Frequently Asked Questions

Air scrubbers draw in contaminated air, filter it, then exhaust clean air back into the room.

Negative air machines create a negative pressure environment by drawing in contaminated air from from a controlled area, filtering it, and exhausting it out of the controlled area.

Extract-All carries several products capable of air scrubbing and negative air applications.
• S-987 Air Scrubbers & Negative Air Machines can clean a room up to 1,260 ft² once every hour
• SP-400 Air Scrubbers & Negative Air Machines can clean a room up to 1,500 ft² once every hour
• SP-800 Air Scrubbers & Negative Air Machines can clean a room up to 2,000 ft² once every hour

Cabinet and enclosure ventilators will positively pressurize and filter everything from machinery electrical enclosures to computer wiring storage closets. Multi-stage filtration cleans and cools enclosures so sensitive wiring and instrumentation remains in peak operating condition.

It can be beneficial to use a downdraft table when performing applications like sanding, welding, and grinding. Extract-All Downdraft Tables will draw contaminants (i.e. dust, fumes, smoke) down and away from the operator’s breathing zone.

Downdraft tables can be used to capture fumes from light touch-up painting. However, downdraft tables are not meant to capture or filter paint and may cause damage to the filters or unit.

The DC-1000 is designed for the effective removal of smoke, dust, fumes, and other airborne contaminants from a wide variety of industrial and other applications, including: grinding, welding, bag-filling operations, routing, metalworking.

Extractor arms can be mounted on a wall.

The extractor arm should be positioned about 1 ft. away from the welding point to ensure that all fumes are extracted.

Filter type, type of material being collected, concentration level, process temperature, ambient temperature, humidity level, etc. all have an effect on filter life. That being said, filters should typically be replaced every 2-6 months, depending on frequency of use.

While you could find after-market filters that will fit into our systems, we highly recommend that you use the filter media the systems were designed with. Our research and development team spends countless hours evaluating different filter media to determine the best quality, efficiency, and fit for our systems. Also, the use of after-market filters will void the warranty on your system.

That depends on the composition of the captured contaminants. Please follow your local and state regulations.

Activated carbon media in adsorption modules should be changed when noticing odor. For very light chemical vapor and intermittent applications, the activated carbon could last 6-12 months. For heavier chemical vapor removal applications, we recommend the filter media be replaced every 3-4 months. If you would like a more specific recommendation, please provide details of your specific application to one of our application specialists.

Choose an adsorption module with activated carbon for chemical fumes, gases, odors, or vapors. Choose a primary particulate filter for applications with fine particulates such as dust, smoke or mist. For applications that have both visible particulate and gaseous vapors, we offer multi-stage filter set-ups. Choose a combo filter package that consists of either a HEPA or cell filter, with an activated carbon after-filter.

Yes, 20′ rolls are available for purchase for most arm/hose sizes.

Fume Extractors can be used to capture and filter a variety of contaminants such as vapors, dust and smoke. Mulit-stage filtration provides the appropriate filter media to handle specific applications

A fume extractor is designed for source capture. It draws contaminants where they are created before they can spread through the room. A general air purifier cleans air that has already been dispersed throughout the room. For industrial and workplace applications where fumes, smoke, or vapors are actively being produced (such as during industrial welding, soldering, or laser engraving), a fume extractor is the more effective solution because it captures pollutants before you can breathe them in.

Filter life depends on the type of contaminants you’re capturing and how often the unit runs. A common sign that filters need replacing is a noticeable drop in suction or airflow. Many Extract-All® units include a filter change light or magnehelic gauge that tells you when it’s time to change your filter. As a general rule, pre-filters (which catch larger particles) should be checked and replaced most often, while HEPA and activated carbon filters last longer but are critical to replace on schedule to maintain air quality. Enrolling in our filter replacement program removes the guesswork entirely.

It depends on your specific operation and the fume extraction unit you’re using. dual-arm models are typically a reliable solution to serve multiple workstations as they are designed to capture fumes from two source points simultaneously. However, for workstations that are spread out across a large facility or operating at the same time in different areas, separate units are typically recommended to ensure adequate particle capture at each source.

Our fume extractors play an important role in helping facilities meet OSHA permissible exposure limits (PELs) for airborne contaminants. While the equipment itself supports compliance, the overall regulatory picture depends on proper filter selection, correct placement, and adherence to maintenance schedules. If you’re working toward compliance for a specific industry or contaminant type, contacting our team directly is the best way to confirm the right configuration for your requirements.

Standard fume extractors are not designed for environments where flammable vapors, gases, or combustible dusts may be present. Explosion-proof models are built with components rated to prevent ignition in those hazardous conditions. If your work involves flammable solvents, coatings, or similar materials, we recommend using an explosion-proof unit. It may be legally required under OSHA and NFPA standards.

Yes. Unlike exhaust systems that vent air outdoors, fume extractors recirculate filtered air back into the room. This makes them ideal for enclosed or climate-controlled environments where ducting to the outside isn’t practical.

