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Plain answers on the filters, battery, lenses and comfort parts that wear on a powered air-purifying welding helmet system, and how to choose and look after them.
On a powered air-purifying system the main wear items are the particle filters and any pre-filters, the battery, the breathing hose and seals, the helmet's visor and lenses, and the comfort items such as headband padding and neckband covers. The blower is a serviceable part and should be examined if airflow problems persist.Key maintenance tasks for powered respirators include changing replaceable filters, cleaning the device, checking straps for damage, and checking the battery charge and airflow. Your manual lists the parts that belong to your system, so order from that list rather than by appearance.
Filters only have a limited capacity and can become clogged. Change them in line with the manufacturer's recommendations and also if they have passed their shelf-life date, are damaged or visibly contaminated, or if breathing becomes harder or the airflow warning operates.Filters cannot be cleaned and reused, and how often they need changing depends on how much welding you do, the fume produced and the workshop conditions. Check the filter and its seal at each use, and keep a record of changes.
Stop work and leave the work area immediately. Never keep working if the fan stops or the airflow rate falls, because a loose-fitting helmet relies on a continuous supply of clean air to keep fume out.Once in clean air, check the likely causes in turn: a flat or worn battery, a clogged pre-filter or main filter, a kinked or damaged hose, a poorly seated filter cover or seal. If the airflow does not return to normal after these checks, do not use the unit until the maker's instructions have been followed or a competent person has examined it.
A pre-filter is a coarse layer that catches larger dust and spatter before it reaches the main particle filter, and so extends the main filter's life. It usually clogs sooner and is changed more often, but the right interval depends on the maker and how heavy the work is.For welding fume you need particle filters. Check that the filter type and class are the ones named for your helmet and blower in the manual, and do not mix filters from other systems, because the approval of the combination depends on the correct parts.
Ideally, any parts that need replacing come from the original manufacturer of the equipment. This helps the equipment keep working as originally intended and give the protection the maker states.A filter, hose or seal that looks the same may differ in fit, airflow resistance or approval. Use the parts list in the manual, and quote the information on the blower's label or the old part's markings when you ask a supplier to confirm what suits your system.
Inspect the battery before use and do not use it if it is damaged. Use only the battery and charger specified in the maker's instructions, and make sure it has enough charge for the shift, since a battery that is flat or tired can reduce airflow.Store batteries as the maker specifies. High temperatures can reduce battery capacity during both storage and use, so keep them away from heat. If run time falls noticeably, or the battery is swollen or leaking, stop using it and replace it. Dispose of used batteries as the maker and local rules direct.