FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON AMBIENT AIR PUMPS Q: What is the first thing I should do before operating my ambient air pump? A: Plug in air hose and mask before running the air pump. If you run the air pump, even momentarily, without air hose or respirator being connected, this will result in a backpressure of the pump and possible damage to the pump. Q: What’s the total length of hose that I can have on an ambient air pump? A: 100 ft. per worker. Q: Can I extend the inlet filter to reach breathable air? A: Yes, you can use an inlet extension hose to place the inlet filter in clean air environment, up to 250 ft. (Allegro PN 9700-65 50’ Universal Inlet Kit) Q: How long can my total system length be? A: 350 ft. with a maximum of 100 ft. from pump to respirator and 250 ft. from pump to inlet filter. Q: How do you read the gauge on the ambient air pump, and what should the settings be? A: The gauge gives a reading of static pressure (or backpressure) at the pump, and will vary depending upon length of hose, type of pump, and the number of workers. To test for airflow (CFM) at respirator, use a flow meter kit (Allegro P/N 9900-40) at the end of breathing air hose. Q: What does a rise on the pressure gauge mean? A: It may indicate a clogged exhaust filter, or a restriction in the air hose. Make sure only an approved air supply hose is being used. Also check relief valve adjustment. Q: What should I do if the ambient air pump is running hot? A: Outlet pressure may be too high (above 11 psi). Adjust pressure relief valve. Intake and/or exhaust filter may be dirty, replace if necessary. Q: Should I lubricate my pump? A: No, pumps are oil-less and require no lubrication. Pumps may be flushed periodically with non-oil based pump flushing liquid (P/N 9700-11). Q: Can I use two different hose lengths from the pump to the respirator(s)? A: This is not advisable because air will take the path of least resistance and may divert airflow from longer hose to shorter hose. Also – combinations of hoods and masks may divert airflow to the hood. Q: How often should I change my filters? A: Filters should be changed approximately every 200 working hours. Filters may require changing more often depending upon working environment. Q: How often should I replace the carbon vanes? A: Carbon vanes should be replaced approximately every 4000-5000 running hours. Q: What kind of couplers must I use with the pump? A: Couplers must mate with the air hose and respirator in use. (Refer to the respirator’s manufacturer’s manual.) Q: Can I use a Vortex cooler with my respirator and pump? A: No, ambient air pumps do not supply the required psi or CFM necessary to run these devices. Some cooling can be attained by running the pump at a lower psi, if possible, or by placing a few loose coils of air hose in an ice chest or bucket of cold water or use the AllegroAir Airline Cooling System (PN 9820-LP) Q: Will my ambient air pump work with a pressure demand respirator? A: No, the ambient air pump is only designed for use with constant flow respirators and does not have the psi or CFM capabilities to run a pressure demand respirator, nor is it approved for use in an IDLH (Immediate Danger to Life and Health) application. Q: Where can I place my ambient air pump? A: Pump and/or inlet filter for the ambient air pump must be placed in a fresh air environment where people are working normally without respiratory protection. Q: What kind of application can I use an ambient air pump in? A: Only those environments approved for use of a constant flow respirator (non-IDLH) Q: What do I do if there is a drop in outlet pressure? A: Ensure outlet filter is not cross-threaded and seated firmly onto housing gasket. Check for dirty inlet filter or exhaust filter, and replace if necessary. Ensure vanes are not sticking. Check for worn vanes and replace if necessary. Q: What if I have a noisy pump? A: If vanes are sticking, clean or use recommended solvent for flushing (Allegro PN 9700-11 Flushing Liquid). Check for broken vanes; replace all four vanes if necessary. Q : What do I do if motor fails to start of hums? A - Turn switch off. Thermal overload mechanism inside motor turns current off automatically when the motor heats up, due to mechanical or electrical overload. Allow the pump to cool for 5 to 15 minutes and try to start again. If pump is extremely cold, bring to room temperature before starting. To check vanes and rotor, loosen all 6 pump face plate bolts slightly and remove face plate. Check vanes and rotor for free movement. Do not attempt to force movement of the rotor. Retighten bolts in crisscross sequence, turn pump on to test. Clean pump with approved solvents if necessary. If anything appears to be wrong with the motor, contact Allegro Customer Service at 800.622.3530 for instructions regarding a return for repair. Q: Is it normal for my ambient air pump to get warm? A: Yes, ambient air pumps are oil-less and therefore have no type of lubrication to cool the motor. The pumps have a rotary vane design which causes constant friction between the rotor and chamber and may increase the ambient air temperature by up to 10-15° F. Q: Do I need a CO Monitor for my ambient air pump? A: Ambient air pumps are oil-less producing no carbon monoxide, oil vapor or oil mist, thus eliminating the need for a carbon monoxide monitor and or alarm system. Note: CO could come from an outside source or drawn in through the inlet. Locate pump in clean air environment.
