There are several key factors that should be considered when selecting a fume extraction system. Should you choose a central system or opt for portable units? Will a tip extraction or volume extraction system be best? Should the system separate gases as well as particles? Is the proposed system ESD-safe?
This Selection Guide is intended to assist you in determining the type of system you need. If you follow the six steps below, you will have a system designed specifically for your application. Your Weller Zero-Smog sales representative will be able to offer even more valuable insight and a wealth of experience to tailor the system to best meet your needs.
STEP 1 – Determine whether you should use tip or volume extraction, based on the type of work being done.
For hand soldering or similar close work, tip extraction is recommended. Tip extraction (high vacuum) systems allow you to extract fumes very close to their source with minimum air movement. When the soldering iron moves, the suction follows, as the extraction tube is mounted directly on the iron.
For solder baths, hot air soldering, gluing, and other applications involving a medium to large working area, volume extraction is recommended. A volume (high airflow) extraction system has the advantage of being more flexible as there is no need for extraction tubes attached to the iron. A larger area is covered so volume extraction systems are common for SMD component soldering.
STEP 2 – Based on your operation’s need for system flexibility, determine if you should choose a central system or multiple portable units.
The primary advantage with a central system is that it is less expensive to purchase if you count the cost divided by the number of workstations, however the central system has some disadvantages:
• A central system lacks flexibility. When you want to change your production layout, the tube system has to be rebuilt, which is time-consuming and sometimes costly.
• A failure of the central system affects all workstations. If the system goes down, all working stations are affected. If you choose mobile units, a failure in suction affects only workstations connected to that unit.
• Today's central system must be designed for tomorrow's use. When investing in a central system, you have to accurately predict your future needs. If you do not design the central system for a larger volume of soldering stations, the system might have to be replaced in the future. Choosing a mobile solution allows you to buy a fume extraction system for today's use, as you can easily add more units in the future.
STEP 3 – Determine if you need a system capable of continuous operation.
This is something some may take for granted, but not all fume extraction systems have this capability. Some units require that suction pump motor brushes be replaced after just 800 hours of run time. If your operation may require continuous operation, make sure the system can handle it.
STEP 4 – Confirm that the system provides a high degree of separation for both particles and gases.
Most fume extraction systems today offer adequate removal of smoke and fume particles. However, it is critically important to have a filter system that also purifies the air of gases, such as aldehydes, with a high degree of separation. You should receive a certificate for the function of the filter, preferably tested and certified by a recognized testing institute.
STEP 5 – Make sure that the system provides adequate air extraction volume at every workstation.
When using a high vacuum tip extraction system, airflow of 20-23 liters per minute at the tube intake is required for proper suction of the fumes. When using a high airflow volume extraction system, airflow of at least 0.3 m3/sec at the suction area is needed. If these airflow figures are met, the system will be sure to extract not only the particles, but also the gases created when soldering.
STEP 6 – Confirm that the system is ESD-safe.
ESD-safe operation is becoming more and more important in today's electronic industry. Not only should the fume extraction system be ESD-safe, but the supplier should also provide certification from an impartial third-party testing institute guaranteeing it.
