In the manufacturing sector, proper ventilation is paramount. It’s essential for creating a workspace that’s safe, efficient, and conducive to product integrity. Effective ventilation removes pollutants, regulates temperature and odours, and ensures compliance with regulations. Drawing from customer feedback, we’ve identified common ventilation challenges in manufacturing and curated a range of fans tailored to address these issues head-on.
Ventilation & Air Challenges In Manufacturing
Here, we present a range of industrial fans commonly used in manufacturing settings to address these concerns.
Heat accumulation and uneven temperatures.
Across all manufacturing sectors and irrespective of location, the challenge of high operating temperatures is universal. The accumulation of heat and fluctuating temperature levels significantly affect employee well-being and the efficiency of operations. Equipment used in warmer environments is especially prone to damage caused by elevated temperatures. This heat, often a byproduct of industrial activity, can lead to worker discomfort, exhaustion, and even heat-induced health issues. Furthermore, inconsistencies in temperature throughout a manufacturing site can jeopardise the quality of products. A particularly concerning issue is the subtle, frequently overlooked progression of heat damage, which can manifest even in scenarios where machinery seems to be functioning perfectly under seemingly ideal temperature conditions.
To address the issue of fluctuating temperatures, Fanquip offers the following solutions:
- Mancoolers
- Air Circulators
- Giant Fans
- Exhaust Fans
Airborne contaminants and fumes from manufacturing activities.
Manufacturing activities emit a variety of airborne pollutants, including dust, chemical vapours, metal fragments, gases, and biological elements, all of which present significant risks to employee health and environmental safety. Certain procedures, such as applying coatings and handling fibreglass materials, involve dangerous substances like resins, gelcoats, and fibreglass itself, releasing harmful fumes during use and processing. Moreover, the specific type of paint and its chemical makeup can determine the nature and volume of fumes expelled in this stage. Implementing effective ventilation systems is crucial for capturing and eliminating these hazardous particles, reducing respiratory risks, preserving air quality, and adhering to legal standards, all while protecting worker health and enhancing the efficiency of manufacturing operations.
Fans suggested by Fanquip for eliminating contaminants from manufacturing activities:
- Mobile fumes extractor
- Portable blower extractor
- Wall Exhaust Fan
- Roof Fan
- Axial Fan
- Purging Fan
- Centrifugal Fan
Build-up of dust and particulate matter.
Within the bustling environment of manufacturing plants, dust and particulate matter accumulation is predominantly due to the operations of machines and the movement of materials. This accumulation can lead to a slew of issues, including health hazards for the workforce and potential harm to machinery, significantly impacting overall productivity. To combat these challenges, specialised ventilation systems are adept at capturing and disposing of these airborne nuisances, preventing them from depositing on work surfaces. This proactive measure not only protects employees from respiratory ailments and other health risks but also reduces the frequency and costs associated with maintaining equipment.
Recommended filter fans:
- Filter Fan
- Negative Air Units
- Portable Blower Extractor
Odours from chemicals, solvents, and other toxic materials.
Odours frequently originate from chemicals, solvents, and other materials used in the manufacturing processes. This is due to the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during their handling, processing, and storage phases. Additional contributors to odour issues include chemical reactions, heating, waste disposal, and mishandling of materials, all of which can lead to the escape and accumulation of unpleasant smells. Furthermore, biological activities such as microbial growth or decay can exacerbate odour problems. To ensure a safe and healthy workplace, it’s imperative to adopt effective odour management strategies, including proper ventilation, secure containment, and careful handling of materials.
Ventilation for materials handling and odour removal:
- Wall exhaust fans
- Roof fans
- Purging fans
- Axial Fans
- Centrifugal fans
Processes needing heat and warmth distribution.
In industrial settings, adequate heating is essential for optimising operational efficiency and safety measures. A steady heat supply is crucial for the proper curing of coatings, adhesives, and paints, ensuring their longevity and adhesion while speeding up drying times to minimise delays. In manufacturing plants, maintaining consistent heat is vital for seamless production flows and high product quality. Additionally, careful heat management controls the viscosity and volatility of materials like adhesives and solvents, enhancing both safety and efficiency.
Recommended fans for drying activities and earth distribution:
- Heater Fans
Key Areas Requiring Ventilation Solutions.
Some manufacturing operations require advanced ventilation systems to manage dangerous airborne particles, uphold cleanroom standards, and protect the quality of their products. These operations might need ventilation solutions equipped with high-efficiency filters, materials resistant to chemicals, and precise control over airflow to comply with rigorous regulatory demands and specific industry needs. Moreover, facilities dealing with combustible materials like wood or metal shavings need ventilation that’s built to prevent fires and explosions. Discover our range of fans, tailored for critical areas within the manufacturing industry.
Ventilation for metalworks and welding fumes.
In metalworking and welding, robust ventilation is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. The process releases harmful fumes containing dangerous elements like chromium and nickel, which can cause serious health issues, including respiratory and neurological problems, when inhaled. Without adequate ventilation, these hazardous fumes can accumulate, degrading indoor air quality, causing discomfort, and leading to health and safety violations. Effective ventilation systems swiftly remove welding fumes, safeguarding worker health, enhancing productivity, and significantly reducing the risk of fire or explosion, ensuring a secure workplace environment.
Recommended ventilation:
- Mobile fumes extractor.
- Portable blower extractor.
- Wall exhaust fans.
- Roof fans.
Ventilation for chemical processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
In pharmaceutical and chemical processing industries, environments filled with explosive hazards like combustible dust, flammable gases, mists, and vapours are common, highlighting the critical need for effective containment and ventilation measures. Workers in these sectors face various health dangers, including hazardous powders, chemical substances, airborne pathogens, and biological dusts. To counter these threats and safeguard workers, adopting advanced dust and fume extraction technology is crucial, ensuring a secure and healthy workplace for everyone.
Recommended ventilation:
- Axial Fans.
- Centrifugal Fans.
- Wall Exhaust Fans.
- Roof Fans.
Ventilation for spray booths and paint fumes.
Painting and coating applications are widespread in the manufacturing sector, frequently involving chemicals that release dangerous fumes into the workplace. Such chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and various solvents, present serious health risks to employees when concentrations are high. Lack of ventilation where these paint fumes are present can result in notable health concerns, from respiratory problems to headaches, all due to inhaling these harmful emissions. Moreover, in environments lacking sufficient air movement, there’s a heightened danger of paint vapors building up to flammable levels, significantly increasing the likelihood of fires or explosions. This underscores the critical need for explosion-proof fans in such settings.
Recommended ventilation:
- Axial Fans.
- Centrifugal Fans.
- Wall Exhaust Fans.
- Roof Fans.
Fanquip Solutions For Manufacturing Industry.
Discover all our findings and recommendations for ventilation solutions in more detail by downloading the full version of the brochure here: Fanquip | Manufacturing | Challenges & Solutions