Q: Where can I store my ambient air pump? A: Ambient air pumps should be stored in a cool dry place. Never allow moisture to be exposed to the pump, moisture exposure will cause the pump to build up rust and or damage the electrical components in the motor
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON BLOWERS Q: What is the main difference between the Axial and the Centrifugal blowers?
A: The Centrifugal Blowers have the motor on the outside of the housing. The centrifugal design allows them to push against greater dynamic back-pressure (higher static pressure) with extended lengths of ducting compared to axial blowers.
The Axial blowers have housed motors making them more compact, portable and less expensive. They offer higher CFM in a free air configuration.
Q: How do I choose the correct blower to ventilate an area? A: You first need to determine the total volume (cu.ft.) of the space to be ventilated. We recommend using a blower that is capable of 20 exchanges of air per hour. You can find this information on our website (www.allegrosafety.com) click on the Blower Selection icon (right hand side) to calculate the recommended CFM requirement and find product matches. Also in the Blower section, click on Ventilation Information (for a chart) or Blower Selection (same as above icon). For further assistance, contact Allegro Technical Support at (800) 622-3530.or techsve@allegrosafety.com .
Q: Is it better to positively ventilate or to evacuate air? A: Any Confined Space must be positively ventilated; you may evacuate when fumes are being generated in a specific location. (e.g. welding, grinding, etc.)
Q: How do I know an explosion proof (EX) Blower meets the Class, Division, and Group for my hazardous confined space? A: All of our EX blowers are shipped with an approved Hazardous location motor. Each blower is stamped with the approved Class, Division, and Group. They are also supplied with the appropriate anti-spark fan wheel, and plug.
Q: Can you place the Explosion Proof Blower in an Explosive Atmosphere? A: Yes, however the blower should be at least five feet away from the entrance, in order to bring fresh air in and not just to re-circulate the contaminated air. (It is recommended that the area is monitored)
Q: Why do I need the explosion-proof receptacle and plug with the explosion-proof blower? A: The receptacle (sold separately) must be hard-wired to your power source (e.g. conduit, flexible conduit) to meet explosion-proof standards. If you modify any part of the blower, cord, plug, and/or receptacle, you will void the explosion-proof certification.
Q: Can I use an explosion proof blower with a standard extension cord and/or receptacle? A: If the plug can be used without alteration, the explosion proof blower may be used in a non-hazardous area.
Q: Can the Air Driven Blower be used in an explosion proof atmosphere with statically conductive ducting? A: Yes, keeping in mind that it has steel parts and the unit is not certified as intrinsically safe.
Q: Can I use a blower to evacuate welding fumes? A: Yes, you can have ducting directed at the working area with the blower in the extracting configuration.
Q: Why do I need to use statically conductive ducting with EX Blowers? A: As a requirement for hazardous locations, this ducting is coated with Neoprene, which resists static charge build up. It also is integrated with a grounding wire, to maintain the ground throughout your system. A duct-to-duct connector may be used if the ground wire is continuously attached to a ground.
Q: Can I connect two pieces of ducting together? A: Yes, you can use the optional duct-to-duct connector, P/N: 9500-01 (8"), 9550-01 (12"), 9600-01 (16"), or 9650-01 (20").
Q: What's the maximum length of ducting? A: Maximum duct lengths will vary for each blower and environment. Generally, increasing lengths will decrease flow rates. Contact Allegro Technical Services (800 622-3530 or techsve@allegrosafety.com) for more information.
Q: Can I use two blowers, one to ventilate and another to extract air, in the same space? A: Yes, when used with ducting this will help concentrate the exchange of fresh air in a specific area of a given space, but will not significantly increase the overall air exchange.
Q: Will the blower output decrease if I add additional ducting? A: Yes, the output will decrease with any addition of ducting or addition of bends in the ducting.
Q: Are the reductions in output directly related to the length in ducting? A: No, there are several variables that will affect the total output of the blower. The biggest drop in output will occur after the first addition of ducting, thereafter the reductions are smaller. The same holds true for the number of bends.
Q: What is the maximum temperature the ducting can withstand? A: The maximum working temperature for standard ducting is 180°F and Statically Conductive ducting 250° F.
Q: Can I use the 12" or 16" Blower with 8" ducting? A: Yes, the optional Adaptor Reducer, P/N 9509-03 (12") can be used only with the 9509-50 High Output blower. The P/N: 9600-50 (16"), can only be used with the Standard 16" blower (P/N 9515) and the 16" Explosion Proof blower (P/N 9516-01). It is not recommended for the High Output blower 9516.
Q: Can you draw air with all Allegro blowers? A: Yes, you can relocate the flange on the 9515 & -01 (16") and 9525 & -01 (20") Axial blowers. It is not recommended for the High Output 9516 (16") or 9525-50 (20"). You may install an optional inlet adapter on the 8" Axial blowers. The Plastic and Metal Com-Pax-ials have an inlet and outlet port, the canister can attach to either side of blower for suction or ventilation. The ducting can attach to the inlet or outlet port for extraction or ventilation on the 8" and 12" and all centrifugal blowers.
Q: Can a blower be placed vertically above a manhole? A: Yes, if it is supported safely with proper ingress/egress, vibration, movement, and weight mitigated.
Q: Why is my blower tripping the circuit breaker? A: Two main factors can cause this: Q: Can I convert my AC (115V) powered blower into DC (12V) powered blower? A: No, the motors can not be used for both applications or converted. There are many AC to DC inverters on the market that can be purchased, which will let you adapt an AC blower (115V) to your car's battery (12V) for power.
Q: Do you have parts listings on your website? A: Parts are located at each product page (if applicable) or for all Parts Listing, in the tab on the lower navigation bar.
