help
Solvent fume extraction help
(OP)
Hi everyone,
What is the process for determining how to deal with fumes coming from a process using for instance solvents, or glue? My initial thoughts are obviously to catch it as soon as the fumes are produced, ie close to the bench. But how to determine the flows required, are there objective measures of air contamination in the operators breathing 'zone' or something like that?
Does anyone know of any companies that manufacture hoods etc for local extraction for benches and machines?
thanks for your help!
What is the process for determining how to deal with fumes coming from a process using for instance solvents, or glue? My initial thoughts are obviously to catch it as soon as the fumes are produced, ie close to the bench. But how to determine the flows required, are there objective measures of air contamination in the operators breathing 'zone' or something like that?
Does anyone know of any companies that manufacture hoods etc for local extraction for benches and machines?
thanks for your help!





RE: Solvent fume extraction help
The alternative solution is to collect the obnoxious stuff before it gets near a person. Firms selling the ventilation articulated arms say that they can do this effectively for low rates of fume production. I cant really see these arms working. The velocity around the intakes of these arms drops off with distance such that the arms needs to be right next to the work, like almost touching. Aside from putting the whole show in a fume cabinet, what other options/approaches could I take to this problem?
RE: Solvent fume extraction help
Push-pull benches are also recommended, depending on the process.
RE: Solvent fume extraction help
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fume_hood
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RE: Solvent fume extraction help
HVAC engineer is only responsible for designing a ventilation system to the the required OEL.If it is a critical application,go for the certified down flow both and get it off your shoulder!
RE: Solvent fume extraction help
RE: Solvent fume extraction help
In you guys opinions/experiences, is it wise for a HVAC engineer design a system to conform to the exposure limits, leagally speaking that is, or do we not have any choice unless we just outsource the job to a downdraft cabinet maker? I mean, we put design basis in our specifications for temperature, occupancy etc. When doing industrial ventilation , would you do this with exposure levels? We have very well defined and easy to access standard for this here, the workplace safety authorities have a website with all this on it.
Thank you for your help....
RE: Solvent fume extraction help
But be aware that extraction hoods or arms are used where the material is non toxic and the OEL levels are high because it is difficult to verify the OELs in such an installation.If you are dealing with more harmful substances the OELs are tighter and that will push you towards a tested downflow booth or even an isolator in the case of more hazardous substances.
Getting your designs reviewed by client's OHS/Risk&Safety consultant team is an insurance to some extent.Professionally your employer should know what your idemnity insurance covers you for.
RE: Solvent fume extraction help
SAK, it turns out you are spot on, thanks! I have been digging around and it turns out that legislation (is Australia at least) makes the OHS outcomes of their workplace their problem that has to be dealt with be risk assesors who come up with a plan of attack. They indicate what measures they want to see to deal with OHS situations and then the Mech engineers provide a solution to help out. The ventilation is just one part of the puzzle and CANT be taken on its own.
I got that book ACGIH book, its great. A must have as far as I am concerned....
I am set for when they get the project rolling again.
thanks for everyones help