McCarthy Environmental Ltd

Introducing the new EnergyTech 301 Dust Monitor

McCarthy Environmental Ltd — 10/07/2020

The EnergyTech 301 unit is a new low cost dust monitor using well-proven technology providing accurate and rapid results.

Being adaptable it can be used on duct sizes from 250mm to 5m making the EnergyTech 301 a suitable sensor for a wide range of applications where a dust measurement is required.

Direct sensing method; actual particulate concentration
Automated online zero and span checking facility
Integrated calibration function for mg/m3 output
Proven sample port design with minimal maintenance requirements
Adaptable, making it suitable for virtually all dust collectors
Rugged & robust design developed for easy installation and maintenance

EnergyTech 301 continuous dust monitor uses the well-proven tribo-electric sensor technology to directly measure mass particulate concentration by sensing the frictional charge created when particles collide with a conductor.

The advanced electronics of the EnergyTech 301 detect this signal and present it to the operator via RS485 or 4-20mA directly out from the sensor head. The EnergyTech 201 also features a built in display for viewing live sensor data as well as for configuration and calibration.

The measurement levels can be corrected to mg/m3 via an integrated calibration function.

The tribo-electric technique is extremely sensitive, capable of detecting dust concentrations of less than 1mg/m3 in small ducts.

The EnergyTech 301 requires no critical alignment and has no optical surfaces to keep clean. The sensor is easy to install, requiring only a simple probe and is ideal for small duct sizes.

Minimal maintenance is required, infrequent probe cleaning and low installation costs make this technology extremely attractive for dust collector monitoring.

Technical Specification

Sensor Unit

Operating Principle Tribo Electric

Operating Range 0.07 to 6500mg/m3 or 0 - 100%

Particle Size 0.1 to 100μm

Gain 0.5 to 1000

Resolution 0.01%

Response Time 1sec to 1hr (operator selectable)

Alarm Level Programmable by user

Probe Lengths 250, 500, 750 & 1000mm

Flue Gas Temperature 0°C to +200°C

Ambient Temperature -20°C to +55°C

Power Supply 85-265V AC (24V version available)

Construction aluminium casting, weatherproof to IP67 (NEMA 4)

Dimensions (mm) H160 x W160 x D90

Mounting Arrangment Supplied 1” BSP, 100mm Long Stub Pipe

Compliances

EMC 89/336/EEC directive compliant

Low Voltage 73/23/EEC directive compliant)

Customer Interface

Analogue Outputs 4-20mA opto-isolated

Alarm Outputs alarm relay 2.5A @ 24V

Digital Outputs RS485 Modbus Bi-Directional

Display 32 Character alpha-numeric back-lit LCD)

Keypad 4-key soft-touch entry

Compliances

Power 85-265V AC (24V version available)

To find out more, call McCarthy Environmental on 01604 635333 and ask for Andy or email andy@mccarthy-environmental.co.uk

https://mccarthy-environmental.co.uk/introducing-codel-international-ltds-energytech-301/

Introducing the new Geovent PM-180 Portable Weld Fume Extraction Unit

McCarthy Environmental Ltd — 10/07/2020

The GEOVENT portable extraction unit PM-180-1 is suitable for extraction of welding fumes and vapours where it is not possible to establish a stationary point for extraction.

Delivered assembled and ready to use, with 2 x 5 m ø125mm or ø160mm hose and aluminium hood with magnet.

A perfect solution for situations where there is a requirement for quick and flexible extraction.

Technical Data:

230V 50Hz, 0,55 kW fan
Start/stop switch and circuit breaker 10A
Air flow without hose: 1.400 m³/h
Air flow with normal use of hose: 600 m³/h (ø125mm) 800 m³/h (ø160mm)
Air flow with fully extended hose: 700 m³/h (ø125mm) 1.100 m³/h (ø160mm)
Made of galvanized sheet metal with epoxy coated carrying bracket. All screws and bolts are electroplated
2 x 5 m ø125mm or ø160 mm flexible and lightweight hose with socket fittings for easy connection
Epoxy coated hood with heavy duty magnet
ABS-plastic handle for high mobility of fan
Weight: 19,3kg
Sound level: 68dB(A)

To find out more, call McCarthy Environmental on 01604 635333 and ask for Andy or email andy@mccarthy-environmental.co.uk.

