Oil Mist Extraction for safer, compliant machining environments
Oil mist extraction systems are designed to remove airborne cutting oil, cutting fluids and metalworking fluids directly at source.
Speak to FSE about Oil Mist Extraction
Whether you are upgrading existing Filtermist systems, improving LEV compliance or specifying extraction for a new CNC installation, FSE can help. Our team provides:
- Oil mist extraction system specification
- LEV extraction advice
- Installation and commissioning
- Service and replacement filters
FSE supplies, installs and supports HSG258 compliant mist filtration solutions or demanding CNC machining environments through high-grade Exomist machines across the UK.
Oil mist extraction solutions – supplied and installed by FSE
Filtration Service Engineering provides complete oil mist extraction solutions tailored to your machining environment.
Whether you require Exomist HPM high-efficiency oil mist filters, FSE XL Mist extraction units, standalone or centralised systems, portable LEV system options, or replacement filter solutions, we can specify the right system for your application. As a UK-wide supplier, FSE provides:
- Sales advice and system specification
- Full LEV extraction integration
- Professional installation
- Service, maintenance and breakdown support
- Replacement oil mist filter elements
Our experienced engineers ensure your mist filtration system is correctly sized, installed and maintained to meet both production demands and HSE requirements.
Speak to a member of the FSE our team today about oil mist extraction solutions to suit your business via email at sales@fse.co.uk or call 01562 60233.
Benefits of Exomist oil mist extraction filters supplied by FSE
Exomist oil mist filters are engineered to deliver high-efficiency mist filtration for demanding metalworking environments. Key benefits include:
- Effective removal of airborne metalworking fluid mist
- Improved air quality and operator safety
- Reduced contamination of machines and surrounding areas
- Longer coolant life through captured and returned oil
- Lower housekeeping and maintenance requirements
- Compliance with LEV extraction guidance and HSE expectations (HSG258*)
Compared to traditional centrifugal filter systems, Exomist units use advanced multi-stage filtration technology capable of capturing fine oil particles with high-efficiency HEPA H13 (certified) stages where required. For production managers and facility engineers, this means consistent performance, predictable maintenance, and a cleaner, more controlled machining environment.
Speak to our sales team today about oil mist extraction solutions to suit your business via email at sales@fse.co.uk or call 01562 60233.
What is an oil mist hazard?
A cleaner working environment is now mandatory under UK health and safety legislation*. Oil mist is created when metalworking fluids (coolant) are atomised during the machining process — often through high-pressure application or compressed air. This can generate airborne oil mist and fine particulate matter, including respirable particles small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs. In addition to health concerns, uncontrolled oil mist can cause slippery walkways, contamination of electrical panels, increased fire risk from oil deposits, and general workshop hygiene issues.
If you are looking to improve air quality, protect operators, reduce maintenance costs and ensure your LEV extraction system meets compliance standards, FSE can provide a proven and energy-efficient solution for your business.
Speak to our sales team today about oil mist extraction solutions via email at sales@fse.co.uk or call 01562 60233.
What is oil mist extraction?
Oil mist extraction is the process of capturing and removing airborne mist generated by cutting oil, coolant, and other metalworking fluids during machining operations.
When metalworking fluids (coolant) is applied at high pressure or speed, a fine mist can become suspended in the air inside and around the machine enclosure. Without effective mist filtration, this airborne contamination can spread into the wider workshop environment.
A properly designed oil mist extraction system – sometimes referred to as LEV extraction (Local Exhaust Ventilation) – removes airborne oil particles before they enter the workspace. This protects operators, improves visibility inside the machine, reduces slip hazards and supports compliance with UK health and safety regulations.
Whether using an individual or central LEV system, oil mist extraction is essential for modern machining environments using cutting fluids and high-performance coolant systems.
Speak to the FSE team today via email at sales@fse.co.uk or call 01562 60233.
Exomist models
Exomist HPM
The Exomist HPM is a range of high-quality mist collectors for machine tools. The HPM series will provide sufficient extraction to capture the atomised coolant mist within the machine enclosure. The HPM achieves this by means of 4-stage filtration.
The integrated certified HEPA H13 guarantees a filtration efficiency of 99.96%.
Once filtered, the coolants are returned to the machine or to an integrated drainage oil container, and the clean air is returned back into the workshop. The units are floor mounted with locking caster wheels for ease of maintenance and inspection.
Filters are equipped with pressure sensors that are connected to LED lights to give you a visual aid of the condition of the filters
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XMist XL Series
The X Mist XL range of extraction systems are designed with multi-stage filtration to manage high volumetric mist loading while maintaining consistent extraction efficiency. The XL filter surface area significantly increases contaminant holding capacity, optimising service intervals and reducing maintenance frequency.
