Fume extraction device

Abstract

A fume extraction device 100, for extracting fume produced at a workpiece for example when welding the workpiece, comprising a tubular body 114 configured to at least partially surround the workpiece

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a fume extraction device for extracting fume produced at a workpiece, for example when welding the workpiece. BACKGROUND

[0002] Welding processes involve heating a metal above their melting point to create a bond between two interfaces. Welding is known to produce a variable mixture of airborne particulates and gases such as nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and ozone. This heated mixture is known collectively as fume. Some individuals have prolonged direct exposure to fume during welding.

[0003] Exposure to welding fume is known to cause a range of serious health effects. To minimise the exposure welders have to harmful fume, fume extractors are utilised to remove fume from the air during welding.

[0004] One common type of fume extractor uses an extraction hood connected to a base pump unit via an articulating support arm. The articulating support arm can be maneuvered to position the extraction hood above a workpiece to collect heated fume as it rises from the workpiece during welding. Extraction hoods often obscure a welder's view of the workpiece being welded. As a result, the hood must be frequently repositioned to allow access to the workpiece. This can result in the hood being moved away from the position in which it provides optimal fume extraction. Such improperly positioned extraction hoods result can result in a welder being exposed to fume and fume being released into the surrounding environment.

[0005] Another type of fume extractor, known as extraction booths, use a metal box into which the workpiece is placed. The box has an open side for accessing the workpiece and an overlying a top panel which extracts fume produced at the workpiece. As the workpiece must be contained within the box, such extraction booths are only suitable for welding small pieces. Even for small pieces, extraction booths severely restrict the space available to manoeuvre tools around the workpiece.

[0006] An alternative to these standalone fume extractors is to provide an extractor built into the welding tool itself. Some welding tools are provided with inlets for fume extraction integrated into the welding nozzle - so called on-torch extraction. These fume inlets are positioned close to the nozzle tip to maximise the amount of fume captured. However, in this position, the fume inlets draw in shielding gas provided at the nozzle tip to protect the weld site from airborne contaminants. As such, welding tools with integrated fume extraction inlets can produce poor quality welds with porosity from airborne contaminants.

[0007] This disclosure aims to ameliorate the aforementioned disadvantages associated with conventional fume extractors by providing an improved fume extraction device. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0008] According to the present disclosure there is provided a fume extraction device, for extracting fume produced at a workpiece for example when welding the workpiece, comprising a tubular body configured to at least partially surround the workpiece during use, wherein the tubular body includes: a plurality of inlets spaced along the tubular body and arranged to face the workpiece from different directions during use; and a fume outlet fluidically connected to the plurality of inlets.

[0009] The plurality of inlets may perforate an inwardly facing surface of the tubular body. The tubular body and / or the inwardly facing surface may be curved.

[0010] The plurality of inlets may be spaced along the tubular body such that each of the plurality of inlets face the workpiece from a different direction during use.

[0011] The plurality of inlets may be spaced along the inwardly facing surface such that each of the plurality of inlets face the workpiece from a different direction during use.

[0012] Each of the plurality of inlets may be similarly shaped and sized to each other.

[0013] The plurality of inlets may be configured such that during use, each of the plurality of inlets has a substantially or exactly equal inlet volumetric flow rate. Inlets, of the plurality of inlets, proximal to the fume outlet may have a smaller size or different shape to inlets, of the plurality of inlets, distal to the fume outlet.

[0014] The plurality of inlets may be arranged along a curved path. The tubular body may define a ring. The ring may be positionable to surround the workpiece during use. The tubular body may be substantially toroidal in shape.

[0015] The ring may have an annular cross-section or may be irregular in shape. For example, the ring may have an oval or irregular polygonal shaped cross-section.

[0016] The fume outlet may comprise a pipe projecting radially away from the ring. The fume outlet may be coplanar with the tubular body.

[0017] The plurality of inlets may be coplanar with the tubular body. The tubular body may be configured to extend 360° around the workpiece. The tubular body may be configured to completely encircle the workpiece. The tubular body may surround a workspace in which the workpiece is located during use.