Unusual Rigging Ltd - A Case Study: High Vacuum On-Torch Welding Fume & Dust Central Extraction System

McCarthy Environmental Ltd — 17/01/2020

ESTA COMPASOG SR – High Vacuum On-Torch Welding Fume & Dust Central Extraction System

The recent reclassification of mild steel welding fume as a Group 1 carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for the Research on Cancer (IARC) has made many businesses change their view on welders’ respiratory protection. In response, the HSE issued a change in enforcement expectations and legislation relating to control of exposure to mild steel welding fumes:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/mild-steel-welding-fume.htm#utm_source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=welding-alert&utm_content=ebul-link-1

Following these changes, we were approached by Unusual Rigging Ltd to design and implement a new central extraction system which would provide efficient control of both fumes from their MIG welding operations alongside grinding dust from finishing work.

Due to the nature of their project based operations, requirements were for a fixed central system with multiple extraction points which would allow for flexibility in use to support the varying sizes of project fabrication work.

The ESTA COMPASOG SR system satisfied these requirements, as a compact central system providing for both direct on-torch extraction of welding fumes and on-tool extraction for grinding dusts. Each extraction unit was connected via a duct system to control up to three twin extraction points per unit.

The ESTA COMPASOG SR houses a two-stage filter system, comprising integrated cyclone pre-separator and main permanent filter cartridge, complete with automatic sensor driven pulse jet filter cleaning mechanism. Three high performance motors offer 1.8kW each, delivering up to 980m3/h air volume and a maximum negative pressure of 22000Pa.

The COMPASOG SR is a plug and play unit and comes complete with integrated control gear and volt free contact for automatic starting. HXLW couplings are fitted with a micro switch for remote auto starting of the system and allows for continuous operation when equipment is connected.

Demonstrating with extraction off and on. The fume cloud pictured on the left below rises past the welder’s breathing zone. This is controlled and captured by the on-torch extraction, as pictured on the right:

Lizzie Richmond, Operations Manager at Unusual Rigging Ltd commented, “We were looking for a specialist to provide a solution for our extraction requirements. McCarthy Environmental Ltd have supported us from the outset, recommending, designing and installing a suitable system that would provide control of welding fumes and dust to protect our fabrication team. The installation is great and it has been refreshing to work with a partner that genuinely has our best interest and needs at their forefront. We look forward to the continued development of our relationship.”

The ESTA COMPASOG is a versatile high performance, high vacuum extraction system. Its compact and user friendly design can be adapted for use with welding fumes, metal dust, plastic dust, paper dust and mineral dust.

The following link provides a summary of solutions and risks relating to exposure to mild steel welding fume:

https://mccarthy-environmental.co.uk/working-safely-with-welding-fume-a-summary-of-solutions-and-risks/

Introducing the new E-PURE ASPRA plug and play filtration unit to help combat the spread of viruses and bacteria within the workplace.

McCarthy Environmental Ltd — 12/10/2020

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, air filtration and purification is now more important than ever. This airborne virus moves through small water droplets called bio-aerosols, emphasising the fact that air purification is crucial for controlling the virus.

The E-PURE ASPRA technology starts by extracting bio-aerosols from the air and guiding them to a filter. Once inside all biological pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and fungi, along with particle matter and gases are positively ionized by an electric field, killing or deactivating the biological pathogens. The charged pathogens and particles are then guided and captured in a collection chamber preventing them from spreading any further, thereby removing them from the air permanently.

The E-Pure Aspra unit can effectively supplement and support existing protective measures, such as wearing a face mask, maintaining minimum distance and regular ventilation of rooms, thus reducing the risk of infection for employees.

