Solent University - LEV Systems

Solent University LEV Installation

• Full design of LEV specialist extraction systems 
• Complete Fit-out, installation and mechanical and electrical commissioning of fume extraction equipment 
• LEV commissioning of welding, plasma, oven and 3D printing extraction systems 
• Provision and installation of intelligent system control panels 
• Design, installation and routing of comprehensive discreet ducting system to suit current building layout 

AES carried out installations across the site for the extraction of welding fumes, plasma cutting benches, canopies for oven extraction and benchtop extraction cabinets for 3D printing and curing as follows: 

System-01 – Weld/grind extraction system serving: 

• 6 downdraught benches 
• 1 fume extract arm at demonstration bench 

System-02 – Weld/grind extraction system serving: 

• 10 downdraught benches 

System-03 – Plasma cutting extraction system serving: 

• 2 downdraught plasma benches 

AES installed a Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) solution designed to manage airborne contaminants in welding and grinding environments. This system serves a total of six downdraught benches, each engineered to capture particulates and fumes and dust directly at the source, ensuring a cleaner and safer workspace for students and staff engaged in metalworking tasks. The downdraught bench design minimizes the spread of hazardous particles, enhancing both air quality and compliance with health and safety standards. 

In addition to the benches, this system included a fixed fume extract arm positioned at a demonstration bench, offering flexible and targeted extraction for instructional or precision work. This arm allows for easy repositioning to suit various tasks, making it ideal for training sessions or detailed demonstrations. Together, these components form a comprehensive extraction system that reflects AES’s commitment to compliance and workplace safety. The installation not only meets COSHH requirements but also supports long-term operational efficiency and employee/student wellbeing. 

The system is controlled by a remote operation panel that connects the Variable Speed Drive (VSD) to the PID function within the university providing a demand based control function with automatic filter cleaning, and auto control dampers at each extract point. On each of the individual extract points AES have also provided hood digital hood airflow indicators as a visual aid. The system is routed from the benches and arm with Glavanised spiral ductwork to an externally mounted filter unit that contains an integrated fan, sound enclosure and high efficiency cartridge filters with automatic cleaning. 

Similar to the installation of System 01 above, this system served a total to 10 1m Downdraught benches, connected to a large industrial filtration system with an integrated fan, sound enclosure and automatically cleaned high efficiency cartridge filters. AES have also taken extra care to provide sound attenuation for these systems to further reduce noise pollution. 

Each of the 1m downdraught benches was placed in an individual room or booth, contained within welding curtains that allows staff and students to work in a secluded and secure environment. 

As with all installations the system was commissioned in accordance with HSG258 guidance and the COSHH regulations and fitted with digital hood airflow indicators.

Our GEB downdraft extraction benches are made to order by our manufacturing partner in Italy. This configuration included a outlet spigot above the rear extraction panel and a custom slotted work surface for increased airflow and to allow students to easily clamp workpieces to the surface.

Within the same area, the university had a requirement for plasma cutting to take place for student demonstration and training within the curriculum. 

AES provided a dedicated filtration system that served two specific plasma cutting downdraught extraction benches. These benches were specially designed for this process by one of our manufacturing partners Geovent.  

Our filtration unit for this system consisted of a sound-attenuated fan enclosure integrated within the unit, and high efficiency flameproof cartridge filters that are automatically cleaned using compressed air pulse. 

The ducting package for this system is routed at low level to the external filtration system and discreetly installed along the profile of the external wall, to reduce space and increase efficiency.

This system was controlled effectively by an intelligent control panel, wired by AES engineers to interface with the building BIM system and allow for efficient power output of the extraction system. This will provide better energy efficiency and more control to the staff at the university going forward.

Various canopy extract systems were required for heat treatment ovens across the university within the storeroom, fab/weld areas and marine wet lab. A smaller system for bench mounted resin ovens was also installed for resign 3D printing curing machines. 

For these systems AES provided extract for electrical ovens used for the heating of various Mild Steels and occasional alloys. Custom galvanised steel canopies at the oven locations were designed by AES and fabricated by one of our manufacturing partners in Glasgow. 

Each set of canopies was routed by spiral galvanised steel ducting to a externally mounted fan unit connected to a specific VSD panel controllable by the operator and balanced on commissioning for maximum performance and efficiency by AES. 

Each canopy was fitted with a visual digital airflow indicator so that operators and clear indication of system performance whilst in use and during maintenance.

For this area AES provided self contained fan and filter fume cabinet hoods from one of our main manufacturing partners Donaldson BOFA.  

The FumeCAB 1000 iQ systems provided were used to contain and reduce exposure to fumes and vapours associated with working on resins and associated substances.

The FumeCAB 1000iQ provides users with a safe environment to work within, equipped with a ultra-bright, energy-saving LED lights, long-life, low-cost replacement HEPA filters & advanced carbon filters, a high contrast digital display and remote diagnostics available via USB.

This system also utilised airflow technology for energy efficiency and flexibility. Reverse flow air technology reduces velocity and changes air direction, causing larger particulate to fall into the filter’s drop-out chamber. This decreases particulate entering the filter media, significantly enhancing filter capture performance, and extending filter life. Automatic flow control allows the user to pre-set the correct airflow rates for the specific application, subsequently helping to maintain the airflow. This generates lower noise levels and helps to protect the more expensive HEPA filters.

The Intelligent Operating System (iQ) provides easy-to-access real-time data on the extraction system’s performance. It offers multiple performance enhancements, including improved extraction efficiency, individual filter status monitoring, and integrated design features designed to lower the cost of ownership.