In the metalworking industry, workshop air quality is an essential criterion for ensuring the health of teams and the durability of equipment. And with good reason: metal transformation processes generate numerous harmful pollutants. To reduce the risks, the use of equipment to capture and treat pollutants, such as air purifiers, is essential. OberA, a specialist in air treatment solutions, offers equipment designed to meet the specific challenges of this sector.
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What pollutants are generated in the metallurgical industry, and what are the risks?
Crushing, grinding, metal smelting, combustion, cutting, heat treatment, transport and storage of materials… Metallurgical processes release a variety of pollutants, including dust, fumes, oils, VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and fine particles.
Prolonged exposure to metallurgical pollutants can lead to serious disorders and illnesses. Risks include:
- Respiratory diseases (asthma, pneumoconiosis);
- Neurological disorders (exposure to lead, mercury, VOCs);
- Cancer (exposure to heavy metals, VOCs, arsenic);
- Cardiovascular and hearing problems.
To protect workers’ health, it is essential to implement rigorous preventive measures, such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), effective ventilation and filtration systems, and regular training on the associated risks.
In addition, these pollutants can accumulate on equipment, reducing efficiency and increasing maintenance requirements. Particle deposits on electric motors can lead to malfunctions and production stoppages. This is why, for the health of operators, equipment and workshop operations alike, it is essential to installhigh-performance air treatmentequipment.
Metalworking: why is an air purifier essential?
Improving air quality and working conditions
Theinstallation of purifiers in metallurgicalworkshops effectively captures airborne pollutants. This filtration improves air quality and limits health risks for employees. A healthy working environment also promotes employee well-being and productivity.
Protecting equipment against particle deposits
Air purifiers prevent thebuild-up of particles on machines and electrical systems. By protecting equipment from these deposits, they extend its life and reduce repair and maintenance costs.
Compliance with safety and environmental standards
Regulations impose strict limits on the levels of pollutants in the air of industrial environments (VLEP). The use of high-performance air purifiers helps metalworking companies to comply with these standards, avoiding penalties and reinforcing their environmental responsibility.
How air purifiers work
Particle filtration
Industrial air purifiers work by drawing in contaminated air and passing it through various filters. HEPA filters capture fine particles, while activated carbon filters eliminate volatile organic compounds and odors. This filtration process ensures purified air, adapted to the demands of metallurgical environments.
The flexibility of air purifiers
Depending on the nature of the pollutants, air purifiers are equipped with specific filters. Models designed to capture dust use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to retain solid particles. Those designed for fumes incorporate systems adapted to fine particles and gases. Oil purifiers feature filters capable of separating oil mist from the air, guaranteeing a safe working environment.
A word from the expert: at OberA, we configure filtration systems according to the pollutants emitted during your manufacturing and production processes. All our purifiers can be configured to incorporate an activated carbon filter, particularly effective for the treatment of VOCs and odors, as well as a HEPA filter to eliminate metallic dust and fine particles (iron, nickel, copper, lead).
Metalworking industry: 3 key criteria to check before buying your air purifier
Is the filtration system suitable for metallurgical processes?
It’s crucial to choose purifiers with filters adapted to the pollutants generated by your processes, such as HEPA filters and activated carbon filters. In addition to protecting your teams, these filtration systems comply with environmental and workplace safety regulations.
The OberA tip: check that the filtration system is configurable, as is the case in all all OberA purifier ranges. Every metalworking shop generates specific pollutants depending on the processes used (cutting, welding, machining, etc.). It is therefore essential that the device configuration can be customized according to the present in your workshopsThis means you don’t have to invest in new equipment.
Is the filtration capacity optimal for the volume of your workshops?
Proper sizing guarantees effective purification and optimum air circulation to ensure a healthy working environment. The filtration capacity of air purifiers is always indicated in m3/h, and we generally consider a air change rate of 6 to 12 times an hour in industrial environments, depending on pollution levels. The surface area covered also depends on ceiling height.
OberA’s advice: it is essential to choose equipment capacity equipment to effectively treat the volume of your workshop, it must not be undersized or oversized, at the risk of incurring unnecessary extra costs. The ranges of air purifiers we offer at OberA have a wide range of applications. filtration capacities ranging from 190m3/h to 20,000m3/hcovering both small workshops and large storage halls.
Is the air purifier robust enough to withstand demanding industrial environments?
Air purifiers for the metalworking industry need to be robust and designed to withstand harsh conditions. Solid construction ensures long-lasting performance, even in demanding environments. That’s why it’s essential to select professional equipment, like OberA’s purifiers, designed to meet the needs of the industry. Our purifiers are robust and designed for continuous operation in the most demanding industrial environments.
OberA solutions for optimum air quality
OberA offers a complete range of industrial air purifiers tailored to the specific needs of the metalworking industry:
- The ePUR range includes a series of air purifiers with 3 to 4 configurable filtration stages. A robust solution, available in mobile and fixed versions, ideal for use in a variety of workshops. Flow rates: from 1,250 m3/h to 12,000 m3/h.
- The EPUR150 FRESH purifier, powerful and mobile, it can also be used to refresh the workspace. Capacity: 15,000 m3/h (up to 250 m2).
- The Filtower range includes stationary purifiers offering effective filtration of dust, VOCs, oil mist and fumes. Flow rates: 10,000 to 20,000 m3/h.
- ePUR CA, a range of mobile activated carbon purifiers. Flow rates: from 1,000 m3/h for small plants to 10,000 m3/h for larger plants.
The compact, silent ePUR B01 EcoPrime purifier effectively treats all pollutants, including viruses and bacteria, in small spaces. Flow rate: 190 m3/h.