Advantages of E-PURE ASPRA air purification

Efficient removal of fine dust
High filtration efficiency (>99%)
No microbial growth in filters
Kills and inactivates viruses
Removes gases and odours from the air with optional activated carbon filters
Low energy consumption and cost efficient
Flexible placement
Purifies the whole room
Low sound production
Low maintenance
Easy filter replacement

To find out more, call 01604 635333 and ask for Andy or email andy@mccarthy-environmental.co.uk

Advance Engineering Exhibition 2022

McCarthy Environmental Ltd — 27/10/2022

We are excited to exhibit at Advanced Engineering 2022 on November 2^nd and 3^rd 2022 together with our German partner ESTA Extraction. This event is the UK’s largest annual gathering of OEMs and engineering supply chain professionals. Save the date and come and visit us at stand Q110, meet the team and find out more information about what we do and what we can offer.

Welcome to the team Marco!

McCarthy Environmental Ltd — 05/11/2020

Welcome to the Team Marco!

We are delighted to have Marco join us as our new Junior Project Engineer, particularly during these challenging times!

Marco graduated from Loughborough University in 2020 with a First Class Honours degree in MEng Aeronautical Engineering.

Marco stated, "By launching my career in LEV systems at McCarthy Environmental Ltd I am determined to play a part in providing quality solutions; helping to engineer clean air for people and the environment."

#madefutures #workplacesafety

New BOHS Endorsed Training Centre

McCarthy Environmental Ltd — 20/01/2020

The new McCarthy Environmental Centre of Excellence, based at our Swan Valley head office in Northampton, is the only one of its kind in the region and offers a range of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) and Occupational Hygiene related courses.

The courses combine classroom learning with practical demonstrations on equipment in our purpose built training facility. Courses will equip businesses and staff with a practical understanding of how LEV systems work and the responsibilities for both employers and employees. The training will help businesses to comply with current regulations under CoSHH, whilst learning about exposure to fumes, dust and contaminants in the workplace.

Occupational Hygienist Amy Jackson has joined the McCarthy Environmental team to run its new Centre of Excellence. With over 20 years' experience as a Health & Safety Consultant, Amy has been undertaking the provision of health & safety services including statutory LEV testing and examinations, occupational hygiene monitoring and health & safety training and documentation.

All courses will feature a short multiple choice examination, course notes and hands-on demonstrations with LEV equipment. Endorsed by the BOHS, each candidate's examination is independently marked and assessed by the BOHS and successful candidates are awarded a BOHS Certificate of Achievement.

The course has been designed for:

Employers
Managers, including those responsible for production, building facilities and maintenance
SHEQ managers
Engineers, including production and design engineers
Maintenance personnel
Supervisors and team leaders
Employees and operatives.

For further information, call 01604 635333, email enquiries@mccarthy-environemntal.co.uk or click on https://mccarthy-environmental.co.uk/lev-centre-of-excellence/

VirBox Captures 99.995% of Viruses Including COVID

McCarthy Environmental Ltd — 16/10/2020

Extraction and Local Exhaust Ventilation providers, McCarthy Environmental now offer two new mobile filter devices, the ESTA VirBox and E-PURE ASPRA, designed to reduce viral load, such as COVID, in work areas. Incorporating a highly efficient HEPA 14 filter and positive ionization technology respectively, the devices capture and contain 99.995% of viruses held in aerosols from the extracted air.

McCarthy Environmental provide systems and support services to control harmful substances and fumes within engineering, manufacturing and industrial operations. As an independent specialist, McCarthy provide a full range of quality products to manage welding fumes, dust, oil mist and odours, alongside a bespoke manufacturing capability which provides for complete, cost-effective turnkey solutions from consultation and design, through to installation, commissioning, operator training and ongoing systems maintenance.

The plug and play devices from McCarthy Environmental are compact and easy use, making them suitable for any working environment whilst effectively supporting current Government measures in place to help reduce the risk of COVID-19, such as regular ventilation, social distancing and PPE.

Installed with an EC motor, the devices are quiet in operation, also making them suitable for offices or low volume working areas. This makes the device more energy efficient with minimal expense to run the device whilst relieving environmental pressures. Andy Shearer, Business Development Manager at McCarthy Environmental, said:

“These devices are vital for working environments. Essentially they will suck in any viruses and bacteria in the air and either contain them or kill them.”

The VirBox started off as a new welding fume filter, however, it has now been adapted based on the current threat of COVID-19. This product stands out from any others on the market, for this reason, Andy continued:

“As these units have been put together specifically with COVID in mind, it gives additional piece of mind to any employer regarding risk and protecting their staff's health. It’s important that we invest in protecting our workforce.”

