Clearing the Air: Miller FILTAIR Fume Extractors Capture More Welding Fume Particles
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Miller developed its family of fume extractors exclusively for welding applications; FILTAIR fume extractors (MWX-D, MWX-S, 130) work much better at cleaning welding fumes from the air than general dust collectors.
Not All Fume Extractors are Created Equal
The FILTAIR Series of fume extractors (MWX-D, 130 and MWX-S) includes shop solutions with replaceable or self-cleaning filters, as well as portable solutions for contractors, MRO and light manufacturing and fabrication applications
Q: What differentiates Miller fume extractors from other brands?
A: Miller developed its family of fume extractors exclusively for welding applications; FILTAIR fume extractors work much better at cleaning welding fumes from the air than general dust collectors.
- FILTAIR's nanofiber filter is rated highest in the industry at MERV -15 (see MERV chart). These filters capture submicron particles found in welding, including hexavalant chrome, and testing shows that nanofibers last up to 3 times longer than competitors.
- FILTAIR fume extractors maintain a higher air-flow rate after long periods of use, resulting in longer lasting suction power.
Test Results: Weld testing was conducted with five competitive machines. After 5 hours of Flux Cored welding, all competitors' CFM dropped to 500 or below. FILTAIR MWX-D remained above 500 CFM at 16+ hours of welding.
Q: How does the FILTAIR capture more welding fume particles than competing brands?
A: The answer lies in the FILTAIR's nanofiber filters, which use very small fibers (about 1000 times thinner than a human hair) to capture the submicron particles found in weld fumes. Typical cellulose filters aren't as effective at capturing those size particles, which is why they have a lower MERV rating.
Q: I see that the FILTAIR is rated MERV-15. What is a MERV rating?
A: A MERV (Minimal Efficiency Reporting Value) rating is an ASHRAE* standard used to classify filters based on their air-cleaning efficiency with specific particulate sizes. Welding fumes contain particles of different sizes, up to 90 percent of which are smaller than one micron (.000001 of a meter). Rated at MERV-15, the FILTAIR filter captures more particles at that size than cellulose-type filters and lasts several times longer. Typical cellulose filters fall in the range of MERV 7-10 and are designed to capture larger, dust-sized particles. The FILTAIR is designed specifically to capture the particles found in welding fumes. Many other fume extractors are designed for dust collection and pressed into use for welding applications.
Q: Are there any other benefits to using nanofiber filters?
A: Nanofiber filters are known as surface loading, meaning the keep the particles on the surface of the filter instead of allowing them to become embedded deep within. This maintains full airflow longer than do cellulose filters, which are known as depth loading because the particles become embedded deep within the filter, more quickly clogging it.
Q: Are the FILTAIR fume extractors easy to use and maintain?
A: FILTAIR's exclusive hinged filter hatch features a convenient locking mechanism for easy access to the filter and tool-free replacement. Filter handles allow easy replacement of dirty filter cartridge with less mess, minimizing downtime.