When it comes to ensuring a clean working environment and protecting the workforce, the at-source capture of dust and fumes is the optimum route to take.

However, because this is not always possible, Preston-based Nederman Ltd (www.nederman.co.uk) has introduced its MCP-16RC air purification tower.

Designed for the efficient removal of airborne welding fumes from the workplace, this tower system is particularly suitable for production facilities where ducting cannot be installed, where very large fabrications are being welded or where capture at source is not practical (it can also be used to complement at-source capture systems).

Contaminated air is drawn into the system at low level and passed through a filtration section containing 16 patented Uni-Clean filter cartridges.

Clean air is then returned to the workshop via 60 adjustable nozzles in the upper outlet plenum; and by blowing clean air directly into the ‘fume blanket’ that usually sits some 4-5m above the workshop floor, this natural ‘resting point’ for fumes is disrupted, encouraging their re-circulation through the unit.

Furthermore, expelling the re-cycled air at a height of 5m means that draughts at a low level are minimised.

The MCP-16RC only requires power and a compressed-air supply to operate; filter cartridges are cleaned automatically by a compressed-air pulse system that is activated by an electronic controller. Waste is captured in bins with a capacity of either 37 or 50 litres.

The unit has a maximum air flow of 10,000m3/hr, while the specially designed fan and silencer arrangements limit noise from the motor and airflow to 72dB.