The Inteliair air movement control system has been developed by UK engineers with 40 years extraction experience to overcome a long existing problem: how to improve the efficiency, capacity and environmental impact of dust and fume extraction whilst not putting people at risk of poor air quality.
Running an extraction system at 100% capacity regardless of need is inefficient and costly, but is not always the easiest problem to overcome. Extraction does not necessarily have to be operational at every point as regularly only 50% of extraction points will be needed depending on machine operation.
It is possible to fit pressure sensors along the ducting and expect the operator to open and close dampers manually depending on the pressure sensor readings. The reliance on operators can be a high risk option – inattentiveness, lack of understanding and the habitual ‘it’s only a quick job’ attitude means that this may not be the ideal solution.
Also this will close off unused extraction points relating to air flow but will not increase the efficiency of the system.
Adding automated dampers to the system is a good method but again this will probably rely on the operator flicking a switch and can also have important consequences to the flow rates in the ducting which will affect the quality and efficiency of the extraction. A regular LEV test will highlight issues of air velocity and whether it is being maintained for the quality of air in the environment.
As shown at the W14 exhibition to wide interest in the woodworking industry, the Inteliair system intelligently overcomes these problems. Reacting to demand by sensing current flow to a machine, it will automatically open the damper at the point extraction is needed. The PLC-controlled main unit will then signal an inverter to control the speed of the fan depending on how many extraction points are open.
Maintaining the velocity of the system and ensuring all dust and materials are removed is the priority. This is done with careful commissioning of the system, adding booster dampers, cleaning cycles and also using pressure sensors where necessary.
Process control is at the forefront of industry with priorities on efficiency, costs and management information. Inteliair will usually pay for itself in less than two years and give valuable data to business.
