Fume extraction systems

A fume extraction apparatus 1 comprises an extraction pump, a first interface 12 for connection to a process equipment and a second interface 10 for connection to a system controller, wherein the apparatus comprises an intraconnection 15 to enable signals to be communicated between the first interface 12 and the second interface 10. The signals are preferably representative of operational data or operational commands or requests and the intraconnection 15 may be arranged to route signals between the first interface 12 and the second interface 10 and vice versa. At least one of the first 12 and second 10 interfaces are preferably arranged to carry a fieldbus communications protocol.