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Understanding Carbon Monoxide(CO):Pollution, Health Impacts,Safety Limits And Industrial Solutions.

Understanding Carbon Monoxide(CO): Pollution, Health Impacts, Safety Limits And Industrial Solutions.

Pollution, especially industrial pollution, is increasing day by day, and the air quality is decreasing as a result. When we talk about air pollution, there are various pollutants like CO2, SO2, and VOC among them. CO, or carbon monoxide,(CO Pollution) is one of them. In this article, we will look into carbon monoxide, its impact on the industrial work environment, health impacts, safety limits, and the solutions required to limit exposure for industry.

What is carbon monoxide (CO)?- CO Pollution

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, flammable gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It is slightly less dense than air and is soluble in water. 

How Carbon Monoxide is Generated:

Carbon monoxide (CO) generated by natural gas, wood, or gasoline is burned incompletely.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Sources:

Natural Sources:

Natural sources of carbon monoxide include the following:

  • Volcanoes
  • Natural Gas
  • Forest Fires
  • Lighting

Man-made sources

Man-made or artificial sources of carbon monoxide (CO) are as follows:

  • Vehicle Emissions
  • Barbeques
  • Wood stoves
  • Gas and water heaters
  • Gas stoves
  • Fuel-fired heaters
  • Fireplaces
  • Gas dryers

Industrial Sources

  • Metal manufacturing
  • Electricity supply
  • Mining metal, ore, and coal
  • Food manufacturing
  • Extracting oil and gas from land or sea
  • Production of chemicals
  • Cement, lime, plaster 
  • Concrete manufacturing 
  •  Petroleum refining

Industrial Processes That Generate CO

  • Laser Cutting
  • Soldering 
  • Plasma Cutting
Infographic explaining carbon monoxide (CO) pollution, health impacts, safety limits, and industrial solutions.

Health Impacts of Carbon Monoxide(CO Pollution):

Carbon monoxide has Severe health impacts are on industrial workers and all people who are in constant contact with fossil fuel burning and processes that produce carbon monoxide, which are listed above. Some of the important health impacts are listed below:

Short-term:
exposure from breathing carbon monoxide can cause:

  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Chest pain
  • Weakness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Damage to the heart and brain
  • Unconsciousness

Breathing in high amounts of carbon monoxide is life-threatening.

Long-term:
Exposure to high carbon monoxide levels can cause:

  • Miscarriage
  • Damage to a developing fetus
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Heart failure

Safety Limits for Carbon Monoxide (CO Pollution):

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for carbon monoxide (CO) is 50 parts per million (ppm). This means that the average concentration of CO in the air over an 8-hour period should not exceed 50 ppm. The 8-hour PEL for CO in maritime operations is also 50 ppm.

You can read various safety limits for CO here.

In India, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has also set some norms about carbon monoxide exposure. These are as follows:

For industries, the 8-hour PEL of CPCB for industrial, residential, rural, and other areas is 02 mg/m3, and for 1 hour, PEL is 04 mg/m3. The 8-hour PEL of the conditional and sensitivity areas declared by the central government . is 02 mg/m3, and the 1-hour PEL is 04 mg/m3.

Solutions for Carbon Monoxide (CO Pollution) Exposure in Industries:

To limit the exposure of carbon monoxide (CO) in industries and mitigate the risks for industrial workers.

  • Measurement through CO sensors: Industries should monitor and measure carbon monoxide (CO) by using carbon monoxide monitoring sensors, through which they can monitor, control, and measure carbon monoxide exposure.
  • Using extraction solutions: Industries must use extraction solutions to control CO exposure in the industrial environment. Solutions such as Filter on Soldering Fumes Extraction Solutions, Filter on Laser Fumes Extraction Solutions, and Filter on Plasma Cutting Fumes Extraction Solutions are for controlling soldering fumes, laser cutting fumes, and plasma cutting fumes exposure, which also results in CO exposure.
  • Using ventilation solutions: Industries must use ventilation solutions such as LEV (local exhaust ventilation) for a clean air environment in the workplace. 
  • No Vehicle Use for Walking Distance:  Everyone should follow the no vehicle use policy for walking distance, which can reduce CO in the environment. Making such little effort can create a big impact on the environment in the long run, which is the best initiative for our long-term goal, “Mission Zero Pollution.” 
Visit  blogs to learn more about the critical features of clean air system design and air pollution control systems created by Filter On India.

