Portable Air Filtration Systems - Everything to Know

1. What is it?

Much like an extraction arm, which allows for capture-at-source fume extraction, and easy maneuverability, the portable filter unit is one step up. Point source capture can be achieved anywhere you can roll the filter unit, rather than being confined to the reach of a fixed system. Quite often “Clean Air” solutions are required throughout a workplace. These units can be easily moved from location to location with ease while capturing dust and fumes where needed.

Various Options in Filtering Systems Available:

Washable Filters
Cleanable Filters
Self-Cleaning Systems
Throw Away Filters

2. Suitable applications

Portable filter units are perfect for situations where an integrated HVAC system is not an option, such as cell-based manufacturing, where workstations are being set up and torn down daily. Here is a full list:

3. Will it make my workplace safer?

Yes, but only when systems are configured, installed, and maintained for the correct use application. The filter selection is paramount to ensuring the reliability, effectiveness, and safety of the unit you use.

Unlike Dilution ventilation, Portable Air Filer Units can return significant energy savings and improvements in health and safety. However, the precision at which they must be designed, installed, and used can be complex. Lev-co uses three procedures to determine the design and installation of our products. These three procedures are OSHA HOC (hierarchy of controls), MOC (management of change), and PSR (pre-start safety review) Lev-co recommends that these three procedures, when appropriate, should be used when selecting Portable Air Filter Units as a capture method.

Here are links to examples of these three procedures:
OSHA Hierarchy of controls
MOC Management of change sample document
PSR Pre-start Health and Safety review

4. What industries and environments are portable filter units used in?

Portable air filter units are very broad in applications. Some applications include metal shops, industrial manufacturing facilities, auto shops, paint booths, and electrical repair facilities. For a full list of applicable industries, refer to our Industry solution page

5. What are the different types of portable filter units available?

You can find a full selection by viewing our catalog below. All units come equipped with fan/motor assemblies to ensure adequate extraction at all times.

6. What criteria to consider

See Below:

Capacity (How much flow will the extraction arm handle?)
Capture velocity (can the extraction accommodate the required capture velocity to capture the aerosol?)
Easy to use (How many articulations/joints does the extraction arm have?)
Stay in place? (Does the extraction stay in place, how often do the joints need to be tightened?
Extension hoods (Do you need a large diameter extension hood, eg 36" diameter?) (Optional)
Can the extraction arm withstand the Pressure/abrasion/corrosion/etc?
Can the filter withstand the pressure/abrasion/corrosion/etc

7. Pros & Cons versus other engineering control methods

Pro's:

Remove airborne toxins at source before they enter any worker's breathing zone
Some extraction arms allow the supporting of items like wire feeders, Compressed air cord reels, and electrical cord reels for increased productivity
Better visibility through the addition of hood-mounted lighting solutions
Optimized hoods, large-diameter receiving hoods, and hose extensions are effective solutions where capture or hood placement is difficult
Hood can be rotated 90 degrees (perpendicular to the floor), eliminating shadowing
When used correctly, the operator can visually see the contaminant being safely drawn away from the process
With the use of castors, the arm can reach far for precise fume extraction

Con's:

Operator needs to be comfortable with the use of the arm to ensure adequate capture
Arms not always available in larger diameters for required capture velocity
System not effective unless configured correctly

8. Preventing the spread of airborne fumes & chemicals

Industrial workers are exposed to many health hazards daily. These workers risk becoming sick, ill, and disabled for life. According to a WHO estimate (WHO, 2000), unintentional poisonings led to 300 000 deaths in the year 2000.

We aim to diminish that figure, but this is only possible if the correct equipment is used, and configured correctly. Our team at Lev-Co works to make the logistics of those questions as straightforward as possible, and as such, will work to provide you with the best extraction system that fits your worker's needs. From accessibility and usability to reliability and longevity.

You can read more about the risks and preventions of fume extraction below:

OSHA
WHO

9. Effectiveness versus dilution ventilation

The integral flaw with dilution ventilation is the contaminants picked up by the system are not ultimately removed from the air. As a result, dilution ventilation is ineffective against most contaminants produced in industrial processes, such as metal fumes, abrasive dust, vapors, gases, and toxic chemicals. Local exhaust ventilation eliminates these issues through the capture of contaminants near or at the source of the contaminant, not allowing the contaminant to enter the atmosphere.

To read up more about the benefits of local exhaust ventilation versus dilution ventilation, refer to these links:
CCOHS
Use of local exhaust and dilution ventilation

10. Maintenance costs

Filtration:
Filter maintenance is paramount to the healthy operation of both your workers and the fume extraction system. We offer a wide range of filter options for multiple applications. Some of these filters are washable, and as a result, reduce maintenance costs to close to zero. However, depending on shop service hours and specific contaminants, filter replacement may be required.
Electric Motor:
With the use of direct-drive motors, there are no wear items such as pulleys or belts. As a result, the risk of failure is highly unlikely, regardless of maintenance intervals.
Construction: All of our portable filter units are built with steel and are welded together for the best consistent performance, and the least leakage. As such, there is virtually nothing about the construction and function of the system that needs maintaining. The use of heavy duty ball-bearing castors ensures years of reliability on the shop floor.

11. Do's & Don'ts

Do's:

Periodic maintenance checks

Don'ts:

Don't obstruct the airflow
Don't run the unit while not in use

12. Installation Tips & Tricks

All of our portable filter units come with built in castors for easy maneuverability and portability. There are multiple configurations of extraction arms and filters available for contaminant-specific applications.

Portable Filter Units

Portable Filter Units

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