Fume Extraction Systems by
Why Fume Extraction?
 Health & safety of
employees vital
 Fume Extraction
Systems are a viable
& cost effective
method for reducing
exposure to harmful
contaminants,
particulates & gases
Work Environment Concerns
Soldering Fluxes
Cleaning
Agents
Conformal
Coatings
Cyanoacrylates
(Superglue)
Soldering Fume & Lead Poisoning
 Lead not the problem
 Tin/Lead solder does
not create respirable
fume unless temp well
over 1000OF!
 Lead poisoning caused
mainly by ingestion:
– Eating without washing
hands after soldering
– Smoking cigarettes
after handling solder
The Culprit: Soldering Flux/Colophony
 Soldering flux fume
generates Colophony
 Colophony health effects
studied 30+ years, a
demonstrated health
hazard
 Legislated in many
countries
Health & Safety Executive (HSE) Study
 1995 Landmark study (UK Government
sponsored)
 Extensive investigation of flux fume
 HSE Conclusions:
– Solder fume resin acids and formaldehyde are
sensitizers
– Sensitizer: substance that can trigger an allergic
reaction at any level
– Cause of Occupational Asthma
Sensitizing Agents: Other Research
 AIHA Studies Dec ‘97,
Dec ‘98 & Apr ‘99
 Resin acid a major
component in Colophony
 Resin acid
– Constituents clearly
associated with dermal
and pulmonary
sensitization
– Particles are respirable size
(sub-micron)
Size Particle Categories of Risk
 Inhalable Fraction
– 10 microns +
– Pollens
 Thoracic Fraction
– 3.5-10 microns
– Coal dust
 Respirable Fraction
– Less than 3.5
microns
– Bacteria, cigarette
smoke, flux fume
USA Occupational Health
Regulations
 Respirable particles
– Regulated at 3 mg/M3
– Same size as cigarette
smoke
Particulate Inhalation Ranges
What Occurs When Fume Enters Lungs?
 Particulate penetrates
alveolar regions of the
lung
 Resin acids attach and
remain undissolved
(resin acid has low
water solubility)
What Occurs When Fume Enters Lungs?
 Lung macrophages (tissue
cells that protect from
noxious substances)
ingest the particles
 Interaction between resin
acids & macrophages play
significant role in
pulmonary sensitization
and induction of asthma
Controlling Exposure
 Administrative Controls
–
–
–
–
Job Rotation
Limiting time involved in certain activities
Reduce work time
These options not feasible
 Engineering Controls more common
Engineering Controls
Source
Controls
Intercept
Path to
Receiver
Personal
Protection
 Change or eliminate source – not practical
 Personal Protection
– Respirators, gas mask, filter masks
– Bulky, employee acceptance extremely low
 Preferred Method: intercept path from source
to receiver with local exhaust system
Benefits of Local Exhaust Systems
 Minimal disruption to worker
 Hazardous particulates pulled away before
reaching worker’s breathing zone
 Secondary contamination affecting nearby
workers removed
 Filtered air safely recirculated into work
environment, not exhausted to outside
 Compact, self-contained & portable
 Lower cost
Idealized Central Filtration System
Intake Duct
Filter Condition
Gauge
Vacuum
Pump
Pre-Filter
HEPA Filter
Activated
Carbon Filter
3- Stage Filtration
 Pre-Filter
 Removes large, coarse particles, prevents clogging
 HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) Filter
 Removes the micro particles
 Can filter 99.997% to 0.3 & 95% to 0.001 micron
 Activated Carbon Filter - removes odors and
gases
Arm-Evac 105 Central Filtration Unit
 Best protection from
harmful fumes, at an
affordable cost 1 or 2
workstations
 Portable and compact can easily be placed on
or under a workbench
 Brushless motor
 Housing made of heavy
duty, 20 gauge steel
Arm-Evac 200 Central Filtration Unit
High volume air flow
Compact/self contained
Fits under any bench
1 or 2 workstations
Heavy duty brushless
motor
 Includes pre-filter &
combo filter
 Optional Silencer/Cart





Arm-Evac 250 Central Filtration Unit
Intelligent
Pump
Multi-color LED
Filter Condition
Monitor w/
Audible Alarm
Optional
Benchtop
Controller
3-Position Speed
adjustment
Arm-Evac 500 Central Filtration Unit
 Serves 2-6 workstations
 Compact: Fits easily
under workbenches
 High airflow motor pump
 Easy-to-read graphical
LED filter condition
monitor
 Self calibrates
 Audible alarm when a
filter change-out is
required.
Arm-Evac 50 Bench Top Extractor
 Provides wide area
fume extraction
 Highly efficient source
capture at 2 points
using the optional arm
attachment
 Operator adjustable
airflow
 Quiet operation
 Wide variety of filters
Fume Extraction Accessories
ESD-Safe Flex Arms
 Flex Arms attach
directly to Arm-Evac
 Bench mounting kit
comes with bracket
and 8’ of 3” flex hose
 Flex Arm Kit comes
with Arm & Bench
Mounting Kit
Metal Flex Arm
 1.75” Diameter Arms
 High quality stainless steel
 Easily removed from flange
& easily slips back in place
 Air volume controlled by
integral locking quadrant
flow controller (optional for
1.75” Arm)
Metal Plenum
 Provides Wide Area Fume Extraction
 Provides Shelf so no bench space is lost
 Comes with 8’ of 3” Flex Hose
FumeFlo Work Table
 Acts as Downdraft
Table or Plenum (using
laminar-flow)
 Attaches to any ArmEvac 105, 200, 250 &
500
 ESD-safe
Filter Options
 General Purpose Filter
Cartridge
 For soldering applications
 Standard – comes with
105, 200 & 250
 Combines High Efficiency
Particle Filtration with Gas
Adsorption
Other Filter Options
 Adhesive Filter for
conformal coating,
adhesive, gluing or board
cleaning operations
 Clean Room Filter for
controlled environments
 Economy Filter for grinding
and sanding operations
 High Capacity Filter for
heavier volumes of fumes