New hood positioning devices boost fume and dust extraction
The UK manufacturer and supplier of local exhaust ventilation (LEV) products said its Flextractor HPDs are “totally self-supporting” and all have new mounting brackets, hoods and hoses for the capture and extraction of industrial dusts and fumes at the point of sources.
Brought to market this month, the equipment can be used in all food processing sectors where ingredient weighing and mixing, usually from bags, is required, a company spokesman told FoodProductionDaily.com.
The firm said the new devices meet UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requirements for the correct positioning of LEV hoods. Thanks to their self-supporting capabilities, they provide stability and accuracy in the carrying and positioning of a wide range of hoods in different sizes, weights and designs. Without any internal obstructions, there is no wear, corrosion, flow restrictions or solids built up within the hoses, it added.
“The HSE is totally focussed on LEV systems, because catchment devices are most important when the operating area affects the health and welfare of the operator,” said the spokesman. “Flextraction has invested in engineering expertise and computer modelling software and has gone through stringent development process to bring about the new HPD. The engineering within the HPD enables it to accommodate purpose designed hoods that can be positioned as demanded by the process.”
Equipment features
The return force of the equipment has been enhanced because of twin support mechanism that incorporates two springs. This also produces a lighter, more balanced feel to the arm, especially when manipulating it into the correct extraction position, said Flextraction.
A new rear casing protects against dirt ingress and a rear boom extension gives a 270° working radius and a new 360° rotating swivel hood.
“This facilitates more accurate hood positioning, whilst quick release clips are used to attach a range of flexible hoses such as standard PVC, FD approved polyurethane, high temperature, chemical and solvent resistant as well as ATEX certified hoses,” said a company statement.
Flextraction said its HPD’s are suitable for standard wall or stanchion mounting, as well as upward and downward swivel, joist and ceiling mountings and are available in five standard lengths between 1,5m and 4m. Optional solid tubed sections in the same diameters and with flexible joints are also available to further reduce the risk of solids build up. The kit has a telescopic extraction arm which is especially useful in low headroom or limited space applications and come in a range of diameters from 75-200mm. A range of hood designs in a variety of material finishes are also available.
