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Industrial Inkjet Printers and How They Work

Industrial inkjet printers are essential tools in various manufacturing and production environments. These advanced printers are designed to handle high-volume printing tasks with remarkable efficiency. They are commonly used for printing on a wide range of materials, including plastics, metals, glass, and textiles. Their versatility and precision make them ideal for producing labels, packaging, signage, and other industrial products.

Types of Inks and Their Emissions

  • Solvent Inks: These inks contain chemical solvents like MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) and ethanol, which evaporate quickly. They are often used for printing on non-porous surfaces like plastics, metals, and glass.
  • Aqueous Inks: Also known as water-based inks, these are more environmentally friendly and non-toxic. They primarily release water vapor, which is generally harmless. However, they may still contain small traces of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) depending on the formulation.
  • UV-Curable Inks: These inks are cured using ultraviolet light, which causes them to harden instantly. They produce ozone and other byproducts, though they generally release fewer VOCs compared to solvent inks.

Health and Safety Elements:

  • Protective Equipment: Using personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks and gloves can further reduce the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals.
  • Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial in industrial settings to minimise exposure to harmful fumes and Odors. This helps in maintaining air quality and protecting workers’ health.

Hazardous Emissions

Hazardous emissions refer to the release of harmful pollutants into the air, which can originate from various industrial processes. These emissions often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) and other toxic substances that can pose significant health risks to humans and the environment. Prolonged exposure to hazardous emissions can lead to respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and other serious health conditions.

Additionally, these pollutants contribute to environmental problems such as air pollution and climate change. Effective measures, such as advanced fume extraction systems, are essential to mitigate these risks and ensure cleaner, safer air for everyone.

At Purex, we proudly offer state-of-the-art fume extraction systems designed to eliminate hazardous emissions. Our cutting-edge solutions ensure a safer, cleaner, and healthier work environment by effectively removing harmful fumes and odours.

Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)

Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is a colourless, volatile liquid with a distinctive sharp, sweet odour. It’s a ketone, which means it has a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two hydrocarbon groups. (MEK) is commonly used as a solvent in various industrial processes, including the production of plastics, textiles, and paints.

Solvent Properties:

  • High Solvency Power: MEK is highly effective at dissolving a wide range of substances, including resins, adhesives, coatings, and plastics.
  • Rapid Evaporation: MEK evaporates quickly at room temperature. This property is particularly useful in paints, coatings, and printing inks.

Printing Inks: Summary

MEK is a common ingredient in printing inks and adhesives due to its ability to dissolve various components and ensure proper application. Its rapid evaporation helps inks dry quickly, reducing smudging. It also helps control ink viscosity for different printing techniques.

Safety and Handling Considerations

  • Flammability: MEK is highly flammable and should be handled with care to avoid ignition sources. Proper storage and handling procedures are essential to prevent accidents.
  • Health Risks: Prolonged exposure to MEK fumes can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. Proper ventilation and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential when working with MEK to minimise health risks.
  • Protective Equipment: Use gloves, goggles, and protective clothing.
  • Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial in industrial settings to minimise exposure to harmful fumes and Odors. This helps in maintaining air quality and protecting workers’ health.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a group of organic chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature due to their high vapor pressure and low water solubility. These compounds are found in many everyday products and industrial processes. They are commonly found in items such as paints, varnishes, and coatings, as well as in cleaning agents, adhesives, and pesticides. Additionally, VOCs are emitted from building materials, furnishings, and office equipment like printers and copiers. Their widespread presence and ability to disperse quickly into the air make them significant contributors to indoor and outdoor air pollution.

Environmental and Health Impact:

  • Indoor Air Quality: VOCs can significantly affect indoor air quality. Concentrations of VOCs are often higher indoors than outdoors, sometimes up to ten times higher.
  • Health Risks: Exposure to VOCs can cause a range of health effects, from short-term symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and eye irritation to long-term effects such as liver and kidney damage, and even cancer. The severity of these effects depends on the concentration and duration of exposure.
  • Regulations: Many countries have regulations to limit VOC emissions due to their potential health and environmental impacts. For example, the European Union and the United States have specific guidelines and limits for VOC content in products.

