Custom & complete industrial solutions

Aspiration Systems

Aspiration systems for the wood, paper and printing industries: ductwork, dust and chip filters, silos and engineering design. We calculate air volumes based on your machinery park.

Biomass and sawdust silosNAWARA collection silos provide a dust-free storage solution for collecting sawdust and biom…→Aspiration ductworkAspiration ducting for the wood and paper industry – design, material selection and componen…→

In the woodworking, paper and printing industries, large quantities of chips, sawdust, sanding dust and fine dust are generated every day. Collecting this is not merely a matter of cleanliness: fine dust suspended in the air creates an explosive environment, harms the respiratory tract and halts production. A well-designed extraction system removes dust at the point of origin before it spreads throughout the premises.

Elister designs, installs and maintains complete extraction equipment – from local exhaust and extraction ductwork to filtration and material collection. The solution is calculated based on the production building layout, machinery and dust class, not selected from a catalogue.

Components of an extraction system

  • Complete extraction systems – for sanding, sawing and milling machines, including fan and control automation
  • Dust and chip extraction filters – Nawara RUBIN (modular) and TOPAZ (stationary) as well as the Vacomax S1000–S3500 series
  • Extraction ductwork – extraction pipe, elbows, branches and dampers; the ductwork diameter and air velocity are calculated according to each machine's extraction requirement
  • Biomass and sawdust silos – for storing collected material and its further use as fuel
  • Industrial vacuum cleaners and cyclone separators – for point cleaning and separating material from the air flow

What to consider when selecting a system

  • Air volume (m³/h) – the extraction requirement of each machine is added together; an undersized fan leaves the ductwork prone to clogging
  • Air velocity in the ductwork – too slow a flow allows chips to settle in the pipe, too fast raises energy consumption and noise
  • Dust type and class – fine dust requires a different filter than coarse chips
  • Fire safety and ATEX – wood dust is explosive; the system must comply with fire safety and occupational health standards
  • Filter cleaning and maintenance – filter replacement and system optimisation keeps the extraction capacity consistent for years

Where extraction systems are used

Designing an extraction system begins with measuring the existing situation: which machines, how many shifts, what the room layout is and whether the ductwork can run overhead or along the wall. Send us a list of your machinery and a plan – we will calculate the air volumes and make a proposal.

Extraction ductwork – the backbone of the system

The ductwork determines whether the system operates at the calculated capacity or loses half of its extraction force on the way to the filter. The wrong diameter, overly sharp bends or leaking connections eat into the air volume even when the fan has been correctly selected.

What matters in ductwork

  • Diameter – calculated according to each machine's air requirement and the required air velocity. Our range includes galvanised ductwork from Ø 80 to Ø 1000 mm.
  • Bend radius – a gentle bend (R=1.5×D) creates considerably less resistance than a sharp elbow. Every excess resistance is deducted from the fan's capacity.
  • Connection tightness – a leaking connection draws in air where it is not needed and reduces extraction at the workstation.
  • Cleanability – inspection hatches and detachable sections make clearing a blockage a matter of minutes rather than hours.

View the entire ductwork range – pipes, elbows, branches, transitions, flanges and fasteners. You can assemble the required dimensions yourself and send us an enquiry.

How we design the system

  1. On-site survey – we review the machinery, the building layout and the existing ductwork.
  2. Calculations – the air requirement of each machine, ductwork diameters, pressure losses and the fan's operating point.
  3. 3D project – the route is drawn out before installation, so that conflicts with other systems emerge on paper, not at the construction site.
  4. Installation and setup – the system is adjusted with dampers so that the calculated air volume is achieved at every point.
  5. Measurement – the actual air velocity and flow rate are measured with an anemometer or Pitot tube and compared with the project.

Maintenance preserves capacity

The capacity of an extraction system does not disappear suddenly but gradually: the filter fills up, settled material accumulates in the ductwork, seals age. Most companies notice the problem only when dust visibly begins to remain at the workstation.

  • Filter inspection and replacement – a clogged filter raises the pressure loss and overloads the fan.
  • Ductwork inspection – settled material reduces the cross-section and is a fire hazard.
  • Air volume measurement – shows whether the system still operates as per the project.
  • Damper adjustment – as the machinery changes, the balance must be reviewed.

See also our completed works – many of them are woodworking industry extraction solutions.