[0018] Alternately, the tubular body may not extend 360° around the workpiece. The tubular body may be configured to partially encircle the workpiece. For example, the tubular body may be configured to extend less than 360°, 315°, 270°, 225° or 180° around the workpiece. The tubular body may be configured to extend equal to or more than 180°, 225°, 270° or 315° around the workpiece. Such configurations may allow the tubular body to be placed around a workpiece onto which it cannot be threaded.

[0019] In one example, the tubular body may be configured to extend 270° around the workpiece so the workpiece is % encircled.

[0020] In examples, the tubular body may be circular. In other examples, the tubular body may be an incomplete circle, for example it may be arc-shaped along a constant radius. In other examples, the tubular body may have a non-circular, for example three sides of a square or rectangle, two straight portions joined in a V-shape, or two arcs with different radii and / or centres joined together at one end.

[0021] The fume extraction device may further comprise a support base. The tubular body may be attachable to the support base to hold the tubular body in a fixed orientation. The support base may be configured to hold the tubular body in a fixed orientation relative to the workpiece.

[0022] The fume extraction device may further comprise a pump unit for creating suction in the tubular body.

[0023] The fume extraction device may further comprise a pump actuator for actuating the pump unit. The pump actuator may be positioned on an exterior surface of the tubular body. The pump actuator may be a switch.

[0024] The fume extraction device may comprise a support base configured to hold the tubular body in a fixed orientation.

[0025] The support base may be operably connected to a pump unit for creating suction in the tubular body.

[0026] The fume outlet may be configured to be secured to the support base. For example, an end of the fume outlet may be threaded and arranged to engage a threaded separable portion of the support base.

[0027] The pump unit may comprise a flexible pipeline securable to the fume outlet.

[0028] The fume outlet may be securable to the pump unit. For example, the fume outlet may be configured to be secured to a pipeline (such as the flexible pipeline). For example, an end of the fume outlet may be threaded and arranged to engage a threaded separable portion of the flexible pipeline.

[0029] The tubular body may comprise or consists of heat resistant material. The fume extraction device may comprise or consists of heat resistant material. The heat resistant material may be one or a combination of: steel; aluminium; and fiberglass.

[0030] The tubular body may comprise one or more fixing devices.

[0031] The tubular body, and optionally the fume outlet, may be arranged in a common plane. The (imaginary) common plane may define a boundary between a first side of the tubular body and a second side of the tubular body. The one or more fixing devices may be secured to the first side of the tubular body and project away from the common plane. The one or more fixing devices may lie in a plane parallel to the common plane of the tubular body.

[0032] The one or more fixing devices may comprise a threaded connector, for example a threaded hole or threaded shaft. A plurality of fixing devices may be spaced about the tubular body. The tubular body may extend in a plane and the one or more fixing devices may be spaced about the tubular body in the plane.

[0033] In examples, the one or more fixing devices may comprise a magnet attached to the tubular body. The one or more fixing devices may each comprise a threaded connector for attaching a magnet.

[0034] The one or more fixing devices may be configured to secure the tubular body to the support base to secure the tubular body relative to the workpiece.

[0035] In examples, the one or more fixing devices may comprise a cam device rotatably mounted to the tubular body. In particular, each of the one or more cam devices may be configured to project into the workspace a distance which is dependent on their rotational position relative to the tubular body.

[0036] In examples, the one or more fixing devices may comprise a plurality of cam devices. For example, the plurality of cam devices may consist of three, four, five or seven cam devices. Each of the plurality of cam devices may be biased to rotate inwards of the tubular body. Each of the one or more cam devices may include a respective spring, for example a torsion spring.

[0037] The plurality of cam devices may be spaced along a length of the tubular body, for example evenly spaced along the tubular body. The plurality of cam devices may be configured to act in concert to align the tubular body and the workpiece during use.

[0038] The one or more fixing devices may comprise one or more suction cups. For example, the one or more suction cups may be fluidically connected to the fume outlet. Suction provided by the pump unit may hold the tubular body in place relative to an adjacent surface.

