Fume Collector

Fume Collector

According to DustSafetyScience.com, nearly 15% of all industrial fires and explosions in North America involve collectors. As OSHA safety standards drive increased use of these systems across various manufacturing processes—ranging from laser cutting to arc welding—they have become essential for removing hazardous fumes. However, they also pose a significant fire risk, making it critical for industries to prepare for and address this hazard.

Hazard Overview

Primary Hazard: Filter Material

Fume collectors use either cartridge filters or bag filters which effectively trap and remove particles from the air. While extremely important, the filters themselves are easily flammable. All it takes is one spark to land on a filter and begin to smolder to start a fire. Dust collectors OEMs do offer flame-resistant material in some cases, but the consistent airflow of these systems can unfortunately provide ample fuel to initiate and sustain a fire. Left untreated, these fires can grow to consume machines and buildings.

Secondary Hazard: Fume Particulate

Fume particulate consists of tiny airborne particles generated during industrial processes like welding and laser or plasma cutting. It can be found in areas where these activities occur, such as workshops and manufacturing plants. Over time, the particle will build up in your collector's hopper, posing a significant fire hazard if not properly managed.

Our Recommended Solution

Our CO2 Total Flooding fire suppression system works by “flooding” the hazardous area with CO2, ridding the space of oxygen, in turn suppressing the fire that initiated. With our pneumatic detection, it operates without power and eliminates false alarms, providing reliable fire protection anytime, all the time.

Our CO2 system leaves no residue, so there's no need for extensive cleanup after activation. This comprehensive system effectively suppresses fires, preventing significant damage to your collectors, safeguarding your staff, and protecting your building.

NOTE: While CO2 can be hazardous in high concentrations, our system is specifically engineered to ensure that the gas rapidly dissipates to safe levels in the case that the agent escapes the discharged area. This proactive approach ensures that our CO2 system not only protects your equipment but also safeguards the well-being of everyone in the building.

Firetrace has protected collectors for the past 20 years and works closely with a variety of OEMs to protect your people, facility and keep your shop running smoothly. We provide systems that comply with NFPA 12 and NFPA 654 which ensure they are fit for your needs.

FAQs

Are fume collectors dangerous?

No. Fume collectors capture and filter hazardous particulate that can be a safety concern for both the workers and the facility. However, the filter material, often paper filters, in these machines are flammable, posing a significant fire risk. Ensure you have taken the necessary precautions to mitigate this risk.

What is the difference between fume collector and dust collector?

Fume collectors are designed to target and filter much smaller, airborne particles and are most often present in industries like welding and laser cutting. Dust collectors handle larger particles like dust, sawdust, or other particulate generated by processes like cutting, grinding, or sanding. They are commonly used in woodworking, paper processing, and other manufacturing environments where large amounts of dust or solid particulates are produced.

How frequent do fires in collectors occur?

According to DustSafetyScience.com, collectors account for 15% of all industrial related fires. That means more than 1 in 10 fires originate in collectors.