A dust extraction system uses strategically placed capture hoods or articulated arms to vacuum dust particles directly from workstations. These materials travel into aductingnetwork, which pulls the dust into a collector unit. At this stage, depending on the design of your dust extraction system, the dust may undergo pre-separation in a cyclone. Pre-separation disconnects the large and small dust particles to protect the filters from heavy dust build-up and allows the fine pieces to pass into specialised collection bags.

Once the cyclone filters the dust from the extracted air, depending on your system type, the dust goes outside, and the air returns into your facility. Alternatively, the dust is collected and the air extracted from the room.

Dust extraction systems are essential in thewoodworking, metal fabrication, food processing, construction, pharmaceutical and engineering industries. Each creates dust of varying severity in terms of its risk to human health, categorised as L-Class or M-Class. These classes cover multiple dust types. For example, hardwood (a known carcinogen) and metalworking dust (combustible and a severe explosive hazard).

The system you install must extract all specific dust particles effectively. Especially in food-processing environments where preventing cross-contamination is imperative.

M-Class dust extraction describes collecting particles known to cause respiratory conditions and cancer using an LEV system. These dusts are small enough to be respirable, meaning they can travel to and settle in the lungs. Settled dust in the lungs can cause Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Occupational Asthma, Silicosis, and Adenocarcinoma of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses. Each problem detrimentally affects lung function, causing coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and fatigue.

Medium Class dust is a silent danger that accumulates and takes years to manifest. So, by the time the symptoms of these conditions appear, the damage is irreversible. M-Class dust extraction systems require powerful fans and capture hoods to pull the dust directly from the source, before it can disperse into the air.

Some M-Class dusts include those created byhardwood, concrete and brick, general construction, and MDF.

L-Class dust extraction describes using an LEV system to collect minimally toxic particles that pose low, but still existent, health risks. These dusts are under 2 microns in size, meaning they are inhalable but cannot travel to and settle in the lungs. L-Class dust can cause asthma and irritation to the eyes and skin, which are not life-threatening, but can cause long-term health problems.

Some L-Class dusts include soft wood, dirt, plaster, chalk, and those naturally occurring in households.

Dust extraction systems protect your machine operators, personnel and facility from the fire hazards, explosions and health conditions caused by L-Class and M-Class dust. They also ensure your warehouse complies with strict occupational health and safety regulations, which, when not followed, incur fines, serious legal issues and insurance voiding. Dust extraction systems can also ensure your equipment reaches its projected lifespan and maintains efficiency by preventing dust accumulation, which can clog and break key components.

A smaller, basic system takes as little as two months to install, but a bigger, more complex bespoke extraction system could take six months. So many variables make determining a rough time frame impossible, so it is best to consult with the experts directly.

The experts at Extractlywill visit your site, in person, to achieve a total understanding of your requirements, potential limitations, and necessities. We will tell you how long the installation may take once the site visit is complete and we finalise the blueprints. The engineers at Extractly acknowledge the detriment of downtime and do everything possible to work around you to ensure as little disruption as possible.