Filter On India has been working towards “Mission Zero Pollution” for the last 40+ years as a clean air solutions partner for industries. We specialize and have expertise in welding fumes, oil mist, coolant mist, dust collection, soldering, laser marking, laser cutting, plasma cutting, fumes in fastener manufacturing, ball point tip manufacturing, oil quenching, kitchen fumes, etc. Filter On has 70+ clean air solutions, so you can contact us for more information about our solutions. You can reach us through the web or visit us at our corporate office at Pune, or mail us at : marketing@filter-on.com

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Clearing the Air: Understanding NO₂ Pollution, Health Risks, Safety Standards, and Industrial Solutions

Clearing the Air: Understanding NO₂ Pollution, Health Risks, Safety Standards, and Industrial Solutions

Air pollution is an important and serious issue, as the world is facing critical consequences due to its impact on people's health. Government . agencies took serious action against those who caused pollution. Nitrogen oxide is one of the primary air components in the air and, if inhaled, is dangerous to health. In this article, we will discuss nitrogen oxide (NO₂ )'s role as a pollutant, health effects due to NO₂ Pollution, safety limits, and industrial solutions and precautions amid its exposure.

What is nitrogen dioxide (NO₂ ) & NO₂ Pollution

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂ ) is a gaseous air component composed of nitrogen and oxygen. NO₂  is one of a group of related gasses called nitrogen oxides, or NOx. NO₂ is created when fossil fuels such as coal, oil, methane gas (natural gas), or diesel are burned at high temperatures.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) as a Pollutant:

Natural Sources of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂):

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) can be formed from both natural and human activity. Natural sources include:

  • lightning strikes
  • volcanoes
  • oceans
  • biological decay

Combustion creates oxides of nitrogen, a major portion of which is nitrogen dioxide. When vehicles emit oxides of nitrogen, 90 to 95 percent of the emissions are nitric oxide (NO).

However, nitric oxide quickly oxidizes in outdoor air when reacting with oxygen, ozone, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to form nitrogen dioxide. The oxidation process occurs indoors, but at a slower rate.

Man-Made Sources:

The main source of nitrogen dioxide resulting from human activities is the combustion of fossil fuels (coal, gas, and oil), especially fuel used in cars.

Industrial sources that are responsible for nitrogen oxide (NO₂) are as follows:

Welding:

Nitrous gasses are often responsible for acute poisoning when welding. They occur during gas welding and arc welding processes.

Other than welding, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) can be found in the following processes:

  • Nitric acid manufacturing
  • Titanium pickling
  • Stainless steel pickling
  • Aluminum bright dip
  • Metal finishing
  • Precious metals refining
  • Chemical etching
  • Fertilizer production
  • Glass making
  • Industrial boilers
  • Aqueous chemical production 

Health Impacts of Nitrogen Dioxide(NO₂ Pollution):

Breathing air with a high concentration of NO₂ Pollution can irritate the airways in the human respiratory system. Such exposures over short periods can aggravate respiratory diseases, particularly asthma, leading to respiratory symptoms (such as coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing), hospital admissions, and visits to emergency rooms. Longer exposures to elevated concentrations of NO₂ Pollution may contribute to the development of asthma and potentially increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. People with asthma, as well as children and the elderly, are generally at greater risk for the health effects of NO₂ Pollution.

NO₂ , along with other NOx, reacts with other chemicals in the air to form both particulate matter and ozone. Both of these are also harmful when inhaled due to their effects on the respiratory system.

As per the 1998 National Research Council Committee on Toxicology study, which investigated incidents of accidental exposure to NO₂ Pollution, Workers in agriculture, mining explosions, space exploration, and military activities have been accidentally exposed to high concentrations of NO₂ Pollution, resulting in a wide range of severe medical ailments, including:

  • breathing difficulty
  • fever
  • bronchial pneumonia
  • acute bronchitis
  • death

In short, the health impact of nitrogen dioxide categories is:

Short-term:
Breathing nitrogen oxides can cause:

  • Irritation of the respiratory system, eyes, and skin
  • Aggravation of respiratory diseases, particularly asthma
  • Coughing and choking
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Difficulty breathing

Skin and eye contact with nitrogen oxide gases or liquid nitrogen dioxide can cause irritation and burns.

Long-term:
Long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide can cause:

Exposure to very high levels of nitrogen oxides may cause:

  • Death
  • Genetic mutations
  • Harm to a developing fetus
  • Decreased female fertility
  • Spasms
  • Swelling of the throat
  • Rapid pulse 
  • Dilated heart

Safety Limits for Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂ Pollution):

In the industrial environment, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) has exposure limits set by OSHA that are as follows:.

