One of the most common questions I get asked regarding fume extraction for solder fumes and rework fumes is – what system do I choose ? As with all these questions every application is different but I have highlighted below the advantages and disadvantages of both volume or arm and cowl extraction system versus tip extraction systems – I hope this helps to clear up any questions you may have – or call us for even more help !
Tip Extraction: Advantages and Disadvantages: This method of extraction is less popular these days but uses low volume but extremely high pressure vacuum units (T1, T15, T30 etc) and are all designed to extract and filter fumes and debris through small bore hoses and attachments. The fumes are removed ‘at source’ via a 5.6mm bore tube attached to the soldering hand piece – called an iron adaptor kit. A 1.2m length of special ESD safe silicon hose is then attached to a ‘network’ of 40-50mm ducting installed around the factory and under benches to each operator, from the pump unit. Normal clear silicon tube is not to be used as it will collapse easily and is not ESD safe. An extraction rate of 28-32 litres/min is required at each tip. Several smaller units are more beneficial than one central system for the following reasons:
• Ducting can be kept at low level, feeding rows of benches or cells – no unsightly uprights.
• Much less labour is involved and no high access equipment or ladders are required
• Only one cell needs to be running at a time, turning off those not required
• If the pump did ever fail, there is no total loss of extraction
Although very effective, these systems require constant operator maintenance to keep the tubes clean (the tubes can block every few hours !) and once installed it is not so easy to move about (although the ducting used is of a ‘push fit’ style and can be re-positioned several times) Tip extraction is ideally suited for soldering iron tip extraction, vacuum pens and any application requiring close proximity, micro extraction. It is a cost effective method and works well provided the cleaning maintenance is kept up on a daily/weekly basis. There are some rules to stick to when self installing this type of system – see install data advice sheet, alternatively we offer a full installation service. Call us for more details.
Arm or Cowl Extraction: Advantages and Disadvantage.
This method of extraction uses high volume but low pressure pumps and are all designed to extract and filter fumes via a capture source – usually a small cowl or a flexible arm – typically 38-75mm in diameter depending on the application. A face velocity of 10m/s should be achieved for effective removal of smoke and fumes from, for example solder or adhesive fumes.
Smaller, modular pump units generally supply one, two, three or four arms per system to avoid complicated and large unsightly ducting. This also makes them very portable and easy to relocate than one large central pump unit and require very little maintenance. Our most popular units are the V200 single arm or the V250 dual arm units that can be installed in seconds and plug and play out of the box as all the items required are supplied in an easy assembly kit. Advantages for smaller modular systems are:
• Ease of installation – plug and play right out of the box!
• No high level ducting – unsightly and access equipment not required.
• Large central systems are usually three phase 415v supply and require 150mm dia ducting
• Small units can be moved in minutes; central systems cannot be easily moved.
• Only those operators requiring extraction need to turn them on.
• With large central systems each arm needs balancing; unlike smaller units.
• If a central system failed, all extraction is lost; several small units will always give cover.
• One large pump unit means higher labour and ducting/install costs; often 50% higher than several smaller units, and far less flexible.
Ducting systems that vent to atmosphere have similar disadvantages and also remove high amounts of air from the room/workshop, taking out expensive heated or in the summer, air conditioned air.
If you are still unsure which method to install, call out technical team for free; no obligation advice.
We have over 25 years of experience in supplying and installing these types of extraction systems!
