Fume extraction systems xFUME ADVANCED & xFUME ADVANCED W3

Mobile fume extraction systems for generally recommended extraction at the source

Since the International Research Institute of Cancer (IARC) determined in 2018 that welding fumes are carcinogenic, manufacturing companies have had to rethink their approach. A few years ago, welding fume extraction for MIG welding and MAG welding was the exception, but today it is an obligation to offer welders a healthy workplace. Health and safety at work have become very important and companies are forced to comply with the regulations. The fume extraction systems xFUME® ADVANCED and xFUME® ADVANCED W3 from ABICOR BINZEL – each used in combination with an extraction torch such as the xFUME® PRO the xFUME® COMPACT – complie with the regulations of international occupational health and safety organizations because, as a complete extraction system, they capture welding fumes at their source via the extraction nozzle of the torch. Companies have to upgrade existing stationary systems such as room extraction systems or hall ventilation with this so-called extraction at the source.

The xFUME® ADVANCED is also available as a fume extraction unit with W3 classification.

Stationary extraction systems are not suitable for every application or the investment in such a system for welding fume extraction is not possible due to high costs. The xFUME® ADVANCED and the xFUME® ADVANCED W3 together with a welding fume extraction torch are a cost-effective and at the same time highly efficient mobile complete solutions for fume extraction at the source.

The xFUME® ADVANCED W3 extraction unit in conjunction with an xFUME® TIG extraction torch is a suitable system solution for healthy TIG welding, where stainless steel is often processed.

Advantages of mobile extraction systems
Companies that need and want to equip their production with fume extraction usually think of large, stationary extraction systems that can only be realized with a major investment. But it can also be made considerably easier and cheaper: with mobile fume extraction systems. Mobile welding fume extraction is even more efficient, because by using an extraction torch, the harmful fumes are absorbed by a high vacuum system at their source and directed into the extraction device. Thus, welding fumes do not even get close to the welder – contrary to stationary welding fume extraction systems, where the fumes from the process first ”pass the welder” before they can be absorbed by the extraction system.

Mobile high-vacuum extraction systems in combination with a welding fume extraction torch form the perfect team for efficient welding fume extraction that offers health protection for the welding operator and it is also cost-effective. The mobile welding fume extraction is also ideal for an affordable first step into the subject employment protection and especially if there are only a few welding workplaces that need to be kept free of fumes.

Why use extraction torches with fume extraction systems?
In contrast to a fume extraction system with extraction arm and extraction hood, which is positioned close to the process and has to be moved again and again, a welding fume extraction torch picks up the harmful fume gases at the process, i.e. at the point of origin. This so-called extraction at the source is not only the most efficient fume extraction, but also the extraction technology that is healthiest for the welder. The fumes are absorbed by a special extraction nozzle at the front end of the fume extraction torch and led into the extraction device. The extracted particles are collected in the filter, and the cleaned air is blown back out into the environment.

When using the xFUME® ADVANCED resp. the xFUME® ADVANCED W3 welding fume extraction systems, there is no danger of unintentionally extracting too much shielding gas due to extraction power adjustment options!

Handling of fume extraction torches
In direct comparison with a standard MIG/MAG welding torch, a fume extraction torch looks hard to handle and heavier overall. In fact, there are differences between the manufacturers – and it is understandable that welders are skeptical or even reject welding fume extraction torches. ABICOR BINZEL has invested a lot of time and know-how in the development of its own fume extraction torches and has developed three highly efficient and comparatively lightweight extraction torches, the xFUME® PRO, the xFUME® COMPACT and the xFUME® TIG. These torches are outstanding in terms of handling and fume extraction performance and enable the welder to take up his or her usual welding position.

Efficiency of extraction at the source
Extraction at the source – i.e. the extraction of welding fumes using an extraction torch – is the most efficient technology for absorbing fumes. There is no comparable efficient welding fume extraction system that can extract more harmful gases. Up to 99.76 % of all dust particles > 0.1 µm can be filtered out of the welding fumes with this system.

Functionality of the xFUME® ADVANCED
The xFUME® ADVANCED and the xFUME® ADVANCED W3 are both high vacuum systems with a fume extraction torch and an extraction system that extract welding fumes under high static pressure and a relatively low volume flow at the source. The captured gases are conveyed into the fume extraction system and collected in the filter.

The cleaning of the absorbed particles is 100 % automated, because depending on the dirt level in the filter, a pulse of compressed air ensures that all micro-particles captured are blown out and collected in a dust box. This box can easily be emptied during daily standard operation. Thus, downtimes due to cleaning intervals are eliminated with the xFUME® ADVANCED and the xFUME® ADVANCED W3.

Features of the xFUME® ADVANCED
The xFUME® ADVANCED fume extraction system is equipped with four rollers that make it easy to move from one workstation to another. It has connections for two fume extraction torches that function independently of each other. The integrated automatic start-stop system ensures that operating costs are kept low and also reduces wear on the installed carbon brushes. Two infinitely adjustable 0.8 kW motors guarantee a high extraction rate of more than 16,000 Pa without affecting the protective gas cover. A dust box collects the captured micro-particles.

Features of the xFUME® ADVANCED W3
The xFUME® ADVANCED W3 features some minor, but decisive, differences. The requirements for a W3-certified fume extraction unit are listed in DIN EN ISO 21904:2020 “Occupational health and safety in welding and allied processes – Equipment for the capture and separation of welding fumes”, Parts 1–4. The xFUME® ADVANCED W3 extraction unit fulfills all of the following points:

If the specified minimum air volume flow is not reached, a visual as well as an acoustic signal sounds.
At least 99 % of the welding fumes absorbed by the device are separated.
A spark pre-separator prevents damage to the filter element
With a separation efficiency of 99.76 %, the filter of the xFUME® ADVANCED W3 fume extraction unit also removes highly harmful particles such as nickel and chromium and their alloy components from the fumes. This also includes high-alloy steel with x ? 30 % nickel-based alloys. Anyone who often works with these materials in particular must use a fume extraction device with W3 certification. In Germany, the certificate is awarded by the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (IFA), the only institution of its kind in the world.

Anyone who wants to weld stainless steel in Germany and return the purified air to the environment must have an extraction system certified by the IFA. This regulation is set out in the “Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances” (TRGS) 560.

Together with the xFUME® TIG extraction torch from ABICOR BINZEL, highly harmful particles are reliably extracted and separated.



Special feature of the xFUME® ADVANCED filter

The filter of the mobile fume extraction system xFUME® ADVANCED has a mounting with a screw cap. With an easy rotary movement, the filter of the xFUME® ADVANCED can be replaced without the use of additional tools. The same applies to the W3-classified filter for the xFUME® ADVANCED W3.



The advantages of the xFUME® ADVANCED:

Filters up to 99.76 % of all absorbed dust particles > 0.1 µm
Extraction torch and extraction system easy to install
Automatic start-stop minimizes wear and reduces operating costs
Filter cleaning fully automated
Two infinitely adjustable 0.8 kW motors guarantee power-specific extraction
Up to 2 extraction torches can be connected individually
Screw thread mount allows easy replacement of the disposable filter
Can be easily moved from one workplace to another on its roller system