Fume Extractor FAQs

Fume extractors are commonly used equipment in industrial, laboratory, and electronic welding scenarios, and users often have various questions regarding their selection, use, and maintenance. Below are frequently asked FAQs (Common Questions and Answers) for general scenarios, covering core aspects such as basic understanding, selection, operation, maintenance, and safety, for your reference:

I. Basic Knowledge

1. Q: What is the core function of a fume extractor? What types of fumes can it handle?

A: The core function is to capture harmful fumes, dust, or vapors in the air through a "collection-filtration-purification" process, reducing their harm to human health (such as respiratory irritation and heavy metal poisoning), while improving the working environment and complying with environmental regulations. Types of fumes that can be handled include: electronic welding (solder fumes), laser engraving/cutting (plastic/metal fumes), chemical experimental volatile fumes, 3D printing (PLA/ABS consumable fumes), and industrial spraying fumes; however, it cannot handle strong acid or alkali mists, or flammable and explosive gases (requires specialized explosion-proof equipment).

2. Q: Is there a difference between a smoke extractor and a regular air purifier? Can they be used interchangeably?

A: There are fundamental differences, and substitution is not recommended. The specific differences are as follows:

II. Selection and Installation

3. Q: How do I choose the right fume extractor for my needs? What parameters should I pay attention to?

A: The following parameters should be considered in conjunction with three core factors: usage scenario, smoke volume, and installation method:
Airflow: For large smoke volumes (e.g., batch welding), choose a high airflow (≥500m³/h); for small scenarios (e.g., single-person labs), choose a low airflow (200-300m³/h). Insufficient airflow will cause smoke to escape.
Negative Pressure: This determines the "capturing power" of the air intake. For close-range extraction (e.g., flexible arms), a negative pressure ≥1500Pa is required to prevent smoke diffusion.
Filtration Level: Select filter material based on smoke composition—HEPA 13 or higher filter cotton for solder fumes/dust; add activated carbon filter for organic vapors (e.g., plastic fumes); add alkaline chemical filter (customizable) for acidic fumes (e.g., chemical experiments).
Installation Methods: Desktop (small workstations), custom wall-mounted (space-saving), mobile (shared by multiple workstations), centralized (large workshops, centralized purification of multiple workstations).

4. Q: Are there any requirements for the installation location of the fume extractor? What is the optimal distance between the air intake and the smoke source?

A: The core principle of installation is "close proximity, directly facing the smoke source": The distance between the air intake (such as a flexible arm or fume hood) and the smoke source should ideally be controlled within 10-30cm. The closer the distance, the higher the capture efficiency (exceeding 50cm may cause smoke to escape); Avoid obstructing the air intake (such as equipment or workpieces), and ensure that the fan outlet faces outdoors or an open area to prevent secondary pollution of the purified air.

5.Q: If my workstation is mobile (e.g., for on-site maintenance), which type of fume extractor should I choose?

A: Prioritize a mobile smoke extractor (with a caster base and extendable flexible arm), or a portable model (small body + high suction power). Make sure to choose a model with adjustable airflow, balancing "mobility flexibility" and "smoke capture efficiency."

III. Operation and Usage

6. Q: Does the fume extractor need to be on 24 hours a day? Or only when fume is generated?

A: We recommend "on-demand": only turn it on when fume is generated (such as during welding or engraving). This saves energy and reduces the ineffective wear and tear on the filter material (the filter material absorbs dust from the air, and prolonged use can easily lead to premature saturation). If residual fume remains in the environment, you can continue to run it for 5-10 minutes after the work is completed to ensure thorough air purification.

7.Q: What could be causing the reduced smoke capture efficiency during use?

A: Common causes and solutions:
Filter media saturation: Check the filter media indicator light (if present), or remove the filter media for inspection (e.g., HEPA filter cotton turning black, activated carbon clumping). Replace promptly if necessary.
Clogged air intake: Check the flexible arm or fume hood for foreign objects (e.g., welding slag, dust accumulation). Clean with compressed air or a brush.
Airflow setting too low: If the equipment supports airflow adjustment, increase the setting appropriately (be careful to avoid excessive airflow leading to excessive noise).
Air intake distance too far: Readjust the flexible arm position to ensure a distance of 10-30cm from the smoke source.

