FAQs on vacuum systems

What you need to know about vacuum systems

Here we have listed and answered the most frequently asked questions on the subject of vacuum technology. If you haven’t found the answer to your question, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our specialist advisors can answer your questions in a personal interview.

1. Can OberA suction systems be installed outdoors?

Of course, our stationary and central vacuum systems can also be installed outdoors. We offer special corrosion-resistant coatings for this purpose. Even if the systems are airtight, they are generally under negative pressure. We therefore recommend an additional weather protection roof, which we offer as an option. Mobile units or small dust collectors are generally only suitable for indoor installation.

2. What is the noise level of the installations?

Noise levels naturally increase with the power of the filtration system. Depending on the customer’s specifications, we offer a full range of noise-reduction options, including silencers, sound-absorbing housings and thermal insulation.) Mobile units for indoor installation comply with all legal requirements on noise levels.

3. Are the systems adjustable?

All our systems are available with optional control. Regulation must be assessed from a technical and economic point of view, so that the additional costs are amortized after around two to three years. There are already a large number of standard control units, such as the ecolight or eco+ series of the DUSTOMAT 4 dust collector, or the ePUR filter towers and purifiers, or the ePUR Ex and ePURBOX mobile housings with potentiometers.

4. When are high airflow and high vacuum devices needed?

If suspended dust, i.e. dust with its own velocity, appears in your area of application, you need equipment in the medium pressure range (e.g. dust collectors). Medium pressure means that a large quantity of air must be conveyed with little force through a large diameter (suction manifold). This is why medium-pressure devices have a low vacuum.

If your activity generates dust that can’t be moved, because it’s on the workshop floor for example, high-vacuum equipment (e.g. industrial vacuum cleaners) is required. High vacuum means that a small quantity of air must be conveyed with great force through a small diameter (suction tube). This is why high-vacuum devices have a high vacuum.

5. What types of dust can be extracted?

Almost all dusts and fumes generated by industrial manufacturing processes can be effectively extracted. Various criteria need to be considered when choosing the right filter, but the decisive factor is the medium to be vacuumed and its properties. For many substances, there are special regulations that need to be taken into account when choosing the right suction solution. You’ll find an overview of the different types of dust on our“What is dust in industry?” page.

6. What guidelines apply to aluminum dust?

When sanding, brushing and polishing aluminum, several extraction techniques (wet or dry extraction) are required to protect your personnel. Our wet separators are generally the right solution (NA-K B and NA series). We also offer ATEX-certified dry vacuum cleaners for aluminum dust.

7. What does W3 mean for welding fume extraction?

W3 is a German certification that applies to stainless steel welding, because stainless steel welding fumes are carcinogenic. W3 is the test certificate issued by the IFA (German Institute for Occupational Safety) that allows you to extract carcinogenic stainless steel welding fumes in recycling.

8. What filter media are used for OberA welding fume filters?

OberA uses two types of filter media:

• Saturated” filter media. They should be replaced when clogged. These devices are generally well suited to low concentrations and occasional use. AIRBOX, ePURBOX and ePUEx mobile airboxes are equipped with them, as are ePUR industrial air purifiers.
• Regenerative filter media, generally cleanable filter cartridges, are used not only for welding fume filters, but for almost all devices. Regenerative filters are more expensive but generally last longer. They require a filter cleaning system.

Find our consumables in our online store.

9. What is the difference between dust class M and dust class H?

• Dust class M :

This dust class is required for dry, health-hazardous, non-flammable dusts with an occupational exposure limit value (OELV) >= 0.1 mg/m³. Units fitted with Class M dust filters have a separation degree of 99.9% and, consequently, a maximum penetration rate of 0.1%.

Examples: wood dusts such as normal steel dusts, textile dusts and stoneware dusts.

• Dust class H :

This dust class is required for dusts that are hazardous to health, carcinogenic or mutagenic. Units fitted with a Class H dust filter have a separation rate of 99.995%, and therefore a maximum penetration rate of 0.005%.

Examples: Wood dusts such as stainless steel dusts, nickel dusts and cobalt dusts.

Detailed information can be found on our page“What is dust in industry?

10. Are OberA’s vacuum systems eligible for financing?

Depending on the size of the order and the size of the company, there are various subsidy possibilities. CARSAT funding is available under certain conditions for programs to optimize technical systems or improve working conditions.

11. Are vacuum systems inspected?

All our equipment and systems are CE-compliant and officially tested by IFA, DEKRA or TÜV (German association). Depending on the application and dust characteristics, we use, for example, dust class H equipment, a W3 test certificate or other tests.

12. Are OberA extraction systems also explosion-protected?

First of all, you need to determine whether you need protection against dust or gas explosions. It would be advantageous here to have an ATEX protection document (if available). Many of our devices are available in ATEX-compliant versions. This prevents dust explosions. Further information can be found on the ATEX equipment page.

13. What to do in case of sparks?

As a preventive measure against fire, we offer mechanical spark pre-separators or water pre-separators for fixed installations and mobile dust collectors. Systems such as cyclonic or tubular pre-separators or spark detection systems are also part of our product range. The ESTA Level I-III fire protection concept also offers more advanced fire protection measures, such as ABC powder extinguishing systems.

Detailed information can be found on the ATEX equipment and fire protection page.

14. Can grinding dust also be extracted using a welding smoke filter?

Our welding fume filters extract the grinding dust generated during the welding process. All welding smoke filters feature integrated spark protection as standard. And, of course, we also offer more advanced fire protection measures.

15. How long do filters last?

This is difficult to say in general terms, as filter life depends on the length of daily use, the amount of dust and the properties of the dust. Experience shows that filter cartridges have a service life of around two years, while bag filters generally last longer.

16. How can you tell when the filter needs replacing?

If suction power drops rapidly despite regular cleaning, it may be necessary to replace the filter. The filter cartridges used by OberA are washable, which means that any dust that has become embedded in the filter cartridge can be removed. For metal dust, OberA offers ultrasonic filter cleaning. In this case, the filters can be regenerated to almost 100% using a special process. If the filter can no longer be regenerated or washed, it must be replaced. Please use only original OberA filters.

17. Do vacuum systems require maintenance?

In accordance with the Workplace Ordinance, ventilation systems must be serviced at least once a year, in order to check the functionality of the extraction system, maintain it and repair it if necessary. OberA is happy to offer maintenance contracts and schedule maintenance dates in agreement with the customer.