The most effective means of capturing vehicle exhaust is at-the-source extraction – namely at the exhaust pipe. Systems that depend on general ventilation and roof mounted systems are not sufficient, nor is simply leaving the bay door(s) open during working hours.
General ventilation systems permit the exhaust gases to wander around the shop prior to being eliminated, exposing those working in the shop to all manner of harmful components. Not to mention, a great deal of energy is expended in the process. Capturing at-the-source if far more energy efficient.
Some of the toxic components of vehicle exhaust include carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons from unburnt fuel, nitrogen oxides (NOx) from excessive combustion temperatures, and particulate matter composed primarily of soot.
Furthermore, exhaust gas emitted from the burning of fuel that includes nitromethane may contain nitric acid vapour. This vapour is very corrosive, and when inhaled can cause a muscular reaction prohibiting regular breathing function.
There is also nitric oxide to consider. Many of the compounds in vehicle exhaust can react with other elements in the air forming nitric oxide. Inhaling nitric oxide may cause spasms, edema of the bronchi or larynx, with exposure to large doses causing a drastic fall in blood pressure. Chronic exposure may also cause extensive kidney damage.
As for diesel exhaust, it is a Group 1 carcinogen, which is a known contributor to lung and bladder cancer. Diesel exhaust also contains several substances listed individually as human carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Considering all of that, please give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back for taking the time to properly investigate vehicle exhaust extraction. It really is the right thing to do.
So . . . what are the options?
For at-the-source vehicle exhaust extraction we are going to be discussing vehicle exhaust hose reels. Some of the companies involved in this field include Monoxivent, Plymovent, Fume-A-Vent, and Eurovac. Here, however, we are going to restrict ourself exclusively to products offered by Nederman.
As far as hose reels are concerned, two options are available: Spring Recoil and Motor Driven.
Spring recoil is for use in shops where the hose can be set to hang at a reachable height. Nederman’s patented spring drive allows for easy handling. Other features include:
- built-in patented automatic damper to held conserve energy and reduce noise levels
- the ability to mount the fan directly on the reel
- can be easily upgraded to be motor driven
- option available for automatic fan start/stop
- available with or without the hose
- variety of hose options available (if you’re interested in knowing more, please send us a request via the Contact Us button on our website)
- variety of nozzle options available (if you’re interested in knowing more, please send us a request via the Contact Us button on website)
- two body sizes available: short & wide
- Various hose lengths to choose from: 16’, 24’, and 33’ hose
Motor Driven – this is the best solution for workshops with high ceilings, and for shops where overhead cranes and other obstructions need to be considered. These are also great for shops that need to permit tall vehicles to pass. Motor driven units are operated via a hand unit (IR control or pendant control).
Other features include:
- a receiving eye on the reel shows the status of operation
- electronic limit switches reduce the risk of malfunction and unnecessary wear on the hose
- automatic fan start/stop
- the fan can be mounted directly on top of the reel
- automatic fan control
- the settings for the limit switches are made from floor level
- available with or without the hose
- variety of hose options available (if you’re interested in knowing more, please send us a request via the Contact Us button on our website)
- variety of nozzle options available (if you’re interested in knowing more, please send us a request via the Contact Us button on website)
- the choice of a 33’ hose length, or and a 41’ hose length
Please know that should you elect to install a serious of hose reels for your shop, we are able to provide the equipment, all the associated duct work, as well as installation. In short, we can provide a full tern-key solution.
Please feel free to contact us directly with any questions and/or comments. We’re here to help.