Bohler Evolution Vision 65FM Air Parts FAQs
Answers on choosing, fitting and looking after the filters, lenses, comfort parts, battery and blower parts for a powered air welding helmet.
How do I know the main particle filter needs replacing?
Common signs are a low-airflow alarm, a filter indicator showing it is spent, a much shorter battery run time than before, or visible damage or heavy contamination. A harder-to-breathe or weaker flow of air is also a warning.
HSE guidance says filters should be changed when damaged or visibly contaminated, and fan-assisted units should follow the manufacturer's instructions for changing them. Some makers also set a minimum change interval even if no alarm has sounded, so check your manual. If an alarm sounds, leave the work area and fix the cause before welding again.
Will a replacement particle filter protect me from welding gases?
Not necessarily. A particle filter is designed to remove fume and dust, and HSE notes that P3 particle filters do not protect against the gases that can be present in welding fume. If a gas or odour filter is fitted to your blower, it must be one the maker specifies for that unit.
If you notice a smell, irritation or taste while welding, treat it as a sign that exposure is not under control. Stop and review your ventilation and respiratory protection with your employer or safety adviser. Do not rely on smell as a way of judging when a filter is used up.
What should I check on the blower and battery before each shift?
Check that the battery is fully charged, the correct filters and covers are fitted, hoses and seals are undamaged and the unit starts normally. Then check the airflow in the way your manual describes, using the maker's flow-check method or device, and make sure any alarm is working.
HSE guidance on powered respirators lists changing filters, cleaning, checking straps, and checking battery charge and flow rate among the key maintenance tasks, with examination and testing done to the maker's schedule by a competent person. If airflow is below the maker's stated minimum, do not weld until it is corrected.
When is a blower motor unit the problem rather than the filter?
A blower motor draws air through the filter and passes it to the helmet. If the flow is low even with a fresh filter, a fully charged battery and a clear, undamaged hose, the fault may lie with the motor, the seals or the electronics.
Before you suspect the motor, rule out the simple causes: a blocked cover, a kinked or loose hose, a missing seal, a tired battery. Anything beyond cleaning and part swaps should be done by a competent person following the manufacturer's instructions, because HSE advises that more intricate repairs are not a job for the wearer. Test the airflow again after any repair.