Lincoln Electric’s new low and high-vacuum central systems eliminate welding fume. The central systems eliminate welding fume during various points of welding, removing the smoke through ductwork to a central location where it can be filtered. This keeps welding fume away from the operator’s breathing area while decreasing the accumulation of welding fume in the surrounding area. Central systems are a suitable weld fume control solution for schools and fabrication shops, as well as production and manufacturing. Both systems are comprised of 8 to 40 extraction arms, ductwork, a filter unit, fan and controls. The size of the source extraction workzone at the welding arc and the air volumes are what differentiate the low vacuum system from the high vacuum system. Low systems have an extraction workzone 6 to15 in from the fume generation point while high systems are only 2 to 6 in from the fume generation point. A low system eliminates a significant volume of air with a low transport velocity and system pressure whereas the high system removes air at a high air transport velocity and pressure, with low air volume.