Blowers Questions & Answers
Question
Do you have parts listings on your website?
Answer
Parts are located at each product page (if applicable) or for all Parts Listing, in the tab on the lower navigation bar.
Question
Can I convert my AC (115V) powered blower into DC (12V) powered blower?
Answer
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.
Question
Why is my blower tripping the circuit breaker?
Answer
Two main factors can cause this:
- Ensure there is proper current to the blower.
- Check circuit breaker, it must be of appropriate amperage (load).
- Check the voltage on the panel and the blower.
- Check for condition of electrical cord and/or extension cord, as well as ext. cord gauge and length.
- Check for proper fan operation.
- Ensure the fan is not rubbing against the housing.
- Check for foreign material build-up inside housing. This might prevent fan from turning.
- Check for any rust on shaft or damaged fan blades.
- Ensure there is proper current to the blower.
Question
Can a blower be placed vertically above a manhole?
Answer
Yes, if it is supported safely with proper ingress/egress, vibration, movement, and weight mitigated.
Question
Can you draw air with all Allegro blowers?
Answer
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.
Question
Can I use the 12″ or 16″ Blower with 8″ ducting?
Answer
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.
Question
What is the maximum temperature the ducting can withstand?
Answer
The maximum working temperature for standard ducting is 180° F and Statically Conductive ducting 250° F.
Question
Are the reductions in output directly related to the length in ducting?
Answer
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.
Question
Will the blower output decrease if I add additional ducting?
Answer
Yes, the output will decrease with any addition of ducting or addition of bends in the ducting.
Question
Can I use two blowers, one to ventilate and another to extract air, in the same space?
Answer
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.
Question
What’s the maximum length of ducting?
Answer
Maximum duct lengths will vary for each blower and environment. Generally, increasing lengths will decrease flow rates. For more information, contact our Technical Service department at 800-622-3530 or techsvc@allegrosafety.com
Question
Can I connect two pieces of ducting together?
Answer
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″).
Question
Why do I need to use statically conductive ducting with EX Blowers?
Answer
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.
Question
Can I use a blower to evacuate welding fumes?
Answer
Yes, you can have ducting directed at the working area with the blower in the extracting configuration.
Question
Can the Air Driven Blower be used in an explosion proof atmosphere with statically conductive ducting?
Answer
Yes, keeping in mind that it has steel parts and the unit is not certified as intrinsically safe.
Question
Can I use an explosion proof blower with a standard extension cord and/or receptacle?
Answer
If the plug can be used without alteration, the explosion proof blower may be used in a non-hazardous area.
Question
Why do I need the explosion-proof receptacle and plug with the explosion-proof blower?
Answer
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.
Question
Can you place the Explosion Proof Blower in an Explosive Atmosphere?
Answer
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)
Question
How do I know an explosion proof (EX) Blower meets the Class, Division, and Group for my hazardous confined space?
Answer
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.
Question
Is it better to positively ventilate or to evacuate air?
Answer
Any Confined Space must be positively ventilated; you may evacuate when fumes are being generated in a specific location. (e.g. welding, grinding, etc.)
Question
How do I choose the correct blower to ventilate an area?
Answer
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. We highly recommend using our Blower Selector tool on our website (located in the “Support” section) or downloading our CFM Blower Selector App from either the Google Play or Apple Stores. For more detailed information, contact our Technical Service department at 800-622-3530 or techsvc@allegrosafety.com
Question
What is the main difference between the Axial and the Centrifugal blowers?
Answer
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.
Breathing Air Pumps Questions & Answers
Question
Where can I store my breathing air pump?
Answer
Breathing 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.
Question
Do I need a CO Monitor for my breathing air pump?
Answer
Breathing 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.
Question
Is it normal for my breathing air pump to get warm?
Answer
Yes, breathing 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.
Question
What do I do if motor fails to start or hums?
Answer
Turn the switch off. The thermal overload mechanism inside the 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 the pump is extremely cold, bring it to room temperature before starting. To check vanes and rotor, loosen all 6 pump faceplate bolts slightly and remove the faceplate. Check vanes and rotor for free movement. Do not attempt to force movement of the rotor. Re-tighten bolts in crisscross sequence, turn the pump on to test. Clean pump with approved solvents if necessary. If anything appears to be wrong with the motor, contact our Customer Service department at 800-622-3530 or custsvc@allegrosafety.com for instructions regarding a return for repair.
