Why C-VAC?

Over the last 5 years the C-VAC system has emerged as the only system that can meet the health and safety requrements in relation to the extraction, cleaning and disposal of wood dust in schools and colleges. 

C-VAC operates at much higher pressures (typically 10 – 12kPa) and velocities (up to 50m/s) than traditional high volume/low velocity systems.  Ducting is smaller diameter (60 – 100mm) and long duct runs can be used whilst maintaining performance. 

The control technology used means that a C-VAC system can provide extraction for a large number of machines throughout a Design and Technology Department.  This is achieved by the installation of motorised valves at each item of wood working machinery.  Simply starting the machinery (e.g. band saw, sander) opens the motorised valve and sends a signal to the vacuum system to start.  Operating further machines will cause the variable speed drive to  increase the fan speed thus ensuring that the vacuum level is constant within the system.  When the last machine is switched off the vacuum system will return to standby.

In addition to the extraction of dust from machines, the C-VAC system offers added value in terms of Health and Safety as follows.

• Attachments for floor and bench cleaning can be plugged in to the system thus eliminating the need for brushes or additional vacuum cleaners.
• Portable tools, e.g. sanders can be plugged into the system
• Dust is gathered in a central collection point which reduces the risk of exposure compared to emptying multiple units.  The C-VAC dust collection unit is trolley mounted to reduce manual handling.
• The C-VAC filter unit has an automatic filter cleaning system to ensure that extraction performance is maintained.
• C-VAC can be electrically interlocked to the woodworking machinery to ensure the extraction is always on when required.
• Running costs are low as there is only one filter to be changed and variable speed fan drives and automatic dampers ensure that the system is only providing extraction for the machines in use.
• C-VAC is  exhausted externally ensuring that no contaminant can be re-circulated into the workplace.