Telford-based air filtration specialist Filtermist Ltd has launched a new range of dust and fume extraction units, developed by its sister company Absolent AB. The new AD range features advanced “True Downflow” technology, offering compact, easy-to-maintain systems with improved filtration performance.
Designed based on feedback from hundreds of real-world applications, the AD range provides a modular and customer-focused solution for UK manufacturers. It is particularly suited for processes such as welding, laser cutting, and grinding.
A New Approach to Extraction
Robert Wiktorén, Chief Product Officer at Absolent Air Care Group, said the project was driven by customer needs identified over a three-year development process.
“As a company that already manufactures dust collectors under the Absolent, Dustcheck, and Diversitech brands, we saw an opportunity to rethink dust and fume extraction from the ground up,” he said.
He explained that traditional dust collectors are often large and noisy, with complex maintenance requirements. “Most current designs place moving parts and filter mechanisms in the dirty area of the unit, exposing them to contamination. This makes maintenance harder and requires tools to access filters deep inside.”
True Downflow Technology
The AD range solves these issues using a new airflow method. Its “True Downflow” technology combines vertically positioned filters with a top-to-bottom airflow. This design uses gravity to push dust directly into the hopper during cleaning, making the system more efficient and reliable.
The first models include the AD 0.5 (with two deep pleat cartridges), AD 1.0 (four filters), and AD 1.5 (six filters). Airflow capacity ranges from 1,200 to 10,800 m³/hr, with the option to expand due to the modular build.
Compact and Quiet Design
Andy Darby, Senior Product Manager at Absolent and a former Filtermist employee, played a key role in developing the AD range. He said the inlet baffle distributes air evenly across the filters, making full use of the filter area.
“Our True Downflow setup avoids any upflow or crossflow, which often causes dust to build up and requires larger filters,” he explained. “This lets us offer high filtration power density, so we can boost filter speed and reduce the overall size.”
The AD units are also quieter. The fan and cleaning mechanism are built into the body of the unit, reducing noise. Additional noise-reducing features can be added if needed. The standard units are made from corrosion-resistant Galfan steel.
Another standout feature is the “CleanChange” filter clamping system. Filters are linked together so that pulling one brings the next to the front. No tools are needed, and maintenance staff don’t have to reach inside the dust-filled chamber.
Future Expansion
The AD range is being introduced in phases across the UK and Europe. The first models are designed for metalworking applications, including welding, laser and plasma cutting, grinding, and linishing of non-ATEX metals.
Future models will support a wider range of applications. These will include systems for explosive dusts (ATEX-certified), higher air volume capacities (over 65,000 m³/hr), and safe-change units for pharmaceutical environments. These additions are planned for release in 2026.
Thanks to its modular design, the AD range offers fast delivery times—even for customised units. Wiktorén concluded, “We believe the AD range will transform how end-users, OEMs, and systems integrators approach dust and fume extraction.”
