Respiratory Protection for Welders
“The 3M™ Adflo™ powered respirator is now better than ever”
All welding fumes contain pollutants that can damage the respiratory passages, lungs and even nervous system. In 2000 AWS released the Adflo - a new powered respiratory protection system designed for welders. By leading filtered air into the welding shield, the user avoids inhaling welding fumes and dust while working. The system provides a steady stream of filtered air which also prevents warmth and humidity from entering the inside of the welding shield. This enhances comfort thereby reducing the risk of industrial injury.
In 2006 AWS has once again responded to the needs of welders through the introduction of the Adflo system with new particle filter indicator and filter warning alarm now standard on all Adflo powered air purifying respirators. In the past if the user did not replace the particle filter when it became “fully loaded” the user could experience reduced battery operating time and run the risk of the nominal protection factor of the unit decreasing. However, with the new particle filter indicator the user now has both a visual and audio warning as the particle filter becomes gradually more loaded.
The LED particle filter indicator is made up of five lights - three green and two red. As the particle filter becomes increasingly loaded the display lights move through the green lights into the red, when the first red light is reached it lets the user know that the particle filter needs changing. If airflow does become restricted as a result of a loaded particle filter, the dirty filter alarm will sound. If work is continued despite the alarm, the Adflo unit turns off automatically as an extra safety measure.
The design of the new and improved Adflo incorporates all the features that made it the market leading respiratory system for welders, with its compact and user-friendly profile. The unit is battery-operated and does not have any wires or sharp corners, which simplifies work in tight spaces. The combined weight of the newly developed brushless motor, battery and filter unit is only 1150gm. The unit is fitted to an adjustable ergonomic leather belt. The welder can replace the filter and battery on-site without removing the unit.
The NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) battery is rechargeable and lasts 8 hours. The battery has an advanced two-step charger, which rapidly recharges the battery and prevents overcharging. An electronic control system compensates for the falling battery voltage and provides a steady flow of air at 170litres/min. This can be changed to the Airflow Plus mode of 200litres/min by the simple push of a button.
The system, which is fitted with a spark arrestor, pre-filter and particle filter, also has an information display which shows the current battery charge and air flow level. The same system can be individually customised with an optional odour filter or gas filter according to user requirements.
For additional information please contact:
AWS
Unit 5, 6-8 McLachlan Avenue
PO Box 912 Artarmon NSW 2064
Phone: +61 2 9439 0111
Fax: +61 2 9439 0100
Email: sales@awsupplies.com.au