Raising the Bar in Source Capture Fume Extraction

Apr 19, 2022, 15:44 PM by System
Overhead hoods and clean-air work enclosures have long been the standard solution, but new tip extraction technologies like Linde's PROSTAR™ Tip Extraction Collector (TEC) offer another alternative for many manufacturers who rely on robotic welding.

Particles and fume released while grinding and finishing can be hazardous to worker health and may lead to several problems if not collected and filtered from the air in your facility. Overhead hoods and clean-air work enclosures have long been the standard solution. But new tip extraction technologies offer another alternative for many manufacturers who rely on robotic welding. 

Robotic tip extraction works much like the fume guns used for manual welding, collecting weld fumes right at the source as they are generated. For robotic welding, this involves adding a flexible fume extraction hose to the robot arm. The tip of the extractor is positioned just behind the weld torch head, and a special bracket holds the extractor tip in position so that it can collect weld fumes without interfering with the robot’s motion.   TEC-fume

When paired with a fume extraction torch, the Linde’s high-powered PROSTAR™ Tip Extraction Collector (TEC) delivers fume extraction at the tip of the welding torch. By capturing more particulate closer to the source and pulling the fumes through the gun, operator exposure to welding fume is greatly reduced.

The PROSTAR TEC delivers, on average, greater than 95% collection efficiency for in position welds in accordance to the AWS F1.2 standard. The E11 rated PTFE filter is washable, so a single filter can last years when properly maintained. A safety monitoring filter (SMF) is also available for all PROSTAR TEC. This after-filter prevents dust collected by the TEC from potentially reentering the workspace, should a main filter failure occur. This option is required by OSHA for certain types of hazardous dusts.

Features and Benefits

  • Variable speed, high-quality blowers – Enables airflow to be dialed to the right setting for the process and provides ample airflow for an average of greater than 95% collection efficiency
  • Suction blockage safety shut down – Protects the unit if the tip openings or the hose are obstructed
  • Automatic power saver shutdown – Shuts down the unit if idle for two minutes and comes on when welding resumes to conserve power
  • Filter status indicator: Helps users maintain filter health
  • Cam lock filter lock: Provides quick access to filter media
  • Electrical protection: Complete circuit breaker protection of all components
 

PROSTAR TEC Models

PROSTAR TEC 1S

This single-torch, standard-pressure unit with 100 CFM at 50 inches of static pressure is ideal for most welding processes and provides an ergonomic solution to fume reduction.

PROSTAR TEC 1S-HP

This single-torch, high-pressure unit with 100 CFM at 100 inches of static pressure is an effective solution for applications with a required hose length of greater than 20 feet.

PROSTAR TEC 2D

This dual-torch, standard-pressure unit with 100 CFM at 50 inches of static pressure per torch is intended to support two welders. The dual blowers in a single enclosure make it an ergonomic and space-saving solution for protecting operators from welding fume exposure.

Contact Linde Today

Linde helps its customers prevent thousands of types of pollutants from entering workspace air— and the air outside. Our experienced sales team can help you navigate the purchase process so you can identify the right equipment for your applications. Contact your Linde representative today and ask about our PROSTAR Tip Extraction Collectors and how they can help you better protect your operators and workplace environment.