Members of the Made in Group have already shown interest in the VirBox and E-PURE ASPRA including Portakabin, Myworkwear and Morris Machinery.

To find out more, call 01604 635333 and ask for Andy or email andy@mccarthyenvironmental.co.uk

Working Safely with Oil Mist - the ESTA OILMAC Oil Mist Separator

McCarthy Environmental Ltd — 16/01/2020

In modern day manufacturing, we must evaluate the potential impact that our operations may have on the workplace environment and operatives’ wellbeing and long term health.

Oil mist arising from metalworking and machining operations can cause a variety of irritations and conditions.

Workers who are exposed to oil mists and aerosols resulting from the use of cooling lubricants during machining processes are at risk of developing skin disorders such as dermatitis, or respiratory problems such as occupational asthma, bronchitis, irritation of the upper respiratory tract, breathing difficulties or even a rarer lung disease known as extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA).

Oil mist and aerosols arising from the use of cooling lubricants can be caused by:

Mechanical effect – through vaporisation of the cooling lubricant around quick rotating tools, eg milling, turning, grinding.
Though condensation of vaporised cooling lubricant on warm surfaces, eg warm components stored in the open may pollute ambient air with emissions.

All surfaces coated with cooling lubricants could be considered as a source of emission. The warmer the surface, the greater the risk of contamination, which increases the risk to employees within the immediate environment.

COSHH Regulations require exposure to metalworking fluids by inhalation, ingestion or skin contact to be prevented where reasonably practicable, or failing that, adequately controlled. Implementation of exposure control measures, such as Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems will help achieve the necessary control and risk reduction.

Oil Mist Separators

Oil mist separators, as part of an effective LEV system, will control oil mist and aerosols produced during metalworking operations.

As an alternative to centrifugal impaction units, the ESTA OILMAC, as a mechanical filter unit, is a powerful oil mist separator with key benefits. For example, the unit design allows for tool free access without the need for specialist service engineers, making maintenance and filter cleaning or filter changes quick and easy, saving time and money on servicing and maintenance costs.

Key benefits of the OILMAC include:

Effective control and filtration of oil and emulsion mists which arise when using cooling lubricants for machining processes
Savings where collected and condensed coolants are returned back to the coolant tank
Installation - directly mounted onto machine enclosure, stand mount or floor standing options are available.
Three-stage filtration system:
- Pre-separator: a wear free mesh separator and class G4 filter pad separates coarse and solid particles.
- Main separator: a washable main separator filters the aerosols where they may then be returned to the machine coolant reservoir via drains integrated within the filter housing or discharged into a waste tank.
- A HEPA H13 filter extracts the remaining aerosols, providing separation efficiency of 99.95% or above.
Unit design allows for tool free access, making in-house maintenance and filter cleaning or filter changes quick and easy, saving time and money on servicing and maintenance costs, all without the need for specialist tools or training.
Filtered clean air is returned to the work area to help save heat and energy.

Space Saving Design:

OILMAC devices are usually directly installed on the enclosure of the processing machine and connected with a hose.

Easy Filter Change:

The inlet and fan unit module or the inspection opening allows easy access to the device interior. This enables service or filter changes to be quick and easy without the need for specialist tools.

99.95% Separation Efficiency:

The most important content in the OILMAC series is the three-stage filter system, including HEPA filter with separation efficiency of 99.95 %. Long life filters guarantee low operating costs.

Pre-Separator: a wear-free separator made of metal mesh, and a class G4 filter pad, separate coarse and solid particles.

Main Separator: the washable main separator redirects the air stream to separate the aerosols. Gravity directs these down through the siphon connection, where they can be discharged.

Secondary Filter: an HEPA H 13 filter extracts the remaining aerosols with 99.95 % efficiency. Alternatively, a combination mesh separator can also be used.

Controlling oil and emulsion mist not only contributes to employee health, the separators also help minimise coolant deposits within the machine enclosure, which helps reduce machine cleaning and maintenance costs.