Safety guidelines by OSHA for NO₂ Pollution

The EPA limit for Nitrogen Dioxide(NO₂) exposure is as follows:

The official level of the annual NO₂ standard is 0.053 ppm, equal to 53 ppb, which is shown here for the purpose of clearer comparison to the 1-hour standard.

In India CPCB has set the norms for Nitrogen Dioxide(NO₂) exposure limits that are as follows:

NO₂ Pollution CPCB Standards
NO₂ Pollution Safety Precautions

How do I evaluate the exposure to nitrogen 

According to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services fact sheet to evaluate exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), here are some answers to the following questions:

  • How hazardous is the substance?
  • How much of the substance is released into the workplace?
  • Whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur?

Safety Precautions for Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) Exposure:

  1. Change the NO₂-exposed clothes immediately.
  2. Eye wash fountains are required at the workplace for emergency use.
  3. If skin exposure happens, then emergency shower facilities should be provided.
  4. In an emergency, if the exposure limit is 20 PPM or higher, then you must use strong self-breathing apparatus approved by NIOSH with a full face piece. 
Solutions for Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂ Pollution) Exposure in Industries:

Nitrogen dioxide is harmful for industrial workers, especially welders, so industries need to take care and implement solutions to control exposure to nitrogen dioxide. The following solutions must be implemented:

Using extraction solutions:

Using extraction solutions like Filter on Welding Fumes Extraction Solutions will be very effective for reducing nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) exposure due to welding fumes. This reduces the concentration in the breathing zone of the welder effectively.

Using ventilation solutions:

Using ventilation solutions can reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) exposure to some extent, so for the safety of welders, companies must take the necessary precautions for ventilation at the workplace. The ventilation facilities have to be arranged in such a way that the welders work in the supply air stream. Ventilation systems like local exhaust ventilation (LEV) are an effective solution in such scenarios. 

Using personal protective equipment:

If the room ventilation is not adequate in particularly confined spaces, then suitable breathing masks have to be worn. These should be independent from the atmosphere, such as, for example, fresh-air breathing apparatus. Welding helmets with a compressed air supply may also be necessary in confined spaces.

Other Solutions:

Companies should pay attention to certain procedural and workplace-specific factors to ensure that nitrous gasses are released in quantities that are as low as possible. These include, among others:

  • Always use smaller burner sizes and flame lengths.
  • Avoiding free-burning flames or
  • Always maintain a small distance between the burner and the workpiece.
  • Always use low-NOx burners in boilers.
  • Please set policies that reduce the use of diesel transportation.
  • Try to switch diesel fuel-burning vehicles to electric vehicles.
  • Encourage public transport, biking, and walking.
Visit  blogs to learn more about the critical features of clean air system design and air pollution control systems created by Filter On India.

Filter On India has been working towards “Mission Zero Pollution” for the last 40+ years as a clean air solutions partner for industries. We specialize and have expertise in welding fumes, oil mist, coolant mist, dust collection, soldering, laser marking, laser cutting, plasma cutting, fumes in fastener manufacturing, ball point tip manufacturing, oil quenching, kitchen fumes, etc. Filter On has 70+ clean air solutions, so you can contact us for more information about our solutions. You can reach us through the web or visit us at our corporate office at Pune, or mail us at : marketing@filter-on.com

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5 Key Ways: To Improve performance of your Fume Extraction Systems

5 Key Ways: To Improve performance of your Fume Extraction Systems

Fume extraction systems are crucial pieces of equipment for any industry that uses metalworking, such as those that perform welding, machining, heat treatment, laser cutting, plasma cutting, EDM, and grinding processes. In this blog post, we go over the 5 key ways to make your fume extraction system work better so that you can know how you can improve the fume extraction system’s performance.

Enhancing your fume extraction system's functionality is crucial for the following reasons:

The following are benefits of performing fume extraction systems in your factory:
  • The air in your factory will remain clean and healthy.
  • Protection of Employee Health
  • Improvement in overall productivity on the shop floor
  • An improvement in the company's goodwill

Many progressive organizations make large investments in establishing fume extraction systems because of these advantages. However, it is discovered that the manufacturing environment is still contaminated in numerous locations despite the presence of fume extraction equipment.

But—hold on?

