Welding fumes are comprised of complex metallic oxides, often along with silicates and fluoride compounds, forming particles that are typically less than 5 microns (µm) in diameter.
What is High Vacuum Extraction?
High vacuum is high local pressure where low volumes of air are being extracted. The typical range of CFM in a high vacuum application is 30-180 CFM. High vacuum extraction is traditionally done 2-4” from the fume source and is typically handled by small, compact systems that utilize fume extraction guns and extraction nozzles with small openings.
What is Low Vacuum Extraction?
Low vacuum is when high volumes of air are being extracted. The typical range of CFM in a low vacuum application is 650-850 CFM. Low Vacuum extraction is traditionally done 6-12” from the weld source. Low vacuum extraction is handled by flexible extraction arms with larger diameter openings.
What is Welding Fume?
OSHA Requirements
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the primary US agency regulating air quality. OSHA sets PELs (Permissible Exposure Limits) for compounds, some of which may be found in welding fume.