[0039] The fume extraction device may further comprise a skirt extending from the tubular body. The skirt may advantageously extend to close a gap between the tubular body and an adjacent surface on which the tubular body is mounted. This may help to prevent fume escaping during use.

[0040] The skirt may extend along a whole length of the tubular body. The skirt may seal the gap between the tubular body and the adjacent surface along the whole length of the tubular body.

[0041] In examples, the tubular body may comprise one or more fixing devices disposed on a side of the tubular body, and the skirt may extend in the same direction as the one of one or more fixing devices. Specifically, the tubular body may be arranged in a plane and the one or more fixing devices and the skirt may extend from a first side of the tubular body and project away from the plane.

[0042] The skirt may comprise a flexible material, for example an elastomeric material or bristles. The skirt may be detachable from the tubular body. The detachable skirt may allow the skirt to be removed when not needed and / or replaced during maintenance.

[0043] The tubular body may comprise a separable portion. The separable portion may be movable with respect to a remainder of the tubular body. For example, the separable portion may define half or one quarter of the tubular body.

[0044] In some examples the separable portion may be detachable from the remainder of the tubular body.

[0045] In other examples the separable portion may be rotatably connected to the remainder of the tubular body. In particular, the fume extraction device may further comprise a hinge rotatably connecting the separable portion and the remainder of the tubular body. For example, the separable portion may be rotatable within the common plane of the tubular body and / or may be rotatable out of the common plane.

[0046] The hinge may enable rotation of the separable portion between: a closed position wherein the tubular body defines a complete ring which surrounds a workspace; and an open position wherein the ring is split open. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048] FIG. 1 shows a fume extraction device;

[0049] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the fume extraction device of FIG. 1; and

[0050] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional representation of the fume extraction device of FIG. 1.

[0051] FIG. 4 illustrates an aspect of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] FIG. 1 shows a fume extraction device 100 for extracting fume produced at a workpiece (not shown). For example, the fume extraction device 100 may be used to extract fume that is produced when the workpiece is welded. This may prevent noxious gasses from being inhaled by a welder or released into the surrounding environment. In other uses the fume extraction device 100 may be used to extract dust or other material released when working on a workpiece, for example when cutting, grinding, or other working or machining that would create airborne contaminants.

[0053] The fume extraction device 100 comprises a tubular body 114 configured to at least partially surround the workpiece during use. In this example, the tubular body 114 defines a ring. The ring has a substantially toroidal shape. In use, the tubular body 114 is positioned around the workpiece such that the workpiece is located in the workspace 118.

[0054] The tubular body 114 comprises a heat resistant material. In this example, the tubular body substantially consists of steel, which may be painted or powder coated or otherwise surface treated to create a protective and / or corrosion-resistant surface. This ensures heat from welding the workpiece and the heat of the extracted fume does not burn or distort the tubular body 114 during use.

[0055] The tubular body 114 comprises a plurality of inlets 106 which perforate an inwardly facing surface 122 of the tubular body 114. The plurality of inlets 106 are spaced along the tubular body 114 such that each of the plurality of inlets 106 face the workpiece in the workspace 118 from a different direction during use.

[0056] The tubular body 114 further comprises a fume outlet 104 which is fluidically connected to the plurality of inlets 106 through the tubular body 114. In this example, the fume outlet 104 comprises a pipe which projects radially away from the ring. The fume extraction device 100 includes a pump unit (not shown) for creating suction in the tubular body 114. The fume extraction device 100 also includes a pump actuator (e.g., a switch) for actuating the pump unit. The pump actuator may be positioned on an exterior surface of the tubular body 114 for easy actuation by a user or may be located away from the tubular body 114.