If, despite owning a fume extraction system, you do not experience the aforementioned advantages, you should reconsider and look into the following problems to determine the true cause. Filter ON is eager to assist you and offer answers when required. The primary cause is these systems' less-than-ideal performance. The following are some of the most frequent problems encountered:

5 Key Issues That Are Deteriorating the Performance of the Fume Extraction System:

If your mist collector is based on ESP technology, then you need to follow these maintenance tips:

Frequent breakdowns of fume extraction systems are due to overload of filters or overload of electric motors. Overload in filters may take place due to improper cleaning of filters, not maintaining the preventive maintenance schedules, or incorrect filter selection.

Frequent overload of the motor takes place due to improper blower-motor selection, faulty overload setting, or filter choke.

Due to frequent breakdowns in fume extractors, it is not able to extract and filter the fumes consistently, which leads to fumes escaping the shop and resulting in a polluted work environment.

Many times, imported machine tools come fitted with fume extractors and mist collectors. However, the spares of such imported fume extractors are found to be extremely costly with long lead times. Thus, the replacement is delayed by management, causing suboptimal performance or breakdowns of such imported fume extractors.

Certain components of the fume extraction system must be changed periodically. For example, if your system has cartridge filtration, you should replace it when it starts to get dirty and exhibit issues with fume capture.

One of the challenges, especially with imported fume extractors as well as some domestic manufacturers, is that the after-sale service for the equipment is not available, due to which such equipment remains in breakdown or has to be scrapped before the useful life is over.

For the fume extraction system to operate at its peak efficiency, these problems must be resolved.

So how can FilterON help you to solve the problems mentioned above?

For the past 40+ years, Filter ON India has been striving for "mission zero pollution" in the Indian air filtration industry. Filter ON, an industry partner for clean air solutions, has created and implemented 70+ clean air solutions for various applications in the industry, such as welding, brazing, grinding, plasma and laser cutting, and CNC machining.

So Filter ON has the expertise to solve the above issues and provides you the solutions to get your fume extraction problem solved. So some of the solutions we provide here are the top 5 solutions that you can think to implement:

5 Key Ways to Improve Performance of Your Fume Extraction Systems:

Improve the fume extraction performance with 5 essential tips

Machine Health Check:

By using its experience, Filter ON offers comprehensive machine health checks and can identify filtration-related problems in the work environment. Our sales or service staff will visit your location and will check some key parameters like air flow capacity, rated motor currents, and high voltage measurement (in the case of electrostatic systems) to provide you with comprehensive information about the state of the work area. With this information, proper corrective action can be planned to revive the non-performing systems which ultimately improve the fume extraction system’s performance.

Modifications:

Due to process changes, layout changes, etc., many times it is required to make relevant changes in the fume extractor system and its ducting/hood arrangement to make it effective. FilterON’s experienced design team can help in this task to ensure maximum utilization of your existing systems, which would save significant costs for you.

Renovating

There are some very old fume extractor systems with clients that would need major reconstruction. The FilterON team carefully analyzes and protects the costly spares & components in such systems and renovates the complete system to function as well as a brand new system at much lower cost than buying a new system. With this service, the FilterON team literally gives a new life to an old, outdated system, saving huge resources.

New Installations:

We provide the installation of modern fume extraction systems. Our ISO 9001:2015 and CE-marked full fume extraction solutions can undoubtedly address most of your fume extraction problems to ensure a clean and productive work environment at the lowest total ownership cost.

Imported machine component substitutes:

Filter ON offers alternative, localized spares for imported machines, eliminating worry about spare parts and improving efficiency, ensuring the safety and performance of your fume extraction system.

So by applying these measures we can conclude that we can improve fume extraction system’s performance to an greater extent.

Please contact us if you have any questions about fume extraction performance improvement.
Email us:
marketing@filter-on.com

Visit  blogs to learn more about the critical features of clean air system design and air pollution control systems created by Filter On India.

Filter On India has been working towards “Mission Zero Pollution” for the last 40+ years as a clean air solutions partner for industries. We specialize and have expertise in welding fumes, oil mist, coolant mist, dust collection, soldering, laser marking, laser cutting, plasma cutting, fumes in fastener manufacturing, ball point tip manufacturing, oil quenching, kitchen fumes, etc. Filter On has 70+ clean air solutions, so you can contact us for more information about our solutions. You can reach us through the web or visit us at our corporate office at Pune and our virtual locations at Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmadabad, Hyderabad, or Chennai locations.

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Oil Mist Collector Maintenance: Filter ON’s Expert Tips for Optimal Performance

Oil Mist Collector Maintenance: FilterON’s Expert Tips for Optimal Performance

In filtration industries, oil mist collectors play a vital role in collecting mist particles generated during the machining process, but do you know how to maintain an oil mist collector for optimal performance? What are the maintenance guidelines, i.e., tips to follow? We will see in today’s blogpost how one can clean and maintain an oil mist collector for optimal performance with Filter ON’s Maintenance Tips Guide.

