In many different applications — whether local or central — the most frequent customer complaint about dust, fume, and oil mist extraction systems is:
“It doesn’t extract fumes as efficiently as it used to!”
- Are the users right to complain?
- Are the manufacturers missing something?
- What are users doing wrong?
- Where are they making mistakes?
- Why does the system no longer perform as before?
- How can I improve the performance of my fume extraction system?
Let’s answer these questions together by checking some key system components.
Is the Fan Selection Correct and Powerful Enough?
At the heart of every extraction system is a fan, often referred to as the ventilator.
The design of this fan and the selection of its motor must be based on the pressure losses that will occur throughout the extraction and filtration process.
Is the Filter Selection Proper and Sufficient?
One of the main factors affecting system performance is the filter selection used in fume extraction systems.
For reference, check out our article:
“High-Performance and Long-Life Filter Selection Guide for Fume Extraction Systems”
https://www.freshweld.com.tr/en/article/fume-extraction-filter-guide/
For example, assume a new system’s filters create a pressure loss of 250 Pa, while used and clogged filters create a pressure loss of 500 Pa.
If the system’s fan provides an airflow of 3000 m³/h at 0 Pa pressure, a new filter setup (250 Pa) will deliver 1500 m³/h.
Once the pressure loss increases to 500 Pa, airflow performance will drop to 1000 m³/h.
You can see this summarized in the table below:
| Fan Capacity | Pressure Loss | Extraction Flow Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 3000 m³/h | 0 Pa | 3000 m³/h |
| 3000 m³/h | 250 Pa | 1500 m³/h |
| 3000 m³/h | 500 Pa | 1000 m³/h |
Note: The data used here is for demonstration purposes and may not represent actual performance values.
These calculations confirm that customer complaints are often valid —
Yes, fume extraction systems really do lose efficiency over time!
However, this decline in performance is mainly caused by neglected maintenance and delayed filter replacement.
FRESHWELD collaborates with Mikropor, one of Turkey’s largest and most reliable filter manufacturers.
How Can You Tell When It’s Time to Replace Filters?
All FRESHWELD products are equipped with a visual alert panel that notifies users when it’s time to replace the filters. In addition, the filters themselves are long-lasting, eco-friendly, and designed for user convenience.
This means that even if the filters become clogged, users can easily identify when maintenance is needed, preventing the system from operating with low or poor performance.
- Naturally, a fume extraction system working with clogged filters will deliver lower airflow performance.
- A low-performing system cannot serve welders, supervisors, or production managers effectively.
- Over time, users may even consider the system useless or unnecessary.
FRESHWELD provides not only pre-sales and installation support but also 24/7 after-sales service to ensure maximum system efficiency and user satisfaction.
For detailed information about customized solutions and to request a quote for your Fume Extraction Systems, please contact our sales representatives.
Our content emphasizing worker and environmental health is for informational purposes only and is based on research available at the time of publication. For any questions, concerns, diagnoses, or treatment needs related to your health, please consult a physician or a qualified healthcare provider.