The XL2000 and XL3000 are particularly well suited to sliding head (Swiss-type) CNC machines operating with high-pressure coolant systems, where atomisation rates are significantly higher and fine sub-micron particulates are prevalent.
3 inlet options available – RH supplied as standard, LH and Rear options available
- EC fan technology maintains constant airflow as filters become progressively blocked, optimizing performance and helping to extend overall filter lifespan
- 1st and 2nd stage coalescing filters with final stage certified H13 HEPA filter guarantees ≥99.95%filtration efficiency
- Fully integrated oil sump and pump back to machine
- Filters equipped with pressure gauges and LED indicators for real-time condition monitoring: Green – Filters operating normally, Flashing Red – Replacement filters should be ordered, Solid Red – Filters require immediate replacement
- Levelling castors (swivel type) allow unit to be easily positioned and jacked up fixing the unit in position
Oil Mist Extraction & Management solutions from FSE
Whether you are replacing an existing system or upgrading your existing oil mist extraction & management solutions, FSE can help.
To speak to the FSE team today about oil mist extraction & mist management solutions to suit your business, contact us at sales@fse.co.uk or 01562 60233 or by using our online enquiry form.
Frequently asked questions about oil mist extraction
Not every CNC machine automatically requires oil mist extraction — but most machining centres using cutting oil, cutting fluids or metalworking fluids will generate airborne mist.
If machining produces visible mist, smoke or vapour inside the enclosure, a properly specified oil mist extraction system (LEV extraction) is typically required to protect operators and maintain air quality. Even synthetic cutting fluid can generate fine aerosol particles during high-speed machining, these may not be visible with the naked eye.
If in doubt, a site assessment should be carried out to determine whether mist filtration is necessary.
Yes, in most cases. Under COSHH regulations enforced by the Health and Safety Executive, employers must control employee exposure to hazardous substances, including airborne metalworking fluids and oil mist (see HSG258).
Where cutting fluids create airborne contaminants, suitable LEV extraction must be provided. The system must also be maintained and tested regularly to ensure compliance.
Failure to control exposure can lead to enforcement action.
Exposure to oil mist and metalworking fluids can cause:
- Occupational asthma
- Dermatitis
- Respiratory irritation
- Long-term lung conditions
Poor mist control can also lead to slippery floors, contamination of electrical systems and general workplace hygiene issues and safety risks.
A compliant oil mist extraction system significantly reduces these risks.
Yes – high-quality systems such as Exomist are engineered to deliver effective oil mist extraction.
When selecting a system, you should compare performance data, filtration efficiency and long-term operating costs.
Please speak to our sales team about the best solution for your business. Contact us via email at sales@fse.co.uk or call us on 01562 60233.
Yes. Effective mist filtration will:
- Prevent coolant build-up on machines
- Protect electrical cabinets
- Reduce cleaning time
- Improve machine reliability
- Extend filter life when correctly specified
This often results in lower overall operating costs compared to poorly maintained systems.
Oil mist extraction systems are available in different designs depending on the filtration method and application requirements.
FSE’s Exomist systems use high-efficiency, multi-stage filter-based mist filtration technology. This makes them particularly effective at capturing fine airborne particles generated by modern high-speed CNC machining and synthetic cutting fluid applications. With certified HEPA H13 as standard, Exomist units meet all of the current UK HSG 258 best practice guidelines ensuring your workplace is protected today and in the future**.
Centrifugal filters, use rotational separation to remove larger particles combined with after filters to remove finer particular. These units don’t always provide HEPA H13 filtration and can struggle with fine and sub-micron oil particles: It’s important to check the exact specification against your application, especially when using modern high pressure coolant, semi-synthetic, fully synthetic cutting fluids or oils.
The right oil mist extraction solution for your business depends on:
- Machine type and enclosure design
- Coolant type (cutting oil vs synthetic cutting fluid)
- Airflow and extraction requirements
- Compliance and LEV testing considerations
- Maintenance preferences and running costs
FSE provides independent advice and can support customers currently looking to review existing mist filtration arrangements, provide replacement filter elements or just advice. Our team will assess your process and specify the most effective solution for long-term performance and compliance.
*These notes are for guidance only and are application dependant. This webpage is not definitive and must be used in conjunction with the latest relevant HSE document/s:
HSG258 “Controlling airborne contaminants at work; A guide to local exhaustive ventilation (LEV)” Version 2.4
HSE/UKLA “Good Practice Guide for Safe Handling and Disposal of Metalworking Fluids”
B.O.H.S/F.O.H “Guidance for occupational Hygienists on the Assessment and Control of Health Risks from Metalworking Fluid” V1.1 Mar 2025
E&OE
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