Effective control of contaminated air starts with capturing pollutants as close as possible to the point where they are generated. In industrial processes, this may involve dust, fumes, oil mist, overspray, vapours or larger particles. The capture device, filtration stage and air-moving components must therefore be selected as one coordinated system rather than as isolated pieces of equipment.
ALWO supplies and integrates equipment for industrial air capture, filtration and extraction. The final configuration is based on the process, the contaminant, the required airflow, the operating schedule and the conditions at the installation site.
Source-capture equipment
Local capture limits the dispersion of contaminants through the workplace and reduces the volume of air that needs to be treated. Depending on the application, ALWO can configure:
- BAF downdraft extraction benches with filter cartridges for operations that generate dry dust and fine particles;
- BA extraction benches connected to an external filtration system;
- W extraction walls with a water curtain and V extraction walls with dry filters for painting and surface-processing applications;
- pressurised enclosures with dry or water-based filtration where the process requires controlled airflow around the work area;
- local extraction units and process-specific connection points that collect contaminants directly from the machine or workstation.
Filtration and separation technologies
The filter medium and separation method are chosen for the physical and chemical characteristics of the pollutant. A system may use one technology or several stages in sequence:
- compact pulse-jet filters for continuous cleaning of filter elements in dust-handling applications;
- activated-carbon cartridge filters for applications in which the treatment strategy includes adsorption of suitable vapours and odours;
- electrostatic filters and NO MIST filters for airborne oil mist and aerosols generated by machining processes;
- horizontal cyclones and CFM cyclonic bag filters for pre-separation and collection of heavier particles;
- SFPJ and SFM centralised filtration units for installations serving several machines or work areas;
- CFC cyclonic cartridge filters and FS units with polyethylene collection bags, selected according to the dust load and collection method.
Fans, ductwork and airflow control
A filtration unit can only perform correctly when the rest of the extraction network is properly matched to it. ALWO solutions may include pneumatic conveying fans, low-, medium- or high-pressure fans such as the ATDG and ATDC series, circular galvanised or stainless-steel ductwork, and flexible connections for moving equipment.
Manual or electro-pneumatic slide gates can isolate branches and direct airflow to active machines. Correct duct velocities, pressure losses and fan operating points are established for the actual network so that material does not settle in the ducting and capture remains stable at each workstation.
Equipment for painting and thermal processes
For paint application and surface-finishing areas, Paint Stop media and labyrinth cardboard filters can be integrated to retain overspray. Hot-air generators with gas or diesel burners are available for applications that require controlled process or make-up air temperature. Each component must be selected according to the products used, the temperature range and the ventilation concept of the facility.
Fire and explosion risk controls
Combustible dust and sparks require a dedicated risk assessment. Where the assessment identifies the need, an extraction system can include spark detection and extinguishing, explosion-relief panels and other protective measures appropriate to the material and installation. These safety components are specified together with the operating and maintenance procedures; they are not a substitute for correct process control.
From individual equipment to a complete system
Reliable air control depends on the interaction between the hood or capture point, duct network, pre-separator, filter, fan, discharge route and controls. ALWO evaluates these elements as a complete installation and adapts the solution to the available space and production requirements.
Explore the contaminated-air capture and filtration equipment available from ALWO or contact our team to discuss the process conditions for your project.
