The X-Tractor 1GC fume extractor from Lincoln Electric is designed for light-duty welding applications.

Fume extractors from Rimrock-Wolf Robotics are designed for manual or robotic welding cells.

Personal Air Breathing Units from Martech Services work with existing compressed-air systems.

Lincoln Electric Co (www.lincolnelectric.com) has introduced the X-Tractor 1GC fume extractor, a portable, high-vacuum system designed to remove and to filter welding fumes. The X-Tractor 1GC also reduces welding dust, smoke and fumes in the work environment, securely filters contaminated air and recirculates it. With proper use, the company said its fume extractor could provide a cleaner work environment at reduced costs for energy.

Because of its portability, Lincoln Electric said the 37 lb. system is good for light-duty welding use such as in light fabrication, maintenance and construction applications.

Lincoln Electric also said the X-Tractor 1GC increases worker flexibility because of its ability to adapt to various work locations and welding applications including stick, TIG, MIG and flux cored. A start/stop sensor reduces energy consumption and noise. The unit automatically switches on as the welder begins to weld, and automatically switches off approximately 15 seconds after the welder stops welding.

The X-Tractor 1GC is designed to use a single fume gun, or a variety of suction nozzle attachments. Because the hoses and suction nozzles are smaller than those of low-vacuum systems, this new extractor can be used in confined spaces. The mobility of the hoses allows the main filter unit to be kept at a central location.

The unit features two motors and has an internal manual cleaning system. Using a customer-supplied air source and manual rotation, the internal rotary air jet device supplies a burst of air from inside the filter cartridges. This causes the particulate that has collected on the outside of the filter cartridge to drop into the bottom of the unit. The cover, where the flex hose inlet is located, then is removed and the particulate can be disposed of according to federal, state, and local environmental regulations.

Rimrock-Wolf Robotics Corp. (www.rimrockcorp.com) has introduced a welding fume extractor for use with manual or automated welding torches. The apparatus is attached to the welding-torch neck and captures the harmful gases and particulates resulting from the welding operation. A compact collection unit attaches to the torch apparatus to remove the smoke and is easily cleaned and emptied. Units are available for both manual welders and robotic welding cells. The company said the system eliminates the need for overhead fume extraction hoods that can block lighting and prevent access from overhead cranes for lifting large or heavy weldments.

A Quality Air Breathing System — Model P-20, Personal Air Breathing Unit, manufactured by Martech Services Co. (www.breathingsystems.com) works with an existing filtered compressed air supply and provides OSHA-compliant Grade D breathable air for a proper NIOSH approved respirator. The Personal Air Breathing Unit is a 20-scfm system that allows for use with full hoods, equipped with vortex cooling tubes, if desired. The unit is a belt-mounted system. It has a built-in filter with filter monitor, and a carbon monoxide monitor with both audible and visual alarms. The monitor runs on a single battery, and continuously monitors the air for compliance with current OSHA standards.

Quality Air Breathing Systems are designed to fit users' facilities and needs and include hoods, masks, and hoses. Systems are available that allow for multiple users at the same time. Accessories can increase or decrease the temperature of the air supply for improved user comfort.