See more… https://mccarthy-environmental.co.uk/product/oilmac-400-oil-mist-separators-standard-with-hepa-filter-esta/

To find out more from HSE, see the following links:

About Metalworking Fluids: http://www.hse.gov.uk/metalworking/about.htm

Working Safely With Metalworking Fluids – A Guide for Employees: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg365.pdf

Working Safely with Oil Mist – The ESTA FILTOWER-L for Oil Mist

McCarthy Environmental Ltd — 16/01/2020

In modern day manufacturing, we must evaluate the potential impact that our operations may have on the workplace environment and workers’ wellbeing and long term health.

In 'Working Safely with Oil Mist - The ESTA OILMAC Oil Mist Separator', we summarised the need to control oil mist and aerosols within metalworking and machining environments and highlighted how the OILMAC oil mist separator can help control this as a LEV solution. Below we have detailed the Filtower-L stand alone, plug and play filtration tower to complement oil mist LEV systems and to improve the general working environment surrounding metalworking and machining operations…

What are the dangers of oil mist arising from metalworking and machining?

Workers who are exposed to oil mist from using cooling lubricants during machining processes are at risk of developing skin disorders, such as dermatitis, or respiratory problems, such as occupational asthma, bronchitis, irritation of the upper respiratory tract, breathing difficulties or even a rarer lung disease known as extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA).

What causes oil mist and fumes during the use of cooling lubricants?

Oil mist and fumes can be caused by mechanical effect – through vaporisation of the cooling lubricant around quick rotating tools such as milling, turning and grinding. They can also be caused through the condensation of vaporised cooling lubricant on warm surfaces, such as warm components stored in the open polluting ambient air with emissions. All surfaces coated with cooling lubricants could be considered as a source of emission. The warmer the surface, the greater the risk of contamination, which increases the risk to employees.

What regulations are in place?

COSHH regulations require exposure to metalworking fluids by inhalation, ingestion or skin contact to be prevented where reasonably practicable, or failing that, adequately controlled. Implementation of exposure control measures, such as Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) and complimentary systems will help to control this and reduce the risk.

Controlling oil mist and aerosols not only contributes to employee health, this also provides a positive impact on the general working environment. Machinery, premises and tertiary equipment also benefit from controlling coolant deposits, from a reduced impact on wear and tear and a reduction in general maintenance costs through to an improvement on general building décor.

ESTA FILTOWER-L

The ESTA FILTOWER-L is a stand-alone, plug and play hall ventilation system for the supplementary filtration of oil mist and aerosols arising from metalworking and machining operations. These are used to compliment LEV systems to improve the internal environment or where local containment extraction may not be not practical.

FILTOWER systems work according to the layer and displacement ventilation principle.

Key benefits of the Filtower-L system:

The system draws polluted air in through the top of the unit from a radius of up to 15m, which then flows through a multi-level filter system, providing for a high separation efficiency and longer filter life.

A pre-separation system filters coarse particles, which leads to an improved life span of the filter cartridges. Following pre-separation, residual fine particles are passed through long life cartridge filters with 99.9% separation efficiency.

Cleaned air is recirculated via diffusers on the sides at floor level, with minimal draft to ensure employees are continuously supplied with fresh air in a targeted way. This also boosts air circulation as the air supply from below supports the uplift of pollutants, facilitating their intake and continuing the cycle.

In contrast to central systems, the Filtower stand-alone, plug and play ventilation system requires no duct work or pipe systems. The units are supplied fully assembled and can be deployed flexibly in the work space.

The sound insulated housing design and low-draft clean air diffusers ensure a pleasant working environment, even in direct proximity to the equipment.

Separated coolant is collected in a container with drain plug, allowing for easy disposal, or a pump can be fitted to return the collected lubricant to the coolant reservoir.

Cost savings: the system enables full recirculation of the cleaned air back into the work place, thereby reducing energy consumption by preventing the need to re-heat air which has been vented externally to atmosphere.

The ECO+ and Ecolight models are equipped with frequency invertors with fully automatic sensor control or manually adjustable volumetric air flow control, enabling extraction performance to be adapted to demand, allowing for additional energy savings.