Safety and Handling Considerations

  • Protective Equipment: Wear PPE, use of gloves, goggles, protective clothing and even respirators to protect against skin contact and inhalation of VOCs.
  • Storage: Store VOC-containing products in well-ventilated areas.
  • Spill Management: In case of spills, clean up immediately using appropriate materials and methods. Ensure the area is well-ventilated during and after cleanup.
  • Disposal: Dispose of VOC-containing products and their containers according to local regulations. Do not pour them down the drain or throw them in regular trash.
  • Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial in industrial settings to minimise exposure to harmful fumes and Odors. This helps in maintaining air quality and protecting workers’ health.
     

Purex Fume Extraction Systems

At Purex, we specialise in eliminating hazardous emissions to ensure a safer and cleaner environment. Our advanced fume extraction systems are designed to effectively remove harmful pollutants, protecting both your workforce and the planet. We represent ‘Clean Air For Everyone’.

Purex Machines Address Emission Problems Through Several Key Features And Technologies:

  • Advanced Filtration: Purex fume extractors use multi-stage filtration systems, including HEPA and activated carbon filters, to capture and neutralise harmful particles and gases. This ensures that the air released back into the environment is clean and safe.
  • Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV): These systems are designed to capture contaminants at the source, preventing them from spreading into the workplace. This is more efficient and safer compared to external systems that simply expel contaminated air outside.
  • Automatic Flow Control: Purex machines maintain a constant extraction rate, even when filters start to become blocked. This ensures continuous and effective removal of fumes without manual adjustments.
  • Intelligent Monitoring: Many Purex models come with digital displays and sensors that monitor filter status and system performance. This helps in timely maintenance and ensures the system is always operating at peak efficiency.
  • Clear & Informative Graphic Display: Provides real-time information on system performance and filter status.
  • Gas and Particle Sensors: Warn the operator of any issues, ensuring a safe working environment.
  • Easy Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial for the effectiveness of fume extraction systems. Purex machines are designed for easy filter changes and routine checks, which helps in maintaining their efficiency over time.

 At Purex, we provide LEV Services. For more information, please see our LEV Service Page.

Suitable Purex Machines

Two machines from our Digital range are ideal for removing hazardous emissions from Industrial Inkjet Printing. Designed with informative visual displays, they provide extra protection for your specific operations. These powerful machines ensure consistent high performance throughout their operation. They come equipped with high-performance motors, standard gas and particle monitoring, and remote interfacing capabilities, ensuring clean air and protection for both workers and the environment.

  • Purex 400: This model offers a compact design combined with powerful airflow capabilities, making it ideal for environments where space is limited.
  • Purex 800: Featuring a large main filter, the 800 is designed for a wide range of work operations, also requiring minimal space.

 

LEV services

Recommended Machines For Industrial Inkjet Printing  

  • 400

    400

    The 400 is a versatile machine for use within the Electronics industries due to its small footprint and powerful air flow abilities.

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  • 800 1 Tier

    800

    The 800 – Equipped with one large main filter is designed for a variety of work operations where a small foot print is required.

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Recommended Specialist Main Filters

What are Solvent Lock Filters

Solvent lock filters are specialised in capturing and neutralising harmful gases and vapors produced by industrial processes like inkjet printing and solvent applications. These filters contain specialised activated carbon, which effectively adsorbs contaminants, ensuring that the air released is clean and safe. They are essential for maintaining a healthy workplace by preventing the spread of hazardous emissions.

Solvent Lock Filters For The Recommended Machines

  • Purex 400: The Purex 400 uses the 113513 Solvent Lock Filter, which includes specialised activated carbon for effective filtration. This filter is designed to handle gases and vapors from inkjet printing and various solvent applications, ensuring a clean and safe working environment.
  • Purex 800: The Purex 800 utilises the 113667 Solvent Lock Filter, featuring specialised activated carbon for superior performance. This filter is ideal for more demanding applications, providing enhanced capacity to capture and neutralise harmful emissions.
Filters

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