The brand-new range of AD dust and fume extraction units from Absolent ABOne of the UK’s leading filtration experts has announced the launch of innovative new dust and fume extraction technology from sister company
Absolent AB. Telford-based
Filtermist Ltd, which specialises in ensuring the air in workshops is clean and safe to breathe, is now offering the brand new AD range that maximises ‘True Downflow’ technology to provide dust extraction units that are compact and easy to maintain yet deliver optimised filtration density.
Designed utilising input from hundreds of real customer use cases, the new offer provides a truly modular, fully ‘customer centric’ product line that is now available to UK manufacturers that undertake abrasive metal processes, including welding, laser cutting and grinding.
Robert Wiktorén, Absolent Air Care Group’s chief product officer, said: “Several pain points were identified and addressed during the three-year project. As an existing manufacturer of dust collectors under our Absolent, Dustcheck and Diversitech brands, we knew there was a need in the market for a brand-new way of thinking about dust and fume extraction.
“Traditionally, dust collectors have been sized using generic data to select suitable filter type, filter area and air speeds between filter elements, and resultant footprints have been comparatively large. Noise levels are frequently high due to external compressed air cleaning systems and integral fans, and the units can be difficult to maintain.”
He continued: “When filters need to be changed, even the best current designs require the filter retaining mechanism and moving parts to be in the ’dirty side’ of the unit, exposed to contamination. This is not a great environment for moving parts and requires a tool to reach the filter elements furthest away.
“Our True Downflow combines the verticality of the filter elements with a top to bottom air flow. This unique combination optimises the effect of gravity and ensures that the dust coming out of the filter elements during pulse jet cleaning is forced down to the disposal solution in the hopper.”
The roll-out of the first AD phase includes three models: the 0.5 (which holds two deep pleat cartridges) 1.0 (four filters) and the 1.5 (six deep pleat filter elements). Airflows currently range from 1,200-10,800m³/hr, but can be increased thanks to the modular construction.
The new range is being introduced in stages to customers throughout Europe and the UK, with phase one suitable for use in metal applications such as welding, laser cutting, plasma cutting and non-ATEX abrasive metals (grinding and linishing).
Additional models for use in a wide range of other applications, including explosive dusts requiring ATEX certified equipment and higher air volumes (>65,000m
3/hr), will follow later, along with alternative dust disposal options. Dust collectors suitable for pharmaceutical dust (requiring safe change features) will be added to the range during 2026.
Pivotal roleAndy Darby, Absolent Air Care Group’s senior product manager and former Filtermist employee, played a pivotal role in developing the new range. He said: “A baffle at the inlet evens out the airflow across the volume of the filter and makes sure we use each square metre to its maximum potential. True downflow is the only solution that guarantees to eliminate any upflow or crossflow with the filter elements — traditionally leading to higher dust retainment and having to oversize the filtration surface. This enables us to offer ‘high filtration power density’, meaning we can increase the filter speed and reduce the filter media surface area.
“Because of this, the solution comes in a far smaller footprint than other filter units on the market. Another unique aspect of the new range is the ’CleanChange’ filter change clamping mechanism. The filter elements are linked together and, as the operator pulls the first element out, the next one is pulled to the front. No tool is needed, and engineers do not have to enter the dust filled unit.”
He concluded: “Locating the fan and cleaning unit inside the body of the extraction unit decreases noise and we can reduce this even further if required by using additional noise attenuating measures. Finally, the standard units will be constructed from pre-treated Galfan steel, which offers a high level of corrosion protection.”
The AD range uses modular construction ensuring extremely competitive lead times, even for customised products. Robert Wiktorén concluded: “We are confident that the AD range will revolutionise the way end-users, OEMs and systems integrators think about dust and fume extraction.”