Hi all. I recently moved into a new condo unit and I'm working on setting up a lab to do a bit of electronics development. My condo is small and my "lab" (which is basically a small table) is only a few feet away from my kitchen. I have a need to do some occasional soldering and am looking into a soldering air management (extraction + purification) system for closed environments. I don't like the taste of flux residue in my food (might be an acquired taste). I live in Canada so I can't open a windows throughout the year.
I'm NOT looking for a simple fan with a active carbon filter. These do not work well and only remove ~11% of contaminants. I can link a scientific report if interested.
There a few options out there that I've been considering, and all tend to be very expensive. I'm fine with investing a good chunk of money into something that will protect my health. Here's my options:
1) Weller WFE2ESKIT1 (
http://canada.newark.com/weller/wfe2eskit1/zero-smog-volume-fume-extraction/dp/33R1939) with 100 CFM air flow (~$1200). Filter (fine dust F5, HEPA E12, and active carbon/Puratex blend for 99.5% particulate removal) replacements around $200 for 2000 hour supply. Concerned with E12 filter (not as good as H13), but there is an option to upgrade to an H13 filter for a whopping $400.
2) Sentry Air SS-200-FS (
http://www.sentryair.com/floor-sentry.htm) with 100 CFM air flow (~$1500). Filter (active carbon and HEPA H13 for 99.97% particulate removal) replacements around $400 for 2000 hour supply. More expensive to order as ships from the US. Sentry Air Systems (SAS) seem to be industry leaders in fume extraction solutions.
3) Metcal BVX-101 (
http://canada.newark.com/metcal/bvx-101/fume-extractor/dp/20C2393) with 50 CFM air flow (~$600). Filter (undisclosed) replacements around $150 for unknown hour supply. Cheapest option but I worry about the undisclosed filter media.
4) Hakko FA430-16 (
http://www.tequipment.net/HakkoFA430.html) with 100 CFM (?) air flow (~$800). Filter (active carbon and HEPA H13 for 99.97% particulate removal) replacements around $400 for 2000 hour supply. Expensive filters and ships from US.
Does anyone have any experience with these devices? I think I'm leaning towards the Weller. I'm specifically looking feedback on noise of operation (all quoted around 55 dB @ 3 feet) and air purification efficiency.
Thoughts on my strategy?