When soldering, fume extraction systems slowly work away in the background.

It can be easy to forget they are even there.

But just like all of your soldering equipment, they require the right amount of TLC to ensure they work efficiently.

In this guide, we advise on best practices for maintenance of solder fume extraction equipment.

This way, performance of your unit never falters!

Why Fume Extraction Is Important?

Most of us already know the importance of fume extraction when soldering, but let us quickly run over the benefits.

When operating, your solder fume extraction equipment will filter the harmful particles from the breathable air.

To serve this function, the unit must not be compromised in any way. This can include blockages, compromised filters, loose connections and more.

If any of these problems occur, the desired extraction rate will not be achieved. This means that the harmful particles are still breathable in the air.

Therefore, it is necessary to impliment a maintenance schedule for your solder fume extraction equipment.

What Needs To Be Checked On Your Solder Fume Extraction Equipment?

When conducting maintenance on your LEV soldering equipment, there are several areas that you must check. These include the filters, pipework, connections and the unit itself.

Below is a more detailed explanation of what to look out for in each of the above areas.

Checking Filters

The filters are your main defence from the harmful particles produced as a by-product of the soldering process.

These mustn't be clogged, emit any smells or release any contaminants. Any of these indicate that a filter is blocked, or perhaps the carbon in the filters have become saturated through overuse.

Most standard solder fume extraction units have 2 filters:

1. A Pre-filter, which catches the initial larger particles. This stops them clogging the HEPA filter, extending its lifespan.
2. HEPA filter, catches the smaller particles such as gases.

Clogged filters are often alerted on the main panel of the fume extraction unit (read more of this below).

Checking Pipework

Pipework carries the polluted or clean air both to and from your extraction unit.

Any compromises here and you will not have an efficient LEV system for your soldering set up.

This might sound straightforward advice, but you will be surprised how often these issues get raised in periodic LEV tests.

Therefore, you must conduct visual checks for any splits, kinks or holes along the pipework. This could cause fluctuations and inconsistencies in the airflow.

Likewise, you must check inside the pipework. If you spot any build-up, make sure it gets cleaned out.

Lastly, ensure pipework is securely fastened to all extraction ports, hoods or cabs.

Checking Machinery

You must always check your unit for any damage/ faults or cleanliness issues.

Much of the below will centre around ensuring the cleanliness of machinery parts.

However, it is also vital to check that the equipment is working as intended before undertaking prolonged periods of soldering.

This includes the following:

• Check all valves are firmly fitted and secure
• Inspect extraction points to ensure all are clean and clear (this can prevent blockages that impact extraction rate)
• If you are using solder tip extraction, it is vital to ensure cleanliness is maintained. These are areas that are known to get easily clogged, so regular cleaning is advised.
• Test equipment before use – ensure the flow rate is optimal and suited to your processes.

Establishing A Fume Extraction Maintenance Routine

Now that you know what to look for, let's try to establish the most ideal routine for the maintenance of your solder fume extraction setup.

Firstly, we base this largely on the amount of use that you put your fume extraction equipment through.

If you are a heavy soldering practitioner and your fume extraction system is on for most of the working day, you will need to conduct more frequent checks than someone who only uses their equipment in short bursts.

See chart for recommended inspection times.

It is recommended that you conduct the following regular inspections as a baseline for your fume extraction equipment.

Daily Inspections – Before use you should always double check everything is positioned correctly. Run the unit to ensure that everything is works as required.

Weekly Inspections – The physical checks should be undertaken to ensure that there is no damage to any pipework or other parts of the system.

Monthly Inspections – You should unplug all connections to check for blockages in the pipework and clean accordingly. Check the fan works as required.

Yearly Inspections – Annual LEV servicing should take place. This will look at the overall health of your system, along with replace any filters, if required.

How often should I replace my fume extraction filters?

This will largely depend on application you are undertaking along with the amount of use the extraction equipment goes through.

It is recommended that filters are replaced every 12 months to ensure optimal filtration rate.

Outside of this window, each unit will have LED indicators (Purex analogue systems) or indicate on the digital display (JBC or Purex Digital systems). These will alert you should a filter need to be replaced before 12 months.

You can find replacement HEPA filters or pre-filters on our website.

How do I know which filters my unit takes?

There are 2 places where you can find the information for the replacement filters of your unit.

• Firstly, the manual that comes with your unit. Here you will find all compatible HEPA and pre-filters for your chosen unit
• Secondly, we have ensured that all compatible filters are listed in the product descriptions, whether that be for your JBC or Purex unit.

What are my responsibilities regarding LEV in my business?

All employers have a responsibility to maintain a clean working environment for their workforce. This means ensuring that the correct units are in place, filtration is successful, and all equipment is maintained.

Summary

Hopefully, now that you know a little more about the workings and operation of your fume extraction equipment, you will have a better idea of the maintenance requirements.

Ensuring that you are proactively checking, regularly and scheduled, you will minimise or hopefully stop any downtime for your equipment.

This keeps a healthy environment at all times within your workplace.

If you require any filters for your Purex or JBC systems, navigate to what you need below.