Beam centralised on-tool dust extraction system at ATU Connemara

Bench rooms 1 & 2

Nestled in the scenic village of Letterfrack, Co. Galway,  Atlantic Technological University (ATU)  Connemara is home to Ireland’s National Centre for Excellence in Furniture Design and Technology.

Recognised internationally for it’s degree programmes in furniture design, wood technology and creative education, the campus operates high-performance workshops supporting intensive daily use by students and faculty.

In 2025, ATU undertook a major workshop modernisation project, investing in a fully centralised  Low Volume High Velocity (LVHV) dust extraction system to provide high-efficiency, at-source dust capture for handheld woodworking tools.

The challenge: safe, efficient on-tool dust extraction at scale

With 100 student workbenches in constant use, ATU required a system capable of:

• Providing consistent high-vacuum extraction for handheld power tools
• Meeting stringent health and safety requirements
• Reducing workshop noise levels
• Supporting sustainability objectives
• Delivering long-term cost efficiency

The solution needed to replace a smaller legacy on-tool extraction system and extend high-performance dust control across all machine workshops.

ATU Workshop Technician Martin Kearney commented: “We previously had a smaller-scale on-tool dust extraction system and knowing the benefits first-hand, we sought to upgrade and extend it throughout all our machine workshops. The installation and commissioning from Beam were first class!”

The solution: centralised LVHV high-vacuum extraction

Following a successful tender process, BEAM was appointed to design and deliver a campus-wide centralised dust extraction system.

The installation included:

• Three centralised high-vacuum extraction units with a combined power output of 52 kW
• Approx. 550m of high-pressure galvanised ducting raingng in diameter from 50–150mm
• 100 strategically positioned 50mm inlet valves installed across student workbenches
• Smart Control Systems to manage the diversity of use and provide energy efficiency

The system enables direct connection of handheld tools including sanders, routers, biscuit jointers and other portable woodworking equipment – ensuring effective dust capture directly at source.

Installation was carried out by BEAM’s Galway-based approved distributor, Sean Gavin, managing a complex retrofit across multiple workshop spaces.

Smart Control Technology for energy-efficient dust extraction

To support the diverse and fluctuating demands of the workshops, proprietary Beam Smart Control System were integrated.

This intelligent control system:

• Monitors real-time tool usage
• Automatically adjusts extraction capacity based on active users
• Optimises dust capture
• Minimises energy consumption

The result is a demand-responsive dust extraction system that delivers consistent high-vacuum performance while supporting ATU’s sustainability philosophy.

Why centralised dust extraction outperforms Portable Extractors

Traditional portable dust extractors present several operational challenges in woodworking environments:

• Ongoing bag and filter replacement costs
• High noise levels at operator position
• Exhaust air recirculation
• Trailing electrical cables
• Floor space obstruction
• Inconsistent suction performance

By contrast, a centralised high-vacuum dust extraction system functions as a built-in utility – permanently available and engineered for long-term industrial use.

Bench rooms 3 & 4

Key benefits delivered at ATU

• Consistent high-power suction at every workbench
• Long-life central filtration with self-cleaning functionality
• Significantly reduced workshop noise (equipment remotely located)
• Improved housekeeping and uncluttered floor space
• Centralised dust collection for hygienic handling and disposal
• Reduced equipment wear and longer service life
• Scalable system design to accommodate future expansion

Paul Leamy, Head of Department of Furniture Design & Technology commented: “Installing a centralised, high-velocity dust extraction system was a key priority during the upgrade and expansion of our extraction systems. Beam’s solution impressed us not only because it met all essential health and safety requirements, but also because it featured their Smart Control Technology, that adjusts power consumption according to demand.

“This aligns perfectly with our sustainability philosophy and is a valued asset for us. We greatly appreciate the expert service provided by Beam and the professional installation carried out by Sean Gavin and his team.”

Cost efficiency and long-term performance

For educational institutions and manufacturing environments alike, a central vacuum extraction system delivers a lower cost per operator compared to standalone portable units.

Additional advantages include:

• Sustained performance over time
• Reduced consumable costs
• Improved air quality
• No risk of recycled dust-laden air
• Lower noise exposure
• Simplified waste management

The ATU installation demonstrates how centralised LVHV dust extraction can transform workshop safety, operational efficiency and long-term cost control.

High-power central dust extraction for woodworking and manufacturing

BEAM specialises in the design and installation of high-power central dust extraction systems for woodworking workshops, furniture manufacturers, educational facilities and industrial production environments.

With a nationwide approved distributor network and extensive experience in bespoke extraction solutions, BEAM delivers engineered systems built for performance, compliance and longevity.

For technical advice or to discuss a dust extraction project, contact BEAM’s engineering team on +44 (0)28 79632424 or email [email protected].

www.beamcentralsystems.com