How to Use and Maintain 3M Adflo Powered Air Purifying Respirator

At Kramp, we are dedicated to offering quality safety solutions, including the highly acclaimed 3M™ Adflo™ Powered Air Purifying Respirator. This respirator is designed to solve the critical problem of harmful welding fumes, providing superior respiratory protection while ensuring maximum comfort for face and head. Be protected from workplace hazards with a respiratory protection solution that workers will want to wear. 

This article will guide you through the key components and features of the 3M™ Adflo™ Powered Air Purifying Respirator, explain how to check the filter status, and emphasize the importance of regular maintenance. By following these guidelines, you can ensure optimal performance and longevity of the respirator.

An All-In-One System

The 3M™ Adflo™ Powered Air Purifying Respirator is one of the most popular respirators of its kind in the world. It is designed to provide welders with a constant nominal airflow rate of 170 litres per minute, regardless of the battery’s charge or the particle loading of the filter. For the version with the larger battery, it offers an impressive 205 litres per minute. With the right type of filter, the Adflo™ respirator effectively protects against both particles and gases, all in one system.

Understanding the Key Components and Features

The 3M™ Adflo™ Powered Air Purifying Respirator is designed with a range of features that ensure maximum safety and comfort for users in hazardous environments. This advanced system includes:

A) Filter cover: Holds the different available Adflo™ filters

B) Spark arrestor: Prevents sparks from reaching the filter, enhancing safety

C) Prefilter: Increases the service life of the particle filter by capturing larger particles first

D) Particle filter: Provides high-efficiency particulate filtration and must be installed at all times

E) Gas filter: Captures organic, inorganic, and/or acid gases and vapours (A1B1E1 or A2). Gas filters are sold separately

F) Odour filter: Removes unpleasant smells; not needed if a gas filter is installed (sold separately)

G) Li-ion battery: Fully charges in approximately 4.5 hours, with an expected operating time of 7–9 hours at the standard 170 l/min airflow setting with a new particle filter and a new, fully charged battery

H) Brushless motor: Ensures durability and efficient performance

I) Filter/Battery Indicator: LED status indicator for both the particle filter and battery

J) Airflow plus: For hot, humid jobs, the airflow can be increased from 170 l/min to 200 l/min with the push of a button

K) Breathing tube: Available in different options to suit individual needs

L) Airflow distribution: Filtered air is distributed throughout the entire breathing zone, maintaining a constant, preset level for maximum comfort

M) Soft, flexible face seal: Creates a positive pressure environment within the helmet, helping to keep surrounding pollutants at bay (removed here for clarity)

Checking the Filter Status: Green for Go

As soon the Adflo™ powered air purifying respirator is being turned on, a display indicates the status of the filter. A green light means that the unit is working normally, while a red light indicates that the filter is clogging.

• One green indicator: New particle filter.
• Two green indicators: New gas filter installed.
• Three green and one red light: Expect shorter battery runtime. Particle filter replacement is recommended.
• Three green and two red lights: The particle filter is clogged and must be replaced.

Regular Maintenance: Keep Your Respirator in Top Condition

The filters and other components need to be changed regularly to avoid the potential dangers of a saturated filter:

For the User:

• Inhaling welding fumes does not hurt, but the accumulation of welding fume particles goes unnoticed and can lead to lasting health problems.

For the Adflo:

• Full filter + high resistance = low battery life
• Motor defects due to the ingress of particles
• Contamination of hose and air ducts

Find some typical change intervals for maintenance and care of your 3M™ Adflo™ unit in the table down below.

Adflo™ component	Typical change interval	Remarks
Pre-filter	Daily	Regularly replacing the pre-filter extends the service life of the particle filter and the battery and reduces running costs.
Particle filter	At least once a month	With Adflo™, replace as soon as the particle filter indicator turns red. Otherwise, replace if the battery life deteriorates significantly or if an airflow alarm is triggered when the battery is fully charged.
Gas filter	Every second week	Replace immediately if odours can be detected with the system in place.
Odour filter	Whenever unpleasant odours are detected	Odour filter not required when using the gas filter.
Spark arrester	As required	Replace if deformed or poorly seated. Remove dust regularly.

Regular maintenance and timely filter replacements are essential to ensure safety and effective operation of the 3M™ Adflo™ Powered Air Purifying Respirator.

By incorporating the 3M™ Adflo™ Powered Air Purifying Respirator into operations, not only compliance with current safety standards is being ensured but also future-proofing your workplace. This respirator is equipped to handle both routine and complex tasks with the highest possible efficiency, making it an invaluable asset in any industrial setting. Be prepared for the future of respiratory protection and ensure operations are ready to meet the demands of today and tomorrow.

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Questions? 

Our team is ready to support you in providing advice to your customers. If you have questions or need more information, don't hesitate to contact our product specialist or send an email to the knowledge center. If you don't have a Kramp account and are looking for the products mentioned in this article, find a Kramp dealer near you.