FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs are intended for UK manufacturing and industrial businesses looking to specify, upgrade or maintain dust and fume extraction systems. If you’d like advice for your site, we can carry out a survey and provide a design proposal tailored to your processes, materials and compliance requirements.
The Basics of Dust and Fume Extraction
What is an industrial dust extraction system?
A properly designed system captures dust at source, conveys it through ductwork, filters it, and safely discharges clean air (internally or externally) while collecting the waste material.
Why do you need dust extraction?
Dust can cause long-term health issues, making removal crucial. Efficient extraction systems are also essential for keeping manufacturing facilities running. If a system fails, it can halt production, leading to costly delays.
What is the difference between dust extraction and fume extraction?
Choosing the Right Extraction Partner
What should I look for in a dust extraction provider?
Look for proven experience with your materials and processes, in-house design capability (including airflow calculations and AutoCAD drawings), a track record of similar projects, and strong knowledge of UK compliance including: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV), ATEX and Construction (Design & Management) Regulations (CDM) where applicable. They should be accredited Safe Contractors. You should also ask about servicing support, spare parts availability and what is included in the quotation.
How much does a dust extraction system cost in the UK?
Do I need ATEX-compliant dust extraction equipment?
Can you upgrade or modify an existing extraction system?
Health, Safety and Compliance (UK)
Is dust extraction a legal requirement?
UK employers have legal duties to prevent or adequately control exposure to hazardous substances, including dust, under the Health and Safety at Work Act and COSHH. Extraction is a common and effective method of control, particularly where dust is generated at source.
What is LEV testing and how often is it required?
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems must be thoroughly examined and tested at least every 14 months in the UK under COSHH. Records should be retained and any urgent remedial work identified should be addressed promptly.
Can dust create a fire or explosion hazard?
Yes. Many industrial dusts are combustible. If fine particles become suspended in air and encounter an ignition source, rapid flame propagation or explosion can occur. Depending on the risk assessment, design measures may include appropriate duct velocities, spark detection, explosion relief panels/doors, isolation, and ATEX-rated components, alongside good housekeeping.
Equipment and System Design
What are the main components of a dust extraction system?
A typical industrial system includes capture points (hoods/enclosures/machine connections), ductwork, an industrial fan, a filter unit (dust collector), a waste discharge/collection arrangement, and controls (which may include demand-driven energy management).
Can filtered air be returned to the building?
In some applications, filtered air can be recirculated to improve energy efficiency, subject to dust type, filtration performance, risk assessment outcomes and relevant UK regulatory requirements. Suitability should always be assessed case-by-case.
How do I know if my current system is underperforming?
Common indicators include visible dust, poor capture at machines, frequent filter blockages, reduced airflow/suction, excessive noise or vibration, operator complaints, or failed LEV tests. If production levels or machine layouts have changed since installation, the system may no longer be correctly sized.
Maintenance and Performance
What routine maintenance is required?
Routine maintenance typically includes monitoring and replacing filters, emptying waste collection, inspecting ductwork and seals for leaks, checking fan condition and alignment, and monitoring system pressures/airflow. Operator-level checks should be supported by scheduled professional servicing to protect performance and compliance
How often should filters be replaced?
Replacement intervals depend on dust type, operating hours, shift patterns and the cleaning mechanism. As a broad guide, filter bags in standard shift environments may need replacement every few years, while higher-output operations may require more frequent changes. Regular inspection is essential to avoid performance loss.
How often should the dust collector bin or bag be emptied?
A dust collector bin or bag should be emptied regularly to maintain efficient airflow and prevent blockages. Allowing the bin to overfill can reduce suction, strain the motor, and cause dust to back up into the filter, shortening its lifespan. The exact frequency depends on the type of dust produced and how often the system is used, but checking the collection bin as part of routine maintenance helps ensure the dust extractor continues operating safely and effectively.
Working With Ideal Extraction
What does the project process look like?
We typically begin with an on-site survey and discussion to understand your processes, materials, current extraction performance, compliance requirements, programme constraints and budget. We then develop a design proposal and produce drawings (often in AutoCAD), followed by installation planning to minimise disruption to operations.
Do you provide servicing and LEV testing?
Yes. We provide servicing, filter replacement, remedial works and LEV testing to support ongoing UK compliance and system reliability.
Why choose Ideal Extraction?
There are many reasons why your business can trust our extraction solutions:
- Expertise: Ideal Extraction’s team has nearly a century of experience in the air movement industry, with over 80 years focused on dust and fume extraction installations.
- Reputation: Our Director, Steve Rhodes, is widely regarded as the best in the business, according to client testimonials.
- Bespoke Service: We offer custom designs and full-service solutions using top-quality components.
- Exclusive Supplier: We are the sole UK supplier of Moldow products, spares, and accessories.
What’s the relevance of being the sole UK supplier of Moldow products?
Moldow is a global leader with over 100 years of experience designing industrial dust extraction systems and paint lines, exporting worldwide through a trusted network of expert partners. Ideal Extraction is the sole UK distributor, providing the full Moldow product range, spare parts, and accessories, plus equipment from Moldow Group companies such as BarkerBille industrial fans and Teldust filtration systems. As the only UK company offering this complete range, we secure the best pricing from Moldow and pass on better value to our customers.
Do you supply energy-saving dust extraction solutions?
Yes, the ENSACO® smart control system from Moldow gives amazing, flexible energy saving capabilities. The system ensures energy savings by monitoring machines and extraction points and adjusting the fan speeds/power to the actual requirements.
How do I get a quote?
Contact us to arrange an initial discussion. For most industrial projects, we recommend a site survey so we can assess machine requirements, duct routes, filtration needs and any ATEX considerations before providing a formal proposal.