About Portable LEV Fume Extraction
Portable Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) – Welding Fume
Portable Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) can assist in reducing exposure to welding fume and other airborne contaminants, not only for the welder, but also for those who work near welding operations. Portable systems can be a more economical option when compared to fixed installations and in many situations can offer more flexibility as requirements change over time. They can be carried or rolled around the workplace and positioned where required and are ideal for situations where the welder moves around the workspace.
Portable systems can be a good control for most welding applications, where the welder does not move away from the extraction point (e.g. bench welding). However, different welding applications will require different systems. So, how do you ensure your LEV system is collecting welding fume, as opposed to abandoned in a corner, collecting dust?
Selecting the right Portable LEV Fume Extractor for your business
Selection of a Portable LEV welding fume extractor all comes down to the type of filter and the filter maintenance method. In the welding industry, we primarily see two different configurations:
Disposable Filters
As the name would suggest, disposable filters are thrown away once they reach capacity. The LEV system will notify the welder when the filter is full and needs replacing. This type of unit is built for low to medium welding fume environments. Suitable applications include TIG welding or occasional MIG and MMA welding. If this type of LEV system is used for heavy fume environments, the filter will need to be replaced too often and the running costs will become too high.
Automatic Self-Cleaning Filters
Portable LEV fume extraction systems are available with automatic pulse cleaning. Instead of the user manually cleaning the system, the fume extractor automatically cleans the filter when required using compressed air. This type of portable LEV extraction system is perfect for heavier welding fume environments and is suitable for applications like TIG, MIG, MMA, and Flux Cored.
Limitations of LEV Welding Fume Extraction
A limitation of these systems is that they do not follow the welder as they move, and positioning is critical. If the welder moves away from the capture point, these systems are ineffective. They won’t offer protection to the welder or control the spread of fume throughout the workplace. Conversely, if the welder is too close to the capture point, the extraction flow can affect the shielding gas, leading to porosity and poor weld quality. These systems can be a good control for situations where welding takes place in a fixed position, and the extraction point can be positioned correctly.
If the welders at your workplace will be on the move, we recommend either On-Gun Fume Extraction or Welding Helmets with PAPR.