Filtermist Launches Ground-Breaking Absolent Dust and Fume Extraction Technology in UK

Filtermist Limited, a top UK clean air specialist, today announced the introduction of an innovative range of dust and fume extraction from sister company Absolent AB.

The revolutionary new AD series features ‘True Downflow' technology, providing compact efficient easy-clean extraction units with optimised filtration density. The equipment is now available on the UK market and is targeted towards manufacturers performing abrasive metalworking processes such as welding, laser cutting and grinding.

Developed over a period of three years using insight derived from hundreds of customer installations, the new modular line provides an entirely customer-orientated solution tailored specifically for use in today's workshop conditions

“Several pain points were identified and addressed during the 3-year project,” explained Robert Wiktorén, Absolent Air Care Group’s Chief Product Officer.

“As an existing manufacturer of dust collectors under our Absolent, Dustcheck and Diversitech brands, we knew there was a need in the market for a brand-new way of thinking about dust and fume extraction.

“Traditionally, dust collectors have been sized using generic data to select suitable filter type, filter area and air speeds between filter elements, and resultant footprints have been comparatively large. Noise levels are frequently high due to external compressed air cleaning systems and integral fans, and the units can be difficult to maintain.”

He continued: “When filters need to be changed, even the best current designs require the filter retaining mechanism and moving parts to be in the ’dirty side’ of the unit, exposed to contamination. This is not a great environment for moving parts and requires a tool to reach the filter elements furthest away.

“Our True Downflow combines the verticality of the filter elements with a top to bottom air flow. This unique combination optimises the effect of gravity and ensures that the dust coming out of the filter elements during pulse jet cleaning is forced down to the disposal solution in the hopper.”

The roll-out of the first AD phase includes three models: the 0.5 (which holds two deep pleat cartridges) 1.0 (four filters) and the 1.5 (six deep pleat filter elements). Airflows currently range from 1,200-10,800m³/hr, but can be increased thanks to the modular construction.

The new range is being introduced in stages to customers throughout Europe and the UK, with phase one suitable for use in metal applications such as welding, laser cutting, plasma cutting and non-ATEX abrasive metals (grinding and linishing).

Additional models for use in a wide range of other applications, including explosive dusts requiring ATEX certified equipment and higher air volumes (>65,000m3/hr), will follow later, along with alternative dust disposal options.

Dust collectors suitable for pharmaceutical dust (requiring safe change features) will be added to the range during 2026.

Andy Darby, Group Product Manager and former Filtermist employee, was key to the design:

“A baffle at the inlet evens out the airflow across the volume of the filter and makes sure we use each square metre to its maximum potential. True Downflow is the only solution that guarantees to eliminate any upflow or crossflow with the filter elements – traditionally leading to higher dust retainment and having to oversize the filtration surface.”

“This enables us to offer ‘high filtration power density’, meaning we can increase the filter speed and reduce the filter media surface area. Because of this, the solution comes in a far smaller footprint than other filter units on the market.

“Another unique aspect of the new range is the ’CleanChange™’ filter change clamping mechanism. The filter elements are linked together and, as the operator pulls the first element out, the next one is pulled to the front. No tool is needed, and engineers do not have to enter the dust filled unit.

“Locating the fan and cleaning unit inside the body of the extraction unit decreases noise and we can reduce this even further if required by using additional noise attenuating measures. Finally, the standard units will be constructed from pre-treated Galfan steel, which offers a high level of corrosion protection.” 

A New Era for Extraction Performance

Through the modular construction, the AD range offers competitive lead times even for custom configurations, giving UK manufacturers a future-proof and robust solution.

Robert Wiktorén concluded:

“We are certain that the AD range will revolutionise end-users OEMs and systems integrators thinking on dust and fume extraction.”

Find out more at www.filtermist.co.uk or call the expert dust and fume team on 01952 290500.