Solvent removal in the aerospace industry

Citation

Bullough, J. (2003), "Solvent removal in the aerospace industry", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 75 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2003.12775aaf.002

Solvent removal in the aerospace industry

Solvent removal in the aerospace industry

Keywords: Aerospace industry, Solvents

The aerospace industry, due to its very nature, gives rise to particular hazards in the working environment. The use of high-tech materials and substances means that dust and fumes that can be harmful to health are released into the atmosphere and these should be safely collected and filtered to eliminate the possibility of jeopardising anyone’s welfare.

One area of increasing potential danger is that of solvents. More and more solvents are being used throughout the aerospace industry as the use of composites and adhesives grows all the time to meet demands for lighter, stronger and more cost-effective construction methods.

Some illnesses caused by exposure to hazardous substances (occupational diseases) may not appear until a long time after the first exposure; indeed the long term effects of many of the substances now used is, as yet, unknown). It is therefore, imperative to prevent fumes from being breathed in wherever possible to protect the health of everyone concerned.

Nederman, a leader in dust and fume extraction can supply off-the-shelf or tailor made systems to remove hazardous airborne substances for all processes and applications before they reach the operator’s breathing zone, whether small or large scale.

For small scale operations, the company manufactures a range of complete extractor kits for the capture and filtration of fumes and gases. The multipurpose kits are quickly set up, requiring only a single phase power supply, the filter unit being placed on the floor or bench and the flexible extraction arm being easily positioned over the working area.

Starting with a highly portable unit with a very low sound level and an airflow of 30 m 3 h, the range continues with extraction systems having multiple extraction arms, variable speed control and a range of extraction hoods suitable for many varied applications including both light and heavy gases. All units incorporate a disposable carbon and micro filter with an efficiency of 99.97 per cent DOP that efficiently adsorbs noxious fumes normally occurring when working with adhesives and solvents, with the most powerful kit able to extract up to 150 m 3 h.

For heavy duty and more specialised requirements, Nederman is able to supply a modular filter system specifically tailored to the exact requirements of individual processes.

The fully adaptable modular filter system comprises a range of particle, micro and gas filters that can be used in any combination to suit the substance being filtered. The carbon granules in the gas filter efficiently separate irritating odours and harmful substances including fumes and organic solvents such as toluene, acetone and methylethylketone (MEK).

For optimum efficiency, airflows greater than 500 m 3 h per gas filter unit should be avoided, but with the Nederman modular system, it is simply a matter of adding more filter modules for increased capacity, e.g. if the process requires an airflow of 1,500 m 3 h, then three modules would be required, connected in parallel. Furthermore, connecting the filters in parallel would give a reduced pressure drop, enabling lower powered fans to be used in the system.

When the process requires the extraction of a particular solvent, Nederman can incorporate gas filters with special carbon mixes dedicated to individual substances for optimum performance. The lifetime of the filter, as in all cases, depends on the concentration of the actual substance being filtered.

Details available from: Nederman UK. Tel: +44 (0)1772 332142; Fax: +44 (0)1772 315273; E-mail: pr@tayloralden.demon.co.uk; Web site: www.nederman.com

John BulloughTechnical Manager, Nederman, UK