[0057] The pump unit comprises a flexible pipeline (not shown) which is securable to the fume outlet 104. For example, an end of the flexible pipeline may threadingly engage an end of the fume outlet 104, or the flexible pipeline may include a bayonet fitting or similar to attach to the fume outlet 104, or the flexible pipeline may be clamped or tied to the fume outlet 104, for example by a jubilee clip or similar. The flexible pipeline is detachable from the pump unit to enable replacement of the flexible pipeline and facilitate selection between flexible pipelines of differing lengths. The tubular body 114 can advantageously be used with different pump units and different flexible pipelines, such as existing equipment at the work site. Accordingly, a user can interchange an existing hood extractor with the tubular body 114 for particular jobs.

[0058] Conventional fume extractors typically comprise an extraction hood connected to a base pump unit via an articulating support arm. The articulating support arm holds the hood in place over the workpiece to collect fume during welding. The tubular body 114 may be attachable to the articulating support arm in place of the extraction hood so that the articulating support arm can support the tubular body 114 in the appropriate place relative to the workpiece.

[0059] An issue with existing extraction hood equipment is that the extent (e.g., height) to which the hood can be extended away from the base pump unit depends on the size of the articulating support arm which, in turn, significantly affects the weight of the fume extractor. Due to the limitations of the articulating support arm, some hard-to-reach applications, such as welding ceiling fixtures, may require the base pump unit to be suspended e.g., using a scissor lift. This introduces safety risks associated with raising heavy machinery.

[0060] In contrast, the tubular body 114 of the fume extraction device 100 may be moved and secured relative to the workpiece independently from the pump unit and a flexible pipeline may be selected which has a length suitable for the specific application. In some applications, the pump unit may be disposed in a separate location away from the tubular body 114 (connected by the flexible pipeline). This may increase the amount of space (e.g., on the scissor lift) available to a user when welding.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 1, the tubular body 114, fume outlet 104 and the plurality of inlets 106 are aligned on a common plane. The common plane notionally defines a boundary between a first side 116a of the tubular body 114 and a second side 116b of the tubular body 114.

[0062] The tubular body 114 includes one or more fixing devices 108 disposed on the first side 116a. The one or more fixing devices 108 are evenly spaced around a circumference of the tubular body 114 and operable to secure the fume extraction device 100 in place during use. In this example, each of the one or more fixing devices 108 comprises a threaded portion 110. Further fixing devices may be provided on the second side 116b.

[0063] In one example, as illustrated, a magnet 112 is attached to each of the one or more fixing devices 108. Each magnet 112 is fastened to the tubular body 114 by a respective threaded portion 110. The magnets 112 may be used to mount the tubular body 114 on an adjacent surface (provided the adjacent surface comprises a magnetic material e.g., steel) such that the tubular body 114 is positioned about a workpiece. In one example, the magnets 112 attach the tubular body 114 to a steel plate onto which a bracket is to be welded. The bracket can then be positioned in the workspace 118 and welded to the steel plate. After welding the tubular body 114 can be removed over the bracket.

[0064] In another example, as described above, the one or more fixing devices 108 may be used to attach the tubular body 114 to an articulating support arm, e.g., using bolts. The articulating support arm can then be moved to position the tubular body 114 about a workpiece.

[0065] In a further example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the fume extraction device 100 further includes a plurality of cam devices 404 for positioning the fume extraction device 100 relative to a workpiece, specifically a tube or pipe. In this example, the plurality of cam devices 404 consist of three cam devices 404 evenly spaced about the tubular body 114. Each of the plurality of cam devices 404 is mounted to one of the one or more fixing devices 108, for example by a bolt.

[0066] Each of the cam devices 404 is rotatable with respect to the tubular body 114 and configured to project into the workspace 118 a distance which is dependent on their rotational position. Each of the cam devices 404 includes a respective spring (e.g., a torsion spring) urging the cam device 404 to rotate into the workspace 118. During use, particularly on a workpiece 402 such as a pipe, the cam devices 404 are biased into contact with the workpiece 402 by the springs. In this way, the plurality of cam devices 404 act in concert to align the fume extraction device 100 and the workpiece 402. In particular, the pipe is centred within the tubular body 114.