For more information and assistance on Allegro Products, check the website @ http://www.allegrosafety.com/, contact Allegro Technical Service Department at (800) 622-3530, or email techsvc@allegrosafety.com.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON FILTRATION PANELS Q: What kind of respirators can I use with the panel? A: You may use only NIOSH approved respirators. You can use Constant Flow or Pressure-Demand Respirators. However, you cannot mix an airline and respirator from different manufacturers. Q: What kind of couplers must I use with my filter panel? A: Couplers must mate with the airline hose and respirator. (Refer to respirator manufacture’s manual) Q: Does the case have to be open when in use? A: No, you can close the case to protect it from dust or the environment. The case has an external audible alarm. Q: What type of compressor can I use to supply air to the panel? A: Most industrial compressors are suitable for this type of application, such as piston, screw, or rotary vane, given that they provide the sufficient pressure and CFM. Attention must be given to the condition and maintenance of the compressor. You must assure you have enough air at all times for the filtration panel when the compressor is used with other equipment or air tools. Q: Is there anything that will harm the panel or its components? A: There is a wide range of chemicals that will attack and deteriorate the o-rings and the plastic bowls on the filtration system. One of the most common chemicals is synthetic lubricants found in some compressors. If possible, switch to petroleum based lubricant. If synthetic lubricants are used then the filtration bowls must be switched to metal. Please contact Allegro Technical Department at 800-622-3530, techsvc@allegrosafety.com or go to Contact Us on our website and click on Allegro Staff and click Technical Service. Q: Will I get Grade D breathing air from the panel? A: The panel will filter out most particles, fumes, hydrocarbons and moisture. If used with the appropriate compressor and maintained with filter elements in good condition, the panel will provide the sufficient filtration to deliver grade D breathable air. The panel itself cannot guarantee Grade D Air. It is up to the user to ensure the quality of air exiting the compressor is of Grade D quality. The panel can only remove containments that may exist within the air line or plumbing that is delivering the air from the compressor. A CO Monitor is available with most of Allegro’s Filtration Panels to monitor and alert the users in the event of a sudden increase of CO within the breathing air. Q: How do I adjust the air pressure? A: You can adjust the pressure two ways. (Check the manual for recommended pressure for your system.) 1. Adjusting the regulator on the panel to provide sufficient pressure to the airline, accessories, and respirator. This will change the pressure throughout the system. 2. Adjusting the personal high pressure control valve, vortex cooler, or temperature controllers will change the pressure to each individual respirator. Q: What kind of accessories can I use with the filtration panel? A: On the inlet side, you may use a pre-filter, Allegro PN 9350-03 or PN 3000-01 to filter out larger particles and moisture, as well as extending the life of the filter elements inside the panel. On the discharge side you may use the Allegro High Pressure Controllers, Adjustable Flow Control Valve (PN 9992) Personal Air Cooler (PN 9991) or Air Temperature Controller (PN 9990), when used with High Pressure Respirators. There is an optional Remote CO Alarm with Strobe (PN 9871-01) or the Economy Remote CO Alarm with Strobe (9871-01EC) , a remote Point of Attachment POA (PN 9871-03) or Economy P.O.A (PN 9871-03EC), which will extend the airline length. Available with or without CO or O2 Monitors Q: How often do I calibrate the CO or O2 Monitor? A: You have to determine the frequency of calibration of the monitor according to your type of work and work cycle. Some non-scheduled calibrations are: 1. Prior to using after an extended period without use. 2. Prior to entering a "Permit Required" confined space. 3. After the instrument has gone into the Alarm mode. 4. After sensor is replaced. You can also get more CO calibration information by going to the Video Icon on our website and click on the Filtration/Calibration Video. Q: Can I replace the sensor on the monitor? A: Yes, they are field replaceable. Consult your Allegro Technical Department for further assistance at 800-622-3530, techsvc@allegrosafety.com or on our website by going to contact us then click on technical service. Q: How often should I change filters? A: Filters need to be changed at regular interval. However you may need to adjust the schedule depending on the quality of the air from your compressor. • 200 running hours for the 1st stage. • 400 running hours for the 2nd and 3rd stage. Q: When should I drain the filter bowls? A: The second and third stage filtration bowls must be drained manually, drain after use. The first stage filter is an automatic drain. Q: What are the green and red indicators on top of the filter manifolds? A: They are pressure differential indicators (only avail. on 4, 5 and 8 worker systems). They will switch color when there is a pressure drop within the manifold. It is recommended to change the filters at this point. Q: What is the maximum length of breathing airline that I can use on my respirator with the filtration panel? A: You may use up to 300 feet total and up to 3 sections of airline hose, after the point of attachment. You may use the POA (P/N 9871-03 or PN 9871-03EC Economy POA) to extend the airline hose further from the panel. Q: Is there a limit on the length of airline from my compressor (air source) to the filtration panel? A: There is no maximum length on the inlet side of the panel. However you must have the appropriate size and type of airline to keep pressure loss to a minimum and insure a proper minimal inlet pressure as required by respirator manufacturer and NIOSH.
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