To find out more from HSE, see the following links:

About Metalworking Fluids:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/metalworking/about.htm

Working Safely With Metalworking Fluids – A Guide for Employees: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg365.pdf

Working Safely with Welding Fumes

McCarthy Environmental Ltd — 16/01/2020

In modern day manufacturing, we must evaluate the potential impact that our operations may have on the workplace environment and operatives’ wellbeing and long term health.

Welding fume comprises a varying mixture of airborne gases and very fine particles. The visible part of the fume cloud comprises mainly particles of metal and metal oxide. The level of risk from welding fume will depend on how toxic and concentrated the fume is and how long you are exposed to breathing in the fume. Common gases associated with welding fume include nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, shielding gas and ozone.

Reducing exposure to welding fume:

As an employer, there are a number of options available to protect workers from exposure and equipment available now is more capable than it has ever been. One highly effective solution is to implement a Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system to control the airborne contaminant and remove it from the workplace. This helps protect both the welders at source and all other workers within the general working environment from exposure to welding fumes.

Various processes exist within manufacturing and as each process is different, a ‘one size fits all’ approach is not always going to work, hence we need to consider several elements when designing an LEV system to ensure effective control of the contaminant.

Effective capture can be obtained utilising a number of different methods, for example:

Downdraft benches
On-torch extraction systems
Fixed filter units and flexible capture arms
Mobile filter units and flexible capture arms

Although each LEV system needs to effectively control contaminant produced from a welding process, the highest capture rate will normally be around 95%, for example, a weld will still smoke for a period of time post operation, which will continue to produce fume and put other workers within the working environment at risk of exposure. This is where we may also need to consider complementary systems capable of filtering larger volumes of contaminated air and re-circulating it, providing a continuous supply of cleaned air to the workforce.

Effects on health from breathing welding fume:

Exposure to welding fumes within the workplace has a number of risks attached to it. The effects when inhaled have the potential to cause various health issues, which may occur quickly or they may develop over a number of years. Some of the effects resulting from regular exposure include:

Pneumonia: Welders are particularly prone to developing lung infections which could eventually progress into pneumonia. The common perception is that only the older members of the workforce are affected. This is not the case as all ages can suffer from these effects.

Occupational Asthma: The HSE have reviewed this recently and have concluded that welding fume cannot be confirmed as a direct cause of asthma, however a handful of welders each year develop asthma to a level where they must stop working. The HSE advise welders to protect themselves from weld fumes using suitable equipment and PPE.

Cancer: Welding fume is known internationally to be a potential direct cause of cancer. Although this is primarily associated with stainless steel due to its chromium content, all types of welding fume are classed as potentially carcinogenic.

Metal Fume Fever: This is a type of illness that displays similar symptoms to that of a person catching the flu. It is more frequently caused from exposure to welding galvanised steel, although high levels of exposure to mild steel welding may also cause these effects.

Irritation of Throat and Lungs: The gases and fine particles in welding fume can cause dryness of the throat, coughing or a ‘tight’ chest, although these symptoms are usually short lived. Ozone produced from TIG welding of stainless steels and aluminium is a particular cause of these symptoms, alongside high exposure to nitrous oxides generated from arc welding. Prolonged extreme exposure to ozone can result in pulmonary oedema, more commonly known as fluid on the lungs.

Temporary Reduced Lung Function: Continued exposure to welding fume can result in short term lung capacity being reduced with an effect on ease of breathing. Symptoms can worsen through the working week and will then gradually improve when not exposed.

Speak to your LEV system provider to find out more about requirements and solutions available to protect your workers from the effects of welding fumes, or give us a call and we will happily review your current systems and/or discuss suitable preventative measures with you.

McCarthy Environmental offer LEV Awareness & Training Courses to equip businesses and staff with a practical understanding of how LEV systems work. The training helps businesses to understand how to comply with COSHH regulations and learn more about exposure to fumes, dust and other contaminants within the workplace. Find out more here: https://mccarthy-environmental.co.uk/lev-centre-of-excellence/

Sources:

HSE – Illness caused by welding fume and gases:

www.hse.gov.uk/welding/illness.htm

HSE – Fume facts: What it is and what it does to you (including case study):

www.hse.gov.uk/welding/fume-facts.htm

HSE – Welding fume – reducing the risk: