FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON AMBIENT AIR PUMPS
Question - What is the first thing I should do before operating my ambient air pump?
Answer - 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.
Question - What’s the total length of hose that I can have on an ambient air pump?
Answer - 100 ft. per worker.
Question - Can I extend the inlet filter to reach breathable air?
Answer - Yes, you can use an inlet extension hose to place the inlet filter in clean air environment, up to 200 ft.
Question - How long can my total system length be?
Answer - 300 ft. with a maximum of 100 ft. from pump to respirator and 200 ft. from pump to inlet filter.
Question - How do you read the gauge on the ambient air pump, and what should the settings be?
Answer - 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.
Question - What does a rise on the pressure gauge mean?
Answer - 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.
Question - What should I do if the ambient air pump is running hot?
Answer - Outlet pressure may be too high (above 11 psi). Adjust pressure relief valve. Intake and/or exhaust filter may be dirty, replace if necessary.
Question - Should I lubricate my pump?
Answer - No, pumps are oiless and require no lubrication. Pumps may be flushed periodically with non-oil based pump flushing liquid (P/N 9700-11).
Question - Can I use two different hose lengths from the pump to the respirator(s)?
Answer - 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.
Question - How often should I change my filters?
Answer - Filters should be changed approximately every 200 working hours. Filters may require changing more often depending upon working environment.
Question - What kind of couplers must I use with the pump?
Answer - Couplers must mate with the air hose and respirator in use.
(Refer to the manufacturer’s manual.)
Question - Can I use a Vortex cooler with my pump?
Answer - 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.
Question - Will my ambient air pump work with a pressure demand respirator?
Answer - 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 a IDLH application.
Question - Where can I place my ambient air pump?
Answer - 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.
Question - What kind of application can I use an ambient air pump in?
Answer - Only those environments approved for use of a constant flow respirator (non-IDLH).
Question - What do I do if there is a drop in outlet pressure?
Answer - Check to see if outlet filter is cross-threaded or not seated firmly onto housing gasket. Check for dirty filter or exhaust filter, and replace it if necessary. Check to see if vanes are sticking. Check for worn vanes and replace if necessary.
Question - What if I have a noisy pump?
Answer - If vanes are sticking, clean or use recommended solvent for flushing. Check for broken vanes; replace all four vanes if necessary.
Question - What do I do if motor fails to start or hums?
Answer - Turn off switch. Thermal overload mechanism inside motor turns current off automatically when motor heats up, due to mechanical or electrical overload. Allow to cool for 5 to 15 minutes and try starting. If pump is extremely cold, bring to room temperature before starting. Loosen all 6 pump and plate bolts slightly. Re-tighten and try to run. Remove end plate. Check vanes and rotor for free movement. Clean with approved solvents, reassemble, and try to run. If anything appears to be wrong with the motor, return per instructions in return of merchandise instructions for repair. Rust might have formed in the pump chamber due to exposure to moisture. If pump rotor is frozen, clean chamber.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON BLOWERS
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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), leading to higher CFM 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: 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: 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 recirculate the contaminated air. (It is recommended that the area is monitored)
Q: Why do I need the explosion-proof socket and plug with the explosion-proof blower?
A: The receptacle included with your blower 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: Why do I need to use statically conductive (EX) ducting with EX Blowers?
EX 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.
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: What’s the maximum length of ducting?
A: No more than 100 feet. Lengths longer than that might cause the blower to stall.
Q: What is the maximum temperature the ducting can withstand?
A: The maximum working temperature for ducting is 150 degrees F.
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") or 9600-01 (16").
Q: Can I use the 16" Blower with 8" ducting?
A: Yes, use the optional Adaptor Reducer, P/N: 9600-50. This can only be performed on the Standard 16" blower (_ HP) and the 16" Explosion Proof blower. It is not recomemded for the High Output blower 9516.
Q: Can you draw air with all Allegro blowers?
