During the many years of pioneering prosthetics work which have taken place at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, in Stanmore, there have been countless innovations.
The innovative, cutting-edge prosthetic technology continues, with the installation of a new robotic machining centre to expedite the production process of custom-made upper extremity prosthetic products.
Situated in a purpose built and dedicated manufacturing room, the requirement for effective local exhaust ventilation, was evident early in the planning, to ensure effective control of dust created at source.
Fercell were contacted to design and implement a dust extraction solution, which would allow the facility to operate at maximum efficiency, whilst adhering to HSE guidelines and create a safe working environment.
Dust Extraction Solution
The process of machining prosthetics inevitably creates large amounts of dust, which poses a hazard to the health of anyone in the vicinity and can impair the operation of the robot cell. The solution needed to encompass source dust capture, whilst also offering a means of removing any other composite dust from around the facility.
Located outside, a UF2/hX dust collection filter unit, equipped with explosion relief panel, is connected to the centralised ducting system with a non-return ATEX valve, to isolate the robotic facility from the dust collection in the event of an explosion.
Waste collection is fully sealed, in two quick-release steel bins equipped with bin level sensors which provide a visual status on the main control panel, sited inside the production area.
Connection to the machining robot via a capture hood provides effective capture of debris directly at the point of milling, before transporting it through the centralised duct system for collection within the UF dust filter.
Additionally, the system has dual floor vacuum dust collection kits installed in the room for clean-up of any stray dust and chippings. The lightweight construction of the floor vacuum allows flexibility and a user-friendly solution to keep the facility clean. When not in use, the wall mounts keep it neatly stored.
The UF dust extractor features an automatic filter cleaning mechanism, to optimise performance, and explosion relief panel, to disperse explosive pressures in a controlled manner if ever needed.
In addition to the preparatory ATEX relief panel, the duct system incorporates a non-return ATEX valve, preventing an explosion travelling back through the ducting into the manufacturing room.
Also, included as part of the installation and commissioning was LEV testing, ensuring optimal system performance and safe operation. It’s important to note that an LEV assessment is required directly after installation and the at least once every 14 months to comply with COSHH regulations.
The completed installation of the robotic manufacturing facility and the centralised local exhaust ventilation system has not only improved prosthetics production capacity, but most importantly it provides the option to create bespoke products for individual patients in a timelier manner.
Fercell have been delivering industrial ventilation solutions for over four decades. Whether you are looking for dust, fume, oil mist, spray or weld fume extraction, we can provide a solution tailored to meet your LEV requirements. From design, production, installation and servicing, Fercell provides complete solutions. Contact us to discuss your project requirements.