[0067] The cam devices 404 may include a gripping surface that engages the workpiece 402, for example a rubber coating or similar. This may help the cam devices 404 grip the workpiece 402 and prevent the tubular body 114 from sliding along the workpiece 402 where the workpiece 402 is not horizontal.

[0068] As described above, during use, the tubular body 114 is positioned around a section of the workpiece to be welded. The one or more fixing devices 108 fix the tubular body 114 relative to the workpiece ensuring the tubular body 114 is positioned to enable fume extraction from the workpiece. As the workpiece is welded, fume and surrounding air is drawn from the workspace 118 into the fume extraction device 100 through the plurality of inlets 106. The fume-air mixture then travels out of the fume outlet 104 towards the pump unit where it is filtered. Cleaned exhaust air is then released back into the surrounding environment.

[0069] The plurality of inlets 106 encircles the section of the workpiece to be welded. This configuration ensures the plurality of inlets 106 are positioned close to the workpiece without obscuring a worker's view of the workpiece to be welded, or access for the welding torch. In addition, the plurality of inlets 106 are sufficiently spaced from the welding torch so as not to inadvertently remove the shielding gas. As such, the fume extraction device 100 may have several benefits over conventional fume extractors.

[0070] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the fume extraction device 100 of FIG. 1. As shown, each of the plurality of inlets 106 consist of a slot which perforates the inwardly facing surface 122 of the tubular body 114. In this example, the plurality of inlets 106 consist of seven slots evenly spaced around a minimum circumference of the toroidal ring. Each slot is positioned with its long axis parallel to the minimum circumference.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of inlets 106 are arranged along a curved path. Due to the curve of the tubular body 114, each of the plurality of inlets 106 face the workspace 118 from a different direction. Beneficially, this may ensure that fume is extracted effectively as welding is carried out around the workpiece, without requiring repositioning of the tubular body 114. In this way, the fume extraction device 100 may require less repositioning during welding than conventional hooded fume extractors. Such features have safety implications as improperly positioned fume extractor hoods may be ineffective in preventing fume from being released into the surrounding environment.

[0072] A side of the workspace 118 (extending out of the common plane) is bounded by the tubular body 114. In use, the workpiece is disposed within the workspace 118 and the tubular body 114 extends 360° around the workpiece, completely encircling the workpiece. Such an arrangement may beneficially enable fume to be extracted from all radial positions around the workpiece. This is shown in FIG. 2 by grey block arrows 124 which represent the flow of fluid (e.g., fume) into the plurality of inlets 106 when the pump unit is activated.

[0073] In FIG. 2 white block arrows 126 represent the flow of fluid (e.g., fume) through the fume extraction device 100 when the pump unit is activated. As shown, the tubular body 114 is configured as a continuous hollow ring to which the fume outlet 104 is fluidically connected. Fume may pass from the tubular body 114 into the fume outlet 104 from each of two opposite directions, as shown in FIG. 2. This configuration divides incoming flow into two flow paths. Such a configuration may reduce the net distance travelled by flow in the tubular body 114 when compared to a single flow path arrangement. This minimises the variation in distances travelled by flow from different ones of the plurality of inlets 106 to the fume outlet, thereby regulating the suction at each of the plurality of inlets 106.

[0074] The plurality of inlets 106 and / or the interior of the tubular body 114 may be configured to create more even suction and fume extraction around the tubular body 114. For example, the inlets 106 closer to the fume outlet 104 may be smaller than the inlets 106 spaced further from the fume outlet 104, or they may have a different shape, so that the suction applied at each of the plurality of inlets 106 is substantially the same.

[0075] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional representation of the fume extraction device 100 in one particular example use. In this example use the fume extraction device 100 is being used to extract fume from welding a workpiece 306, particularly a bracket, to an adjacent surface 304.

