Frequently asked questions about:

Filters

Question 1:
How long does a filter last?
Answer:
It is only possible to give a general answer to this question. Several tests from hand soldering show that a MG particle filters, not included MG350, can handle up to 22 lbs. of solder wire 1% flux. This figure relates to 1500 h rework on PCB’s in electronic production. The gas filter is designed from these figures.

Question 2:
How can you tell if the filter system filters the gases you want to eliminate?
Answer:
FT’s MG filters are designed for hand soldering, gluing, solvents, conformal coating and cleaning in electronic production applications.  The filters can handle VOC’s and residues from acids. The capacity for gases is 1.1 ~ 3.3 pounds of gas per filter. NOTE! The quality of the air in the building will effect on the gas filter life time.

Question 3:
How do I handle consumed filters?
Answer:
If the filter is classified as hazardous waste, you must comply with local regulations. If the goods are not classified as waste it can be burnt.  In Lidköping, Sweden, consumed filters, used within the electronics industry, are looked upon as combustible waste, if it does not contain heavy metals.  

Question 4:
Are the FT products ESD-safe?
Answer:
Most of the products are tested and approved by SP. You can also see the web site of SP, The Test and Research-Institute of Sweden, at http://www.sp.se/eng/default.htm

Question 5:
Why are FT's high airflow filters often bigger than the filter of the competitors?
Answer:
Our units consist are designed with gases in mind.  To achieve function for a gas filter, it is absolutely necessary that the gas molecules stay in the gas filter for a specific time period.  If the gas media is too small, the degree of separation decreases dramatically. This means that the volume/size of the filter decides how much air can pass the filter per hour. The filters in all our units are designed to handle the air quantity going to filter. If the size of the filter is made smaller the gas filter will not work the way it is meant to.

Question 6:
How can you tell if the filter system filtrates exactly the gases you want to eliminate?
Answer:
FT's filter system is equipped with a broad spectra gas filter as standard, which theoretically can eliminate gas corresponding to 25 % of the weight of the filter substance. The gases you can eliminate are gases with a molecule weight >40 g/Mol and a boiling point > +/- 0 °C.

Systems

Question 1:
Why are FT's high airflow systems often bigger in size than the competitors?
Answer:
The MG filter systems contain particle/gas filter, powerful blower and a internal silencer. The gas filter volume size is calculated to give a dwell time >0.3 seconds for the process air in the gas filter media, running the filter system on max rated airflow.

Question 2:
What is the recommended length of the hoses connected to the high vacuum filter system and what is the maximum length?
Answer:
Always the same length and size to all the irons connected to the same filter system. Recommendation max 8 feet.

Question 3:
What are common applications for CBC within the electronic industry?
Answer:
Adhesive applications, Solvent cleaning, BGA rework stations, large PCB’s, cleaning coating and molding operations.

Question 4:
What happens with the air curtain when you are working with hands/arms in the CBC?
Answer:
The CBC-A cabinet is tested, and the result shows a maximum leakage <5 %, which is similar to a fume cabinet.

Question 5:
What is the noise level of the FT- units?
Answer:
We manufacture the quietest units on the market. The noise level is between 39-52 dB depending on the unit and the utilization of the capacity.

Question 6:
What is the noise level of the MG - units?
Answer:
We manufacture the quietest units on the market. The noise level is between 39-55 dB depending on the unit and the utilization of the capacity.

Question 7:
What is the air flow in a suction cabinet?
Answer:
The air speed should never be below 1.5 ft/sec in the opening of the suction cabinet, which means that the size of the opening of the suction cabinet decides the air quantity.

Question 8:
How do I choose the right type of nozzle to an extraction arm?
Answer:
The ambition is to create a suction power which exceeds gas diffusion and thermo dynamic air movements to avoid the process air moving in the premises. A rule of thumb is to have > 1.5 ft/sec towards the nozzle where the pollution is generated. In practice it is ergonomics and size of the printed circuit cards which decide the choice of nozzle.

Use

Question 1:
How often do you have to clean clip-on nozzles and hoses connected to the filter system?
Answer:
From twice a day to once a week, depending on type of work. The nozzle will start to make whistling noise and the capacity will decrease when the system clogs up.

Question 2:
How shall the nozzle be placed to achieve best function?
Answer:
Towards the bench top and as close as possible to the polluting object.

Question 3:
What is the optimal capacity in an extraction arm for use at a bench top?
Answer:
The capacity should be 30 – 45 cfm.   When using the suction nozzle in the right way the air flow 30 – 45 cfm is enough to catch the gases and particles that arise at working spots at for e.g. soldering, adhesives and solvent cleaning processes.

Question 4:
When do you use an extraction integrated in the soldering iron? (High vacuum system >6kPa)?
Answer:
A soldering iron with integrated suction nozzle is excellent to use at working spots with 1-2 soldering irons and repeatable working tasks. This is one of the most cost effective ways of avoiding hazardous smoke and gas from hand soldering to get into the surroundings.

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Filtronic North America - 911 Bartlett Terrace - Libertyville, IL  60048 - 847-508-5471 (Office) - 847-367-4345 – (Fax)

www.filtronicna.com    -   info@filtronicna.com