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Hi! This is Toby from HMC Electronics. We're going to be taking a look at Metcal's fume
extraction unit, the BVX-201.
The BVX-201 system is a dual operator base unit designed for the extraction of solder
fumes, and incorporates in its design both a pre- and main filter. These filters can
be changed independently of each other to maximize working life.
The pre-filter might be changed out at a three or four month interval, while it is not uncommon
for the main filter to last anywhere from six months to as long as eight to twelve months.
The main filter has a HEPA efficiency greater than 99.95%, plus it has an integrated active
carbon filter to remove additional gasses, as well as their odors.
Typically the BVX-201 is ideal for applications that require high capacity of fumes that come
from a soldering application.
The unit is also available in a BVX-203 version, which we see being used adhesive applications.
It uses a gas filter, rather than your typical HEPA filter.
As I mentioned before, the BVX-201 is a dual operator unit. If you only have use for one
of the ports, it actually does come with a cap that has a damper in it as well, so you
can control airflow. If there is too much (air flow) when you block this off completely,
you can simply open up that baffle and it will lower the suction on the arm that you
are using.
Let's take a look at the filter on this unit. A very simple swap out. There's one also in
the back; take that one off; the cover. And here is what appears to be one filter, but
it's not actually. It's your main HEPA filtration unit, and then your pre-filter.
Pre-filters are a fraction of the cost of HEPA filters. Replace your pre-filters on
a regular basis, and you can prolong the life of your HEPA filter. Again, it all depends
on how many hours of the day that you're working with the unit on, the amount of solder fumes
and things like that. But a general rule of thumb is about three months on a pre-filter;
about six to as long as twelve months on a HEPA filter.
Interesting feature that Metcal added to this system. You cannot accidentally run it without
installing the filter. This little switch right here, when you've install your filter--obviously
it's depressed--if somehow, someway you accidentally forgot to replace your filter, you wouldn't
be able to power up the unit. A lot of damage can be done to the unit if you ran it without
any filtration because all those nasty fumes would be going straight into the motor. So
a very nice addition. This is the only company that I've seen have this filter on their fume
extraction unit.
Fume extraction units go under your bench. In this instance it's sitting on our bench,
so turning it on and off is not a problem. But in regular operator use, the unit would
go under your bench, you'd have the hoses coming up onto your bench, and then in the
morning or at the end of the day you shut off your unit by climbing under your desk--which,
if your desk is anything like mine, it's very dusty and dirty under there. So this is what
our friends at Metcal came up with, a remote switch. Very, very simple. Have this sitting
on top of your desk when your unit is underneath, and you can actually power up the unit--and
there you go--without climbing underneath your bench. I just think it's such a great
little edition to the unit. Again, I don't know of any other company at this price point
that has this little remote switch, but it's a great idea.
The BVX-201 does have an awful lot of suction, 150 CFM. So it's pulling a lot of air through
for its filtration. All fume extractors make noise. This one is rated at 55 decibels, which
is essentially a few decibels lower than what you're going to see as the industry standard;
59, 58, 60. It's going to go below your bench, so that acts as a natural dampening. But I
will say that as far as things go with regards to your suction, your filtration, and your
noise level, the BVX-201 gets very high marks.
The BVX-201 is available just as you see it here. You buy the base unit, you buy the arms
separately. The arm kits being the BVX-ARM-K1. Or if you wish you can buy the BVX-201-KIT,
which actually nicely includes the two arms that the system would need to be a complete
fume extraction system for two operators.
If you have any questions on fume extraction or the BVX-201, feel free to call or email
us. We'll be happy to help out.