fume extraction dilema...

[regal2800]

can anyone recommend a quality fume extraction system? Miller makes some nice units but non of them have a hepa filter which removes 99.7% of airborne particles. Miller claims it can only remove up to 95%. Problem is that when you weld SS it produces hexavalent chromium which is really only filtered with a heap filter. as i am sure many of you already know hexavalent chromium is carcinogenic. I have checked with osha and they also recommend a hepa filter when welding SS.

Lincoln mini flex is a nice little unit which includes a hepa filter but it is a little too small, i would like something on the bigger side with a higher flow rate. has anyone modified a miller extraction to accommodate a hepa filter? Any thoughts on what else is out there?

[cruizer]

Seems simpler to wear a vented mask with the cartridge type filters as apposed to a fume sucker

[regal2800]

thats what i am doing now, but they get very uncomfortable after 10-15 min.

[cruizer]

Your using a power vented respirator? Or a face mask. The powered ones are battery operated and are really nice to use

[H80N]

PAPR Systems

Your using a power vented respirator? Or a face mask. The powered ones are battery operated and are really nice to use

PAPR's are a thousand times better than a standard face respirator...

that heavy sweaty "Darth Vader" breathing of a regular respirator is hard to take for long periods..

here is is a page to look at..

http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/powered-air-respirators-papr.html

I have used several styles over the years at customer sites... have considered buying one for myself... they have now become more common and mainstream... but still a bit pricey @ about $1500...
... this one is at the top of my current WISH list...

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/welding_protection/filtration/papr/#load-panel-titanium-9400