ULPA filters capture particles down to 0.12 microns, which is finer than HEPA’s 0.3 micron threshold. They’re typically used in applications requiring increased protection, such as pharmaceutical work or semiconductor manufacturing.

Activated carbon adsorbs gases, odors, and chemical vapors that standard particulate filters can’t trap. It’s especially important for applications involving solvents, adhesives, or chemical fumes where the hazard is gaseous rather than particle-based.

Extract-All systems are built for demanding industrial environments and are designed to run continuously. That being said, regular filter maintenance is essential. A clogged filter in a continuously running unit will reduce performance and strain the motor over time.

Most Extract-All fume extractors are designed to be operational right out of the box. All you have to do is position the unit, place the filters in the unit, attach the extraction arm, and plug it in. Wall-mount models are the exception and will require installation assistance.

Extract-All can provide a wide range of hoods and enclosures to accommodate all of your contaminant control needs. We have a number of stock products that easily connect to our various air purification systems. We also can provide you with custom enclosures and hood designs. Please contact us for a quote if you do not see what you are looking for on our website.

Hoods and enclosures come with an appropriate mounting device such as magnetic strips or clamps.

Yes

When it comes to machining operations, there are potential health hazards and risks associated with the oil and water based cutting fluids that are used as coolants and lubricants. Metalworking applications such as cutting, sawing, polishing, and grinding along with the use of these cutting fluids produces a mist that is sent airborne. This mist can pose great health risks resulting from long term exposure. Facilities also are at risk of physical hazards to the worker such as slippery floors. Proper containment of floatation mist is essential to a safe working environment.

Oil mist collectors operate by collecting a contaminant-laden airstream into the collector’s inlet plenum, which is designed to drop out large mist or other particles. The airstream then turns and passes up through a multi-stage filter system while the clean air is exhausted through the top of the unit.

Most of our blower motors are totally enclosed and thermally protected. Blowers are also dynamically balanced. Typical motor life is 100,000 hours, depending on operating conditions, including ambient temperature, duty cycle, etc.

Extract-All’s SPA-H Hair Fume Extractor is tailor-made to handle hair procedures like hair straightening treatments, perms,and more. SPA-H includes a 48′ internally-supported extractor arm and 16″ wide source-capture hood for maximal fume capture, as well as multi-stage filtration fit for chemicals and fumes found in hair products.

Models SPA1 and SPA-REV are great for manicure applications. Use SPA1 if you are primarily concerned with Acrylic fumes. If you do a combination of acrylic and gel , then use SPA-REV. SPA-REV is also great for esthetician applications.

In today’s environmentally conscious society, there are many different options available to those wishing to purchase an air cleaning system. It is sometimes difficult to sort through the various claims made by manufacturers. Often times prices are drastically different for products that, on the surface seem similar. However, there are several main advantages the Extract-All® brand offer:

• Heavy-duty construction
• Long life blower motors
• User-friendly design makes maintenance and filter changing fast and simple. Most competitive brands require tools just to change filters.
• Accurate specifications – we do not make false CFM and filter claims, many competitors inflate the numbers.

Most of our blower motors are totally enclosed and thermally protected. Blowers are also dynamically balanced. Typical motor life is 100,000 hours, depending on operating conditions, including ambient temperature, duty cycle, etc.

Extract-All’s SPA-H Hair Fume Extractor is tailor-made to handle hair procedures like hair straightening treatments, perms,and more. SPA-H includes a 48′ internally-supported extractor arm and 16″ wide source-capture hood for maximal fume capture, as well as multi-stage filtration fit for chemicals and fumes found in hair products.

Models SPA1 and SPA-REV are great for manicure applications. Use SPA1 if you are primarily concerned with Acrylic fumes. If you do a combination of acrylic and gel , then use SPA-REV. SPA-REV is also great for esthetician applications.

The Extract-All AMB1 Portable Air Purifier is perfect for cleaning the air inside your home, office, or business. Using an intelligent sensor system, the AMB1 automatically adjusts fan speed according to air quality. Within 30 minutes, this system will completely purify the air in rooms up to 625 ft².

While many people simply run it under warm water and agitate it with a soft brush, for a thorough cleaning we recommend the following steps:

1. Remove the filter from the humidifier and soak in a 50/50 mixture of water and white vinegar for 15-20 minutes.
2. Rinse the filter with hot, clean water.
3. Allow the filter to air dry before reinserting into the system.

There is a timed reminder function for replacement and cleaning of your filters.  The set time is 320 hours and 1,500 hours respectively.  The signal light on the panel will flash after the machine has run 320 hours and the first filter is in need of cleaning.  Simply remove the filter and vacuum it from both sides, or wipe down with a soft, damp cloth.  Press the reset key for 5 seconds, and the light will reset and stop flashing.  After 1,500 hours of use, the light will stay on continuously.  This is a reminder to change the 2^nd and 3^rd filters.  Press the reset button for 5 seconds, and this will once again reset the light.

Yes, Extract-All Filtering Cabinet Ventilators will positively pressurize and filter everything from machinery electrical enclosures to computer wiring storage closets. Multi-stage filtration cleans and cools enclosures so sensitive wiring and instrumentation remains in peak operating condition.