Extraction and dust removal – one system

"Extraction" and "dust removal" essentially mean the same thing: collecting the dust, chips and sawdust generated in production at the point of origin and removing it with an air flow. Good dust removal keeps the working environment clean and safe – dust is both a health and an explosion hazard – ensures the reliability of the machines and improves product quality.

A complete extraction and dust removal system consists of extraction points and collectors, extraction ductwork, dust and chip filters and a

Why Elister

One partner, a complete solution

One partner for everything

Design, supply, installation and maintenance from one place — no juggling multiple vendors.

25+ years of experience

Deep knowledge of industrial finishing and processing across every sector.

World-known brands

Official representation of Gema, Graco, UNIFOG and others in Estonia.

Support for the whole lifecycle

Fast maintenance, spare-part availability and advice years after installation.

Need help finding the right solution?

We help you choose the solution that fits your needs and production.

Send request →
Quality materialsDurable industrial quality and long service life.
Experienced partnerWe help design, install and maintain.
Support & spare partsFast help and spare-part availability throughout the lifecycle.

Common questions about this product.

Frequently asked questions

How to Choose the Right Dust Extraction System?
The starting point is the machine park: the extraction requirement (m³/h) of each machine is added together, and based on this the fan, filter, and aspiration ductwork diameter are selected. The type of dust, the number of shifts, and the floor plan must also be taken into account. Send us the list of machines and the building plan – we will make the calculation and a proposal.
Which dust and chip filters does Elister offer?
Nawara RUBIN (modular dust filter) and Nawara TOPAZ (stationary dust filter), as well as the Vacomax dust and chip filters S1000–S3500 series. In addition, biomass and sawdust silos for storing collected material.
What is the difference between an aspiration system and an industrial vacuum cleaner?
An aspiration system is a permanently machine-mounted duct network that removes dust at the point of generation and operates continuously. An industrial vacuum cleaner is a movable device for spot cleaning. Most production facilities require both.
Can the aspiration ductwork be installed in an existing production building?
Yes. The ductwork is designed according to the existing floor plan – if necessary under the ceiling, along the wall, or between machines. It is usually more challenging to find a location for the filter and silo, as these require an exterior wall or an outdoor area.
Why Does the Suction Power of an Aspiration System Decline Over Time?
The most common cause is a clogged filter or material that has settled in the ductwork. Regular filter replacement and system inspection keep the airflow at the designed level. A drop in capacity may also indicate a leak or incorrectly set dampers.
Is wood dust explosive?
Fine wood dust can form an explosive mixture in the air, which is why the extraction system must comply with fire safety and occupational health requirements. When designing the system, we take into account the dust class and the necessary safety solutions.
What should be the diameter of the aspiration pipe?
The diameter is calculated based on the machine's air requirement and the required air velocity – there is no single correct number. A pipe that is too small increases pressure loss and noise, while one that is too large allows material to settle in the pipe. Our range includes ducting from Ø 80 to Ø 1000 mm, and we calculate the suitable dimension for each machine.
Why are gentle curves used instead of sharp bends?
A gentle bend with a radius of 1.5 × diameter creates significantly less resistance to airflow than a sharp elbow. Any excess resistance is deducted from the fan's capacity and increases energy consumption. In sharp elbows, the material also wears through the wall more quickly.
Can I select the piping components myself?
Yes. If a project already exists or you know exactly what you need, you can assemble the pipes, elbows, branches and clamps yourself from our piping selection and send an inquiry. If there is no project yet, we will come to take measurements and calculate the system.
How often should the aspiration system be maintained?
The frequency depends on the amount and type of dust. Filters are usually inspected several times a year, while ducting and air volumes are checked at least once a year. If suction power has noticeably decreased, it is worth re-measuring the system – the cause is most often a clogged filter or settled deposits in the ducting.
Can the existing aspiration system be expanded?
In most cases yes, but this requires calculation. Adding a new machine increases the total air demand and may leave existing points under-supplied. We will review whether the current fan and filter can cope, or whether the system needs to be reinforced.
What is the difference between aspiration and dust extraction?
There is essentially no difference – both refer to the collection of dust, chips and sawdust at the point of origin and their removal by airflow. The same system is also referred to as a dust extraction system or aspiration equipment.
Why is dust extraction important in production?
Dust is a health and explosion hazard that also wears down machinery. Effective dust extraction keeps the air clean, reduces fire risk, extends equipment lifespan, and improves product quality.
Which types of dust are aspiration systems suitable for?
Suitable for wood dust, sawdust and shavings, as well as dust from the paper industry and metal grinding. We select the filter and air volume according to the material and quantity.