Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our filtration systems, installation, maintenance, and technical
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What does a fume extraction system do?

A fume extraction system captures airborne contaminants such as smoke, fine particles, dust, fumes, mists, gases, or vapors as close to the source as practical. The contaminated air is then passed through a filtration or separation system before it is either exhausted outdoors or, when appropriate, returned to the workspace.

Why is source capture better than relying only on general ventilation?

General ventilation dilutes contaminants after they have entered the room. Source capture is designed to collect contaminants at or near the point of generation, reducing the amount that reaches the operator breathing zone, nearby equipment, and the rest of the facility.

Why filter process air instead of simply venting it outdoors?

Filtration can remove particulate and, with the correct media, certain gases or vapors before the air is discharged. When indoor recirculation is appropriate, filtration can also reduce the amount of conditioned building air that must be replaced, simplify local machine installations, and avoid moving the entire contaminant load directly outdoors. The best approach depends on the contaminant and the application.

When should filtered air still be exhausted outdoors?

Outdoor exhaust may be the preferred or required approach when the process involves highly toxic or carcinogenic substances, contaminants that are difficult to capture reliably with the selected media, uncertain process emissions, potential gas-phase breakthrough, or a regulation that restricts recirculation. Filtration can still be used before outdoor discharge to reduce the contaminant load.

How do I choose the right TBH extraction system?

System selection depends on the process, material, contaminants, airflow requirement, pressure loss, operating hours, filter loading, ductwork, and whether the air will be recirculated or exhausted. TBH North America can review these factors and recommend an appropriate system configuration.

What information does TBH need to recommend a system?

Useful information includes the process, material or SDS, machine or enclosure dimensions, exhaust-port size, hose or duct length, number of extraction points, operating hours, electrical supply, and any known airflow or pressure requirements. Photos, drawings, sample parts, and existing test data can also help.

What types of contaminants can TBH systems address?

Depending on the model and filter configuration, TBH systems can be applied to fine particulate, smoke, dust, swarf, aerosols, selected gases, vapors, and odors. The filtration media must be matched to the actual contaminant and expected loading.

Can one extraction system filter both particles and gases?

Yes. Many applications use multi-stage filtration that combines a pre-filter, a fine-particle or HEPA stage, and activated carbon or other gas-phase media. Particulate and gas filtration are different functions, so the correct stages depend on what the process generates.

What is the difference between a HEPA filter and activated carbon?

HEPA filtration is used for fine airborne particulate. Activated carbon and other specialty media are used for selected gases, vapors, and odors. A process that produces both particulate and gas-phase contaminants may require both types of filtration

What is the difference between H13 and H14 filtration?

H13 and H14 are HEPA filter classifications under EN 1822 / related ISO methods. H14 has a higher minimum efficiency than H13; H14 is rated at a minimum 99.995% overall efficiency at the filter’s most penetrating particle size (MPPS). The appropriate class depends on the contaminant, process risk, system design, and any applicable customer or regulatory requirements.

How often should filters be replaced?

There is no universal replacement interval. Particulate-filter life depends on loading, operating hours, particle characteristics, airflow, and upstream pre-filtration; gas-phase media also depends on contaminant concentration, media quantity, humidity, and temperature. Condition monitoring and application history should be used whenever available rather than relying only on a calendar interval.

What does a filter warning or filter-status indicator actually tell me?

It depends on the model, but filter-status monitoring generally helps identify loss of airflow or increasing resistance as particulate filters load. Gas-phase media such as activated carbon can become chemically exhausted without creating the same pressure-drop signal, so odor, process changes, sensor data, operating history, and the application must also be considered.

Why can I still smell the process even if the filter-status display looks normal?

A normal particulate-filter indication does not necessarily mean the gas-phase media still has adsorption capacity. Odor at the extractor exhaust can indicate exhausted or unsuitable gas media, while odor around the process can also indicate a capture or ducting problem. Stop and evaluate any unexpected breakthrough, especially if the contaminant is toxic or poorly characterized.

Why are my filters loading faster than expected, and how can I extend filter life?

Rapid loading can result from a higher-than-expected contaminant load, sticky or wet particulate, excessive airflow, a blocked or restrictive duct layout, or using a fine filter where a pre-filter or separator should carry more of the load. Correct sizing, staged filtration, pre-separation when appropriate, and maintaining only the airflow needed for effective capture can improve filter utilization.

Can filtered air be returned to the room?

In many applications, yes – but recirculation should only be used when the contaminants are understood, the filtration system is suitable, applicable requirements permit it, and the facility has evaluated the consequences of filter loading, bypass, or gas-phase breakthrough. Some toxic or carcinogenic applications warrant filtered outdoor exhaust instead.

Does a higher CFM rating always mean better extraction?

No. Effective extraction depends on maintaining the required airflow at the capture point while overcoming resistance from the machine, hose, ductwork, fittings, and filters. Comparing only maximum or free-air CFM can be misleading; the more useful question is how much airflow the system can maintain at the pressure required by the actual installation.

How far can the extraction system be installed from the machine?

Distance alone does not determine performance. Hose or duct diameter, total length, bends, reducers, flexible hose, filters, and required airflow all create pressure loss. Short, smooth, properly sized duct runs are preferred, and longer runs should be reviewed against the extractor’s available pressure capability.

Can a TBH extractor integrate directly with my machine or PLC?

Yes. Depending on the TBH model, systems can connect to enclosed-machine exhaust ports, extraction arms, hoods, hoses, or ductwork and may offer remote start/stop, status, fault, or other machine-interface functions. The connection size, control requirements, and available interface signals should be confirmed during system selection.

What about high-dust, combustible-dust, or ATEX applications?

TBH offers high-dust filtration systems and specialized solutions for certain combustible-dust applications. High dust loading may require cleanable cartridges, automatic cleaning, pre-separation, and dust collection containers. Combustible-dust and ATEX selection is application-specific and requires the relevant material, ignition, zoning, process, and installation information before a system can be recommended.

Does OSHA certify fume extractors, and can a TBH system make my process OSHA compliant?

OSHA does not test, approve, certify, or endorse specific fume extractors. Proper source capture and filtration can be part of an employer’s engineering-control strategy, while separate NRTL product-safety certifications may apply to certain electrical equipment. Workplace compliance ultimately depends on the contaminant, exposure levels, process, maintenance, work practices, and applicable substance-specific requirements.