8.Q: Is the fume extractor very noisy? How can I control the noise?

A: The noise level of a standard model is between 50-75 dB (similar to everyday conversation or a fan), which will not affect normal operation. If the noise level increases abnormally, it may be due to a fan malfunction or loose components (the machine needs to be stopped and inspected). Methods to control noise: Choose a model labeled "low-noise fan"; avoid placing the equipment in a confined, small space (to reduce echo); regularly lubricate the fan bearings (to reduce friction noise).

IV. Maintenance and Care

9.Q: How often should the filter media be replaced? What precautions should be taken when replacing it?

A: The filter media replacement cycle depends on the "frequency of use and smoke concentration," and there is no fixed standard. You can determine this by:
Checking the indicator light: Most equipment is equipped with a filter media saturation indicator light; when the light is on, the filter needs to be replaced.
Checking usage time: For a single-person welding station (4 hours of use per day), HEPA filter cotton should be replaced approximately every 3-6 months, and activated carbon filter boxes approximately every 2-4 months. In high-concentration scenarios (such as mass production), this should be shortened to 1-2 months.
Checking performance: If the smoke capture efficiency significantly decreases or there is an odor at the air outlet, the filter needs to be replaced even if the estimated time has not yet arrived.

Replacement Precautions: Disconnect the power before replacement; wear gloves during operation (avoid contact with harmful dust on the filter media); old filter media must be disposed of as "hazardous waste" (do not discard arbitrarily).

10.Q: Besides changing the filter media, does the fume extractor require any other routine maintenance?

A: Yes, routine maintenance can extend the equipment's lifespan:
Weekly Cleaning: Wipe the machine body with a dry cloth and clean the dust inside the air intake and flexible arm with a brush;
Monthly Inspection: Check for abnormal noises from the fan, damaged wiring, and loose flexible arms (tighten the connections if loose);
Quarterly Maintenance: Add special lubricating oil to the fan bearings (refer to the equipment manual for model number) to avoid dry friction causing malfunctions.

11.Q: How should the fume extractor be stored if it is not used for a long time?

A: Before storage, take these 3 steps:

① Disconnect the power and remove the saturated filter media (to prevent residual smoke from breeding bacteria);

② Wrap the air intake and exhaust vents with a clean cloth or plastic bag to prevent dust from entering;

③ Place it in a dry, ventilated environment free of corrosive gases, avoiding direct sunlight or humidity (to prevent rust on the machine body and moisture damage to the fan).

V. Safety and Compliance

12.Q: Is there a risk of electric leakage with the fume extractor? What electrical safety precautions should be taken when using it?

A: Products from reputable manufacturers comply with national 3C certification (or corresponding regional certifications, such as CE, FCC). Under normal use, there is no risk of electric leakage, but please note the following:
* A power supply matching the device's voltage must be used (e.g., 220V/110V to avoid burning out the motor due to voltage mismatch);
* Do not pull or crush the power cord. If damaged, replace it immediately (do not attempt to reconnect the wires yourself);
* Do not allow water to enter the device (use a dry cloth when cleaning to prevent liquid from entering the fan or electrical circuits).

VI. After-Sales Service and Warranty

13.Q: What is the typical warranty period for a fume extractor? What issues are covered by the warranty?

A: The standard warranty period is one year (body + fan). Filter media is usually not covered (it is a consumable). During the warranty period, malfunctions caused by "product quality issues" (such as abnormal fan noise, circuit failure, indicator light malfunction) can be repaired or have parts replaced free of charge. Malfunctions caused by "improper operation" (such as voltage mismatch, water ingress, impact) will require paid repair.

14.Q: How do I contact after-sales service if the equipment malfunctions? What information is required?

A: Prioritize contacting the purchase channel (such as the manufacturer's website or distributor). Providing the following information can improve after-sales efficiency:
Equipment model (usually on the label on the machine), purchase date (invoice or order screenshot);
Fault symptoms (such as "no response after powering on", "smoke not being sucked up", "sudden increase in noise");
On-site photos or videos (such as the location of the malfunction, usage scenario) to help after-sales service determine the cause of the problem.