Question
What if I have a noisy pump?
Answer
If vanes are sticking, clean or use the recommended solvent for flushing (Allegro PN 9700-11 Flushing Liquid). Check for broken vanes; replace all four vanes, if necessary.
Question
What do I do if there is a drop in outlet pressure?
Answer
Ensure the outlet filter is not cross-threaded and seated firmly onto the housing gasket. Check for a dirty inlet filter or exhaust filter, and replace it, if necessary. Ensure vanes are not sticking. Check for worn vanes and replace them, if necessary.
Question
What kind of application can I use an breathing air pump in?
Answer
Only those environments approved for use of a constant flow respirator (non-IDLH)
Question
Where can I place my breathing air pump?
Answer
Pump and/or inlet filter for the breathing air pump must be placed in a fresh air environment where people are working normally without respiratory protection.
Question
Will my breathing air pump work with a pressure demand respirator?
Answer
No, the breathing 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.
Question
Can I use a Vortex cooler with my respirator and pump?
Answer
No, breathing 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 the airline hose in an ice chest or bucket of cold water, or use the AllegroAir Airline Cooling System (PN 9820-LP)
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 respirator’s manufacturer’s manual.)
Question
How often should I replace the carbon vanes?
Answer
Carbon vanes should be replaced approximately every 4000-5000 running hours.
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 the working environment.
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
Should I lubricate my pump?
Answer
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).
Question
What should I do if the breathing air pump is running hot?
Answer
Outlet pressure may be too high (above 11 psi). Adjust the pressure relief valve. Intake and/or exhaust filter may be dirty and replace, if necessary.
Question
What does a rise on the pressure gauge mean?
Answer
It may indicate a clogged exhaust filter or a restriction in the airline hose. Make sure only an approved air supply hose is being used. Also, check relief valve adjustment.
Question
How do you read the gauge on the breathing 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
How long can my total system length be?
Answer
350 ft. with a maximum of 100 ft. from the pump to the respirator and 250 ft. from the pump to the inlet filter.
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 a clean air environment, up to 250 ft. (Allegro PN 9700-65 50’ Universal Inlet Kit)
Question
What’s the total length of hose that I can have on an breathing air pump?
Answer
100 ft. per worker.
Question
What is the first thing I should do before operating my breathing air pump?
Answer
Plug in airline hose and mask before running the air pump. If you run the air pump, even momentarily, without an airline hose or respirator being connected, this will result in backpressure of the pump and possible damage to the pump.
Filtration Panels Questions & Answers
Question
Is there a limit on the length of airline from my compressor (air source) to the filtration panel?
Answer
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.
Question
What is the maximum length of breathing airline that I can use on my respirator with the filtration panel?
Answer
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.
Question
What are the green and red indicators on top of the filter manifolds?
Answer
They are pressure differential indicators (only available on 4-, 5- and 8-Worker Systems). They switch colors when there is a pressure drop within the manifold. It is recommended to change the filters at this point.
Question
When should I drain the filter bowls?
Answer
The second and third stage filtration bowls must be drained manually, drain after use. The first stage filter is an automatic drain.
Question
How often should I change filters?
Answer
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.
Question
Can I replace the sensor on the monitor?
Answer
Yes, they are field replaceable. For more information, please contact our Technical Service department at 800-622-3530 or techsvc@allegrosafety.com
Question
How often do I calibrate the CO or O2 Monitor?
Answer
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:
- Prior to using after an extended period without use.
- Prior to entering a “Permit Required” confined space.
- After the instrument has gone into the Alarm mode.
- 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.
Question
What kind of accessories can I use with the filtration panel?
Answer
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
Question
How do I adjust the air pressure?
Answer
You can adjust the pressure two ways.
(Check the manual for recommended pressure for your system.)
- Adjusting the regulator on the panel to provide sufficient pressure to the airline, accessories, and respirator. This will change the pressure throughout the system.
- Adjusting the personal high pressure control valve, vortex cooler, or temperature controllers will change the pressure to each individual respirator.
Question
Will I get Grade D breathing air from the panel?
Answer
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.
Question
Is there anything that will harm the panel or its components?
Answer
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. For more information, please contact our Technical Service department at 800-622-3530 or techsvc@allegrosafety.com
Question
What type of compressor can I use to supply air to the panel?
Answer
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.
Question
Does the case have to