Why do oil mist collectors need maintenance?

Proper maintenance of mist collectors is crucial for preventing safety hazards in the work environment. These devices capture harmful particles, preventing them from entering the workplace. Inadequate maintenance can lead to filter clogging and equipment failure, posing safety risks as well as the risk of costly component failures in the mist collectors. Regular maintenance of the oil mist collector ensures its optimal performance, which prevents escalating issues at the time of use and ensures workplace safety for workers.

Technology Wise: Oil Mist Collector Maintenance Tips

Every oil mist collector has different types of technology used, such as ESP (electrostatic precipitator) and mechanical/centrifugal mist collectors.

Want to know about health hazards related to welding fumes? Click here to read more.

Electrostatic Precipitator Technology:

If your mist collector is based on ESP technology, then you need to follow these maintenance tips:

  1. Stir uniformly for 5 to 10 minutes to form a homogeneous solution.
  2. Dip or soak the ESP Cell (Stack) for 25 to 30 minutes in this homogeneous solution. (As per Clogged ESP Cell Condition & Stickiness of the Dust Particles in It).
  3. Remove the ESP Cell (Stack) from this solution and use a spray or gun to wash it with normal high-pressure water for 15-20 minutes. (The pressure limit is not more than 4 bars.)
  4. After properly washing the ESP cell, you must dry the ESP cell (stack) in direct sunlight or using compressed air (the pressure limit is not more than 3 bars).
  5. Dry it completely, make sure, and then install Stack in the ESP Cabinet.

  • Filter ON -1 Cleaning Powder
  • Large- volume water tanks open on top with drain provision at bottom.
  • Dedicated cleaning location and drainage facility.
  • High-pressure water
  • Compressed air
  • Material Handling Provision: Forklift/stacker, trolley, etc.

Every 1000 hours of operation and more often if the working conditions require it, clean the exterior and the suction mouth of the mist collector.

Programmed Maintenance:

In order to ensure the maximum efficiency of the air filter, it is necessary to undertake preventive programmed maintenance at regular intervals.

Filter, Seals, and Rotors Maintenance:

Cleaning the filters:

Careful and regular cleaning of all the internal parts (shell, drainage pipe, drainage ring, etc.) ensures high performance and long life of the air filter.

It is also important to routinely inspect the inside of the centrifuge and the turbine blades to remove any potential deposits of metal fragments, sludge, or other debris that might lead to a loss of balance in either the centrifuge or the turbine. to get rid of any potential deposits of sludge, metal particles, or other debris that might throw the centrifuge or turbine out of balance.

For the internal cleaning of the air filter and the rotators (either turbine or centrifuge), use a clean brush saturated in a mild industrial detergent solution. Alternatively, standard liquid soaps can be used. Should the dirt be very resistant, it is advisable to remove the rotor, use an alternative cleaning solution, and allow the centrifugal device to dry in the open air or dry with a jet of compressed air.

Structural Checks Required Yearly:

Each year:

Verify that the anti-vibration joints' nuts are securely tightened.

Every year:

Check the condition of the safety tie rods.
Check the good condition of the mist collector shell.

Every 4 years:

Replace the anti-vibration joints.

Benefits of Routine Maintenance of Oil Mist Collector Systems:

  • Worker safety and well-being.
  • Organizations bound by compliance.
  • Durability of Equipment
  • Operational Efficiency

In conclusion, centrifugal and ESP filter cleaning guidelines must be adhered to, and routine maintenance of oil mist extractors is crucial. This will allow workers to breathe clean air and extend the equipment's lifespan in compliance with regulatory standards and regulations.

Please contact us if you have any questions about fume extraction maintenance.
Email us:
customersupport@filter-on.com.

Visit  blogs to learn more about the critical features of clean air system design and air pollution control systems created by Filter On India.

Filter On India has been working towards “Mission Zero Pollution” for the last 40+ years as a clean air solutions partner for industries. We specialize and have expertise in welding fumes, oil mist, coolant mist, dust collection, soldering, laser marking, laser cutting, plasma cutting, fumes in fastener manufacturing, ball point tip manufacturing, oil quenching, kitchen fumes, etc. Filter On has 70+ clean air solutions, so you can contact us for more information about our solutions. You can reach us through the web or visit us at our corporate office at Pune and our virtual locations at Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmadabad, Hyderabad, or Chennai locations.

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