How Does a Plymovent Extraction Bench Work?
- nathalie1317
- 48 minutes ago
- 3 min read
When welding, grinding, cutting, or polishing metal, harmful airborne contaminants are released into the workplace. These can include welding fumes, metal dust, grinding particles, and smoke, all of which can pose significant health risks if not properly controlled.
An extraction bench is designed to capture these contaminants directly at the source, helping businesses maintain a safer, cleaner, and more compliant working environment. At A-Mac Environmental, we regularly advise customers on effective Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) solutions, including extraction benches that help businesses meet their COSHH and HSE obligations.
The Plymovent Extraction Bench
The Plymovent DraftMax range combines a robust workbench with an integrated extraction and filtration system. Instead of allowing fumes and dust to spread throughout the workshop, the system pulls contaminated air away from the operator as work is being carried out.
How Does It Work?
1. Contaminants Are Captured at Source
The work surface of the DraftMax bench is designed with extraction openings beneath the work area. As welding, grinding, or cutting takes place, a powerful airflow draws fumes, smoke, and dust downwards through the bench before they can enter the operator's breathing zone.
2. Downdraft and Backdraft Extraction
Many DraftMax models use both downdraft and backdraft extraction.
Downdraft extraction pulls contaminants downward through the work surface.
Backdraft extraction draws rising fumes backwards through a rear extraction panel.
This dual-action design is particularly effective for welding fumes, which naturally rise due to heat. Plymovent states that the backdraft option can provide approximately 80% of extraction through the rear panel and 20% through the work surface for optimal fume capture.
3. Spark Arresting
Before contaminated air reaches the filters, it passes through integrated spark arresters. These help prevent sparks and hot particles from reaching the filter media, improving safety and extending filter life.
4. Filtration
Depending on the model selected, contaminated air passes through disposable or self-cleaning filter cartridges.
The larger DraftMax units feature substantial filter surface areas and automatic cleaning systems that maintain extraction performance while reducing maintenance requirements. HEPA filtration options are also available for applications involving high-alloy stainless steels and hazardous welding fumes.
5. Clean Air Discharge
After filtration, the cleaned air can either:
Be safely recirculated (where appropriate and compliant with risk assessments).
Be discharged externally through ductwork.
Be connected to a central filtration system, such as Plymovent's MDB or SCS.
Typical Applications
A Plymovent extraction bench can be used for:
MIG/MAG welding
TIG welding
MMA welding
Grinding
Plasma cutting
Laser cutting
Polishing
General metal fabrication
Different models are available for light-duty workshops, educational facilities, and heavy industrial manufacturing environments.
Why Source Capture Matters
Many businesses rely solely on general workshop ventilation. While this can help dilute airborne contaminants, it does not remove them at source.
Source capture LEV systems such as the DraftMax:
✅ Reduce employee exposure to hazardous substances
✅ Improve workshop cleanliness
✅ Reduce dust accumulation on machinery
✅ Support COSHH compliance
✅ Help businesses follow HSE guidance on controlling welding fumes
By capturing contaminants before they spread, extraction benches provide a far more effective control measure than relying on general ventilation alone.
How A-Mac Environmental Can Help
At A-Mac Environmental, we provide complete LEV solutions throughout Scotland and the UK, including:
LEV surveys and site assessments
System design and specification
COSHH-compliant LEV testing and certification
Maintenance and repairs
Ongoing service contracts
Whether you're considering a Plymovent extraction bench for a welding bay or require a complete workshop extraction system, our experienced P601-qualified engineers can help you select the most effective solution for your application.
Need Advice on Extraction Benches?
Not every extraction bench is suitable for every process. Factors such as the material being worked, contaminant type, usage levels, and workspace layout all affect the correct specification.
Contact the team at:
Our team can assess your requirements and recommend the most appropriate LEV solution to keep your workforce protected and your business compliant.
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