FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT EXTRACTION TECHNOLOGY

1. Can ESTA extraction systems be installed outside?

Of course, our stationary and central extraction systems can be installed outside. We offer special corrosion resistant coatings. We recommend an additional weather protection roof, which we offer you as an option. Mobile devices or small dust extractors are usually only suitable for indoor installation.
 

2. How loud are the systems?

With increasing performance of the filter system the noise level naturally increases as well. We offer all the technical possibilities for noise reduction, according to the customer’s specifications. Mobile devices for indoor installation comply with all legal requirements in terms of sound level.
 

3. Are the systems adjustable?

Of course, all our systems are optionally available with a control system. A control system should be evaluated technically and economically, so that the additional costs are amortised after about two to three years. There are already a large number of devices with control system as standard, such as the ecolight or eco + series of the dust extractor DUSTOMAT 4 or the filter tower FILTOWER.
 

4. When are devices with high airflow required, when with high negative pressure?

If airborne dust is present in your area of application (i. e. dusts that have airspeed), you need equipment from the medium-pressure range (e. g. dust extractor). Medium pressure means that a large amount of air has to be carried through a large diameter (intake manifold) with little force. Therefore, medium pressure devices have a low negative pressure.

If dusts that are not movable are present in your area of application (because they are on the workshop floor, for example), then devices from the high-vacuum range (e. g. industrial vacuum cleaner) are required. High vacuum means that a small amount of air has to be transported with a lot of force through a small diameter (intake manifold) . Therefore, high vacuum devices have a high negative pressure.
 

5. Which types of dust can be extracted?

Almost all dusts and fumes that are generated during industrial manufacturing processes can be effectively extracted. When choosing the right filter, different criteria must be considered, but the medium to be extracted and its properties are decisive. For many substances, there are special regulations that must be taken into account when choosing the right extraction solution. An overview of the different dust types can be found on our dust page.
 

6. What are the guidelines for aluminium dusts?

When grinding, brushing and polishing aluminium, DGUV 109-001 applies. This describes the technical possibilities of extraction (wet extraction or dry extraction). Our wet separators of the NA-K series B and VA have a DEKRA type test. Of course, we also offer ATEX certified dry extractors for aluminium dust .
 

7. What does W3 mean when extracting welding fumes?

When welding stainless steel, special guidelines apply , as stainless steel welding fumes are carcinogenic. W3 is the test certificate of IFA (Institute for Occupational Safety), which allows you to separate carcinogenic stainless steel welding fumes in air recirculation.
 

8. Which filter media are used in ESTA welding fume filters?

ESTA uses only cleanable permanent filter cartridges not only in welding fume filters but in almost all devices. Complex changing of disposable filters is thus eliminated. In addition, permanent filter cartridges have a longer service life.

Further information on the ESTA permanent filter cartridges.
 

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

Dust class M:

This dust class is needed for dry, hazardous and non-flammable dusts with occupational exposure limit values of (AGW) >= 0.1 mg/m³. Devices of dust filter class M have a separation efficiency of 99.9 % and accordingly a maximum transmittance of 0.1 %.

Example: normal steel dusts, textile dusts, sandstone dusts

Dust class H:

This class of dust is needed for harmful dusts that are carcinogenic, cancer causing or mutagenic. Devices of dust filter class H have a separation efficiency of 99.995 % and accordingly a maximum transmittance of 0.005 %.

Examples: stainless steel dusts, nickel dusts, cobalt dusts

You can find detailed information on our “What is dust?” page.
 

10. Are ESTA extraction systems eligible for funding?

Depending on the amount of the contract and the size of the company, various funding options are available. In the “Optimisation of technical systems” funding line, a subsidy of 30 % on the entire system is possible. We are happy to create individual funding offers for you in cooperation with our partner. You can find further information on our eligible page.
 

11. Are the extraction systems tested by the trade associations?

A large number of our devices and systems are officially approved by IFA, DEKRA or TÜV. Depending on the application and the dust properties, devices of dust class H, test certificate W3 or type test according to BGR-109 are used, for example. Tested devices usually allow air recirculation and save the operator costly individual acceptance.
 

12. Are ESTA extraction systems also Ex-protected?

First of all, it must be clarified whether this concerns dust explosion protection or gas explosion protection. An ATEX protection document (if available) would be an advantage. Many of our devices are available in conformity with ATE X. This prevents dust explosions. Further information can be found on the ATEX page.
 

13. What do you do with flying sparks?

As a preventative fire protection measure, we offer mechanical spark pre-separators or water pre-separators for stationary systems and mobile dust extractors. Systems such as pipe pre-separators or collection pipe separators as spark arresters additionally form part of our product range. The ESTA fire protection concept level I-III also offers further fire protection measures such as ABC powder extinguishing systems.

You can find detailed information on the ATEX and fire protection page.
 

14. Can you also use a welding fume filter to extract Flex dusts?

With our welding fume filters, grinding dust from grinding work accompanying welding can be extracted in accordance with TRGS-528. As standard, all welding fume filters have an integrated baffle plate as spark protection. In addition, we do, of course, offer further fire protection measures.
 

15. How long is the service life of the filters?

This is difficult to say, because the service life of the filter depends on the daily period of use, the amount of dust and the characteristics of the dust. Experience has shown that the service life of filter cartridges is about two years; with bag filters, the service life is much longer.
 

16. How do you know that the filter needs to be changed?

If the suction power decreases rapidly, even though you are cleaning regularly, a filter change may be necessary. The filter cartridges used by ESTA are washable, so that dust which has settled in the filter cartridge can be washed out. For metallic dusts, ESTA offers ultrasonic cleaning of the filters. Here, the filters can be almost 100 % regenerated with a special process. If the filter can no longer be regenerated or washed out, it must be renewed. Please use only original ESTA filters.
 

17. Do you need to maintain extraction systems?

According to the Workplace Ordinance, ventilation and air conditioning systems should be serviced once a year to test the functionality of the extraction system, to maintain and if necessary repair it. The tests are to be documented (pursuant to GefstoffV [Hazardous Substances Ordinance] Annex III No. 2.3 para. 7). ESTA is pleased to offer maintenance contracts and plans the maintenance appointments in consultation with the customer.