A: Yes, you can relocate the flange on the 16" Axial blowers, only recommended on the 9515 and 9515-01, not recommended for the 9516. You may install an optional inlet adapter on the 8" Axial blowers. The centrifugal blowers have an inlet and an outlet port
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. For further assistance contact Allegro Technical Support @ (800) 622-3530.
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: Why is my blower tripping the circuit breaker?
A: Two main factors can cause this:
1) You need to make sure you have proper current to your blower.
a) Check your circuit breaker, it must be of appropriate amperage (load).
b) Check the voltage on the panel and the blower.
c) Check for condition of electrical cord and/or extension cord, as well as ext. cord
gauge and length.
2) Check for proper fan operation.
a) Make sure the fan is not rubbing against the housing.
b) Check for foreign material build-up inside housing. This might prevent fan from
turning.
c) Check for any rust on shaft or damaged fan blades.
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 is an optional AC to DC inverter (P/N: 9313-20). That will let you adapt an AC blower (115V) to your car’s battery for power. It is rated up to 6.5 Amps.
Q: How do I know that your 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, div. and group. They are also supplied with the appropriate anti-spark fan wheel, socket, and receptacle.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON FILTRATION PANELS
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Q: What kind of respirators can I use with the panel?
A: You must use only NIOSH approved respirators. You can use Constant Flow or Pressure-Demand respirators however; you cannot mix airline pressures, lengths, types and/or respirators. (This does not apply to the 9874MR and 9876MR).
Q: Does the case have to be open when in use?
A: No, you should close the case to protect it from dust and 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 that you have enough air at all times for the filtration panel when it is used with other equipment or air tools. (Compressor must meet the minimum requirements of OSHA 1910.134)
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 your 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 consult the Allegro Technical Dept. for further assistance and a complete list of chemicals to avoid.
Q: Will I get Grade D breathing air from the panel?
A: The panel will filter out most particles, odors, 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 can not guarantee Grade D Air. It is up to the user to see to it that 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 units to monitor and alert the users in the event of a sudden increase of CO within the breathing air.
Q: What kind of accessories can I use with the filtration panel?
A: On the inlet side, you may use a pre-filter, 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 many use the Allegro Vortex cooler or Temperature
controller, when used with the Allegro Fully Disposable Hoods. There is an optional Remote CO alarm (P/N 9871-
01), a remote of Attachment POA (P/N 9871-03), which will extend the airline length.
Q: How often do I calibrate the CO Monitor?
A: For details see "Recommended Calibration Period".
1. Prior to using any new purchased unit.
2. Prior to using any unit that has been in any kind of long term storage.
3. Prior to using any unit that has been in a recent alarmed condition. This alarm condition would indicate that the sensor has possibly been exposed to a high level of CO.
4. Prior to using any sensor that has been exposed to extreme weather changes or other environmental conditions or shock.
5. Prior to using any unit that has had a new sensor installed in it.
Q: Can I replace the sensor on the CO monitor?
A: Yes, they are field replaceable. Consult your Allegro Technical Dept. for further assistance.
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 your compressor. The suggested time table is:
- 200 running hours for the 1st stage.
- 400 running hours for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd stage.
Q: When should I drain the filter bowls?
A: The second and third stage filtration bowls must be drained manually on a daily basis. 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 from green to red when there is a pressure drop within the manifold. This should be an indication that the filter is loading up with contamination. It is recommended to change the filters at this point.
Q: Why does the monitor "beep beep" every minute?
A: This will only occur in the DC mode. What you are hearing is a "confidence beep". This is an indication that the CO Monitor is running on DC power. This replaces the green LED indicator light that is mounted on the side of the Carry- Air to alert the user that the CO Monitor is on and is running in the DC mode. There is no "confidence beep" when being used in the AC mode.
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) to extend the airline hose further from the panel.
Q: Is there a limit in the length of airline from my compressor (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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