Home Success Stories LEV Installation Enhances Welding Fume Control for Alternative Heat

LEV Installation Enhances Welding Fume Control for Alternative Heat

Dust & Fume Extraction
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)

At a glance

  • Company
  • Alternative Heat
  • Product
  • Dust & Fume Extraction
  • Industry
  • Manufacturing

Smarter Welding Fume Extraction at the Scarva Facility

Alternative Heat, a leading mechanical services provider, expanded into a new manufacturing facility in Scarva to support its growing prefabrication operations.

To maintain excellent air quality across the new welding bays, the company partnered with BEAM to deliver a cleaner, more efficient welding fume extraction system.

Alternative heat delivery lorry

A Growing Facility with Greater Demands

At the new Scarva site, ten fabrication bays were being fitted out to handle large-scale welding and assembly work. Portable extractors that had once been sufficient could no longer meet the site’s size or safety needs.

The team required a centralised extraction system that offered wide coverage, low energy consumption, and complete compatibility with overhead cranes and large equipment. It also had to be reliable, easy to use, and future-proof for the company’s ongoing growth.

Alternative Heat LEV unit Installed Alternative Heat LEV Alternative Heat LEV system

Engineering a Cleaner, Smarter Workspace

After a detailed on-site consultation, BEAM designed a LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) system built for flexibility and efficiency.

Each welding bay was equipped with 7-metre double-articulated extraction arms that could be positioned precisely for maximum fume capture. When not in use, the arms fold neatly against the wall, freeing up valuable floor space and preserving crane access.

The system uses Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) to automatically adjust fan speed based on demand. When only a few welders are active, the airflow scales down, saving energy while maintaining strong extraction performance where it’s needed most.

Results That Deliver

The BEAM installation has had a clear impact across the Scarva facility:

  • Cleaner air: Consistent welding fume removal improved safety and comfort for all staff.
  • Lower energy costs: Demand-controlled airflow reduced overall energy usage.
  • Space optimisation: Wall-mounted design kept walkways and crane routes clear.
  • Simplified operation: A quick valve control made extraction intuitive and effortless.

We have used portable extract units previously, but decided a central LEV system would be a better investment to match the scale of our new production facility. The finished system from Beam is very impressive and it is clear we made the right decision for our business. The extract arms are an integral part of our welding bays and are easier to use covering the entire area. The engineering of the double boom and swivel arm give us the versatility to cover our diverse product fabrication ranging from large floor-standing pieces to intricate bench work. Compared to our experience with the portable extractors, the Beam LEV system does not take up any floor space and is less expensive to operate and maintain. Thanks to Beam for an excellent installation and for providing the follow-up training and induction manual.”

Photo of Jordan Walsh

Jordan Walsh
Site Supervisor, Alternative Heat

A Lasting Improvement

The installation reflects Alternative Heat’s commitment to sustainability and workplace safety. By investing in BEAM’s advanced LEV extraction technology, the company achieved a cleaner, more efficient production space that supports both productivity and wellbeing.

Ready to create a safer, more energy-efficient working environment?
Talk to BEAM’s industrial ventilation experts
today to design a custom LEV or welding fume extraction system that fits your facility, improves air quality, and reduces operating costs.

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