[0076] As shown, the tubular body 114 is mounted on the adjacent surface 304 via the one or more fixing devices 108. In this example, the adjacent surface 304 is a mild steel surface to which the workpiece 306 is being welded, and the one or more fixing devices 108 include magnets 112 that attach the tubular body 114 to the adjacent surface 304. The first side 116a of the tubular body 114 faces the adjacent surface 304. The tubular body 114 is reversibly fixed to the adjacent surface 304 by the magnets 112 of the one or more fixing devices 108. The magnets 112 project away from the first side 116a of the tubular body 114 to abut the adjacent surface 304 and a gap 302 is formed between the tubular body 114 and the adjacent surface 304.

[0077] During use, a portion of the fume may escape the workspace 118 through the gap 302 and pass into the surrounding environment. This effect may be especially prevalent when the tubular body 114 is secured underneath the adjacent surface 304 e.g., if the adjacent surface 304 was a ceiling. In this orientation, the rise of hot fume within the air in the workspace 118 forces fume up towards the adjacent surface 304 and out through the gap 302.

[0078] To prevent fume escaping through the gap 302, the fume extraction device 100 may further comprise a skirt (not shown) configured to at least partially cover the gap 302. The skirt may comprise a flexible material. The skirt may extend along a whole length of the tubular body 114 to seal the gap 302 between the tubular body 114 and the adjacent surface 304 along the whole length of the tubular body 114. The skirt may comprise an elastomer material, or bristles, for example like a draught excluder. Fume retained within the workspace 118 may then be extracted via the plurality of inlets 106. As such, the skirt may increase the effectiveness of the fume extraction device 100 and limit the amount of fume released into the surrounding environment.

[0079] The skirt may be detachable from the tubular body 114. This enables the skirt to be removed and replaced during maintenance.

[0080] In the fume extraction device 100 of the Figures, the one or more fixing devices 108 each include a threaded portion 110 and a one or more fixing devices 108 that can be used to mount or support the tubular body 114 in position about the workpiece.

[0081] In an alternate embodiment, the fume extraction device 100 may comprise a support base configured to hold the tubular body 114 in a fixed orientation. The one or more fixing devices 108 may be configured to secure the tubular body 114 to the support base to secure the tubular body 114 relative to the workpiece. The support base may be operably connected to a pump unit for creating suction in the tubular body 114. Such an arrangement may have utility in situations where there is no suitable surface adjacent to the workpiece on which to mount the tubular body 114. For example, a freestanding support base may be used when welding together two pipe ends that project into free space.

[0082] The support base may comprise an attachment portion configured to be reversibly secured to the tubular body 114 (e.g., to the one or more fixing devices 108 or the fume outlet 104); and a foundation portion to support the attachment portion. The foundation portion may be freestanding and portable or may be secured to a fixed structure (e.g., integrated into a building). The pump unit may form part of the support base.

[0083] In a further alternative, the tubular body 114 may or may not comprise one or more fixing devices 108 and the fume outlet may be configured to be secured to the support base (E.g., an end of the fume outlet may be threaded and arranged to engage a threaded portion of the support base).

[0084] The plurality of inlets 106 of the fume extraction device 100 shown in FIG. 2 consist of seven similar inlets evenly spaced around a minimum circumference of the toroidal ring of the tubular body 114. The suction provided by each of the plurality of inlets 106 will be varied depending on the distance between that one of the plurality of inlets 106 and the fume outlet 104. In an alternative, the plurality of inlets 106 may be configured such that each of the plurality of inlets 106 has a substantially or exactly equal inlet volumetric flow rate. For example, inlets proximal to the fume outlet 104 may have a smaller size than inlets distal to the fume outlet 104, or a different shape. This configuration may regulate the rate of flow between the plurality of inlets 106.

[0085] In the fume extraction device 100 illustrated in the Figures, the tubular body 114 defines an uninterrupted ring which surrounds the workpiece. In a further alternative, the tubular body 114 may define a ring with a separable portion which can be reversibly coupled to a remainder of the ring. The separable portion may define half or one quarter of the tubular body and may be attached to the remainder of the tubular body 114 at one or both ends. For example, the tubular body 114 may include a hinge which connects the separable portion to the remainder of the tubular body 114, allowing the separable portion to articulate relative to the remainder of the tubular body 114. In one example, the separable portion may be rotatable, within the plane of the tubular body 114, with respect to the remainder of the tubular body 114. In an alternative, the separable portion may be rotatable, out of the plane of the tubular body 114.

