New Absolent technology from Filtermist set to boost UK dust and fume extraction

A UK filtration expert has launched new dust and fume extraction technology from sister company Absolent. Filtermist, which specialises in ensuring workshop air is clean and safe to breathe, is now offering the AD range of dust extraction units, which maximises the advantages of Absolent’s ‘True Downflow’ technology. Filtermist says the new units are compact and easy to maintain, yet deliver optimal filtration density.

Developed in line with feedback from hundreds of customer use cases, Absolent AD series dust extraction units provide a modular, ‘customer centric’ product line that will benefit any UK manufacturer undertaking abrasive metal processes such as welding, laser cutting or grinding.

“Several pain points were identified and addressed during the three-year project,” explains Robert Wiktorén, Absolent Air Care Group’s Chief Product Officer. “As an existing manufacturer of dust collectors under our Absolent, Dustcheck and Diversitech brands, we knew there was a need in the market for a new way of thinking about dust and fume extraction. Traditionally, dust collectors have been sized using generic data to select suitable filter type, filter area and air speeds between filter elements. The resultant footprints have been comparatively large. What’s more, noise levels are frequently high due to external compressed air cleaning systems and integral fans, and the units can be difficult to maintain.”

He continues: “When filters need changing, even the best current designs require the filter-retaining mechanism and moving parts to be in the ’dirty side’ of the unit, exposed to contamination. This is not a great environment for moving parts and requires a tool to reach the filter elements furthest away. Our True Downflow technology combines the verticality of the filter elements with a top to bottom air flow. This combination optimises the effect of gravity and ensures that dust coming out of the filter elements during pulse-jet cleaning is forced down to the disposal solution in the hopper.”

The roll-out of the first AD phase includes three models: the 0.5 (which holds two deep pleat cartridges); the 1.0 (four filters); and the 1.5 (six deep pleat filter elements). Airflows currently range from 1,200-10,800 m³/hr, but can be increased thanks to the modular construction.

The new range is being introduced in stages to customers throughout Europe and the UK, with phase one suitable for use in metal applications such as welding, laser cutting, plasma cutting and non-ATEX abrasive metals (grinding and linishing). Additional models for use in a wide range of other applications, including explosive dusts requiring ATEX-certified equipment and higher air volumes (>65,000 m³/hr), will follow later, along with alternative dust disposal options.

Senior Group Product Manager and former Filtermist employee Andy Darby, who played a pivotal role in developing the new range, says: “A baffle at the inlet evens out airflow across the volume of the filter and makes sure we use each square metre to its maximum potential. True Downflow is the only solution that guarantees to eliminate any upflow or crossflow with the filter elements. This enables us to offer ‘high filtration power density’, meaning we can increase the filter speed and reduce the filter media surface area. As a result, the solution comes in a far smaller footprint than other filter units on the market.”

He adds: “Another innovative aspect of the new range is the ’CleanChange’ filter-change clamping mechanism. The filter elements are linked together and, as the operator pulls the first element out, the next one is pulled to the front. No tool is needed and engineers do not have to enter the dust filled unit.

“Locating the fan and cleaning unit inside the body of the extraction unit decreases noise and we can reduce this even further if required by using additional noise attenuating measures. Finally, the standard units will be constructed from pre-treated Galfan steel, which offers a high level of corrosion protection.”

The AD range uses modular construction, ensuring competitive lead times, even for custom products.

Wiktorén concludew: “We’re confident that the AD range will change the way end users, OEMs and systems integrators think about dust and fume extraction.”