In today’s environmentally conscious society, there are many different options available to those wishing to purchase an air cleaning system. It is sometimes difficult to sort through the various claims made by manufacturers. Often times prices are drastically different for products that, on the surface seem similar. However, there are several main advantages the Extract-All® brand offer:

• Heavy-duty construction
• Long life blower motors
• User-friendly design makes maintenance and filter changing fast and simple. Most competitive brands require tools just to change filters.
• Accurate specifications – we do not make false CFM and filter claims, many competitors inflate the numbers.

Most of our blower motors are totally enclosed and thermally protected. Blowers are also dynamically balanced. Typical motor life is 100,000 hours, depending on operating conditions, including ambient temperature, duty cycle, etc.

It can be beneficial to use a downdraft table when performing applications like sanding, welding, and grinding. Extract-All Downdraft Tables will draw contaminants (i.e. dust, fumes, smoke) down and away from the operator’s breathing zone.

Most of our blower motors are totally enclosed and thermally protected. Blowers are also dynamically balanced. Typical motor life is 100,000 hours, depending on operating conditions, including ambient temperature, duty cycle, etc.

Extract-All can provide a wide range of hoods and enclosures to accommodate all of your contaminant control needs. We have a number of stock products that easily connect to our various air purification systems. We also can provide you with custom enclosures and hood designs. Please contact us for a quote if you do not see what you are looking for on our website.

Hoods and enclosures come with an appropriate mounting device such as magnetic strips or clamps.

Most of our blower motors are totally enclosed and thermally protected. Blowers are also dynamically balanced. Typical motor life is 100,000 hours, depending on operating conditions, including ambient temperature, duty cycle, etc.

Air scrubbers draw in contaminated air, filter it, then exhaust clean air back into the room.

Negative air machines create a negative pressure environment by drawing in contaminated air from from a controlled area, filtering it, and exhausting it out of the controlled area.

For a welding shop, the best approach is source capture fume extraction positioned as close to the arc as possible, with filtration media matched to the specific metals and processes being used. General ventilation alone won’t adequately protect your workers.

We always recommend implementing a source capture system, since it removes fumes before they ever reach the welder’s breathing zone. That being said, many shops benefit from using both, with source capture as the primary defense and ambient filtration as a backup to catch any fumes that escape.

Welding fumes contain hazardous metals and compounds such as manganese, hexavalent chromium, and nickel. When inhaled, they can cause serious short and long-term health effects. These range from immediate symptoms like dizziness and nausea to chronic conditions including respiratory disease, neurological damage, and cancer.

OSHA sets Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) for welding fumes and related substances, and requires employers to implement engineering controls, like fume extraction, to keep worker exposure below those limits. NIOSH and ACGIH also publish recommended exposure limits that are generally more stringent than OSHA’s PELs and are widely referenced as best practice benchmarks.

Filter replacement frequency depends on the volume of welding being done, the types of materials being welded, and the specific extractor model. Generally speaking, heavily used shop filters may need attention every few months. Air Impurities Removal Systems makes it easy to stay on schedule through our Filter Replacement Program, which delivers the right filters to your shop automatically so your equipment keeps performing at its best.

Most printing processes, from traditional 3D printing to laser marking, release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ultrafine particles into the air. Fume extraction systems for the printing industry are designed to capture these contaminants at the source, preventing them from entering the operator’s breathing zone and ensuring a safer workspace.

General room ventilation dilutes the air but doesn’t remove the hazard immediately. Printing industry fume extraction focuses on “source capture,” which uses high-suction hoods or enclosures to trap fumes the moment they are created, providing much higher protection for workers.

Most of our laser fume extraction systems feature filter-status indicators or pressure gauges. In a typical print shop, pre-filters should be checked monthly, while HEPA and carbon filters generally last 6–12 months, depending on printing volume and materials used.

Yes. Even “low-odor” filaments like PLA release ultrafine particles (UFPs), while materials like ABS or Nylon release toxic VOCs like styrene. Utilizing a dedicated extractor ensures these invisible hazards are removed from your indoor environment.

Yes, we offer centralized fume extraction systems for the printing industry that can be manifolded to support multiple 3D printers or laser marking stations simultaneously, provided the CFM (airflow) is properly balanced.

Our 987 series offers multi-stage filtration in a compact design. 

Extract-All fume extraction systems utilize industry standard filter media that controls submicron particulates as well as chemical vapors. Using our systems will keep you in compliance with OSHA PEL.

For toner dust and other submicron particulates, use high efficiency filter media such as a HEPA filter.  For ink fumes and chemical vapors, utilize adsorbent filter media such as activated carbon.

Our Extract-All model SP-987-1 is a popular choice for Laser Marking, Laser Engraving, and Laser Marking machines.

Yes. Our SP987-5 is an excellent solution for small 3D printing labs.

Filter type, type of material being collected, concentration level, process temperature, ambient temperature, humidity level, etc. all have an effect on filter life. That being said, filters should typically be replaced every 2-6 months, depending on frequency of use.