[0086] The hinge may enable rotation of the separable portion between: a closed position wherein the tubular body 114 defines a complete ring which surrounds the workspace 118; and an open position wherein the ring is split open, allowing the tubular body 114 to be positioned around a workpiece before being moved back to the closed position for use. This may be particularly beneficial for welding two pipes together.

[0087] Such an arrangement may beneficially enable fume to be extracted from all radial positions around the workpiece while still enabling easy positioning of the tubular body 114.

[0088] In another similar example the separable portion may be detachable from the remainder of the tubular body 114.

[0089] In an alternate example, the tubular body 114 may not extend 360° around the workspace 118. For example, the tubular body 114 may be configured to extend less than 360°. In one example, the tubular body 114 may be configured to extend 270° around the workspace 118 so that % of the workspace 118 is encircled. Such a configuration may allow the tubular body 114 to be placed around a workpiece onto which it cannot be threaded through (e.g., placed around a pipe which is secured to a wall at either end).

Claims

1. A fume extraction device, for extracting fume produced at a workpiece for example when welding the workpiece, comprising a tubular body configured to at least partially surround the workpiece during use, wherein the tubular body includes:a plurality of inlets spaced along the tubular body and arranged to face the workpiece from different directions during use; anda fume outlet fluidically connected to the plurality of inlets.

2. The fume extraction device of claim 1, wherein the tubular body is curved.

3. The fume extraction device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the tubular body defines a ring positionable to surround the workpiece during use.

4. The fume extraction device of claim 3, wherein the tubular body is substantially toroidal in shape.

5. The fume extraction device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fume outlet comprises a pipe projecting radially away from the ring.

6. The fume extraction device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fume outlet is coplanar with the tubular body.

7. The fume extraction device of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a support base, and wherein the tubular body is attachable to the support base to hold the tubular body in a fixed orientation.

8. The fume extraction device of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a pump unit for creating suction in the tubular body.

9. The fume extraction device of claim 8, wherein the pump unit comprises a flexible pipeline securable to the fume outlet.

10. The fume outlet of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the tubular body comprises heat resistant material.

11. The fume outlet of claim 10, wherein the tubular body consists of heat resistant material.

12. The fume extraction device of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the tubular body comprises one or more fixing devices.

13. The fume extraction device of claim 12, wherein the one or more fixing devices comprise a threaded connector, for example a threaded hole.

14. The fume extraction device of claim 12 or 13, wherein the one or more fixing devices comprise a magnet attached to the tubular body.

15. The fume extraction device of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the one or more fixing devices comprise a cam device rotatably mounted to the tubular body.

16. The fume extraction device of claim 15, comprising a plurality of cam devices, and wherein each of the plurality of cam devices is biased to rotate inwards of the tubular body.

17. The fume extraction device of claim 16, wherein the plurality of cam devices are spaced along a length of the tubular body.

18. The fume extraction device of any claim 17, wherein the plurality of cam devices are configured to act in concert to align the tubular body and the workpiece during use.

19. The fume extraction device of any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a skirt extending from the tubular body.

20. The fume extraction device of claim 19, wherein the tubular body comprises one or more fixing devices disposed on a side of the tubular body, and wherein the skirt extends in the same direction as the one of one or more fixing devices.

21. The fume extraction device of claim 19 or 20, wherein the tubular body is arranged in a plane and wherein the one or more fixing devices and the skirt extend from a first side of the tubular body and project away from the plane.

22. The fume extraction device of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the skirt extends along a whole length of the tubular body.

23. The fume extraction device of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the tubular body comprises a separable portion.

24. The fume extraction device of claim 23, wherein the separable portion is rotatably connected to the remainder of the tubular body.

25. The fume extraction device of claim 23 or 24, further comprising a hinge rotatably connecting the separable portion and the remainder of the tubular body.

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