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Choosing the best dust extraction system
The choice of a good dust extraction system is a matter of life and death! That is why we have pointed out some important issues which have to be taken into account when buying a new dust extraction system:
Filterunit
According to the European law a filter of at least 99,995% is prohibited when quartz dust is extracted.
The standard is:
► per m2 filtersurface a maximum airflow of 200 m3 air can be discharged
► the filtermaterial of the dust extraction system has to be undamaged
► the filtermaterial has a sufficient interception level
The standard divides 3 classes:
| Class | Application area | Essential interception level |
| L = low | Dust with limiting value > 1 mg/ m3 | 95% |
| M = middle | Dust with limiting value > 0,1 mg/ m3 | 95,5% |
| H = high | Dust with limiting value ≤ 0,1 mg/ m3 (carcinogenic dust and dust with a high level of virusses and bacteria) |
99,995% |
Quartz dust is on the list of carcinogenic particles and is classified in the interception level H = high. Regulations determine for quartz dust a HEPA dustfilter with an interception level of 99,997%.
► on a dust extractor with interception level H there has to be a warning that notices
when a low volume is being extracted.
► the dustfilter has to be equiped with an automatic cleaning mechanism.
(automatic vibrating mechanism or counter puls mechanism)
Function
► the dust extractor has to have sufficient extraction capacity in relation to the hand tool
where it is used for so it is possible to intercept and collect all the dust particles in the dust bag.
► the air velocity in the extraction hose has to be sufficient to transport the dust to the dustbag.
An air velocity of 20 m/ sec in the hose is sufficient.
► the diameter of the extraction hoses is minimal 35 mm and has no reductions. A too narrow
hose or reductions will result in more resistance.
► accessories have to be universally applicable and interchangeable.
(adaptors could leak or come loose)
Dustbag
► needs to be removed easily and dustfree.
► needs to be strong so it will not tear during absorbation or removal.
► needs to fill steady (without causing unused space in the bag) even when big material is extracted.
► needs to be closed without loosing much dust.
Electric power supply
► advantage of hand tools power supply connected to the dust extractor is the fact that only one
wall-socket is needed. In this way the hand tool can only function when the extractor is on.
► power switch has to be dust-proof (push button underneath a plastic protective cover).
► the extractor has to run sufficient time after switching off the hand tool to empty the hose.
Construction
► reliable model because when transporting there is a high risk on damage. Housing needs to
be made out off impact resistant material.
► extractor has to be built out off anti-static material.
► extraction hoses have to be re-inforced at the connection points.
Last but not least the extractor has to be ergonomically built, light-weight, manoeuvrable and low-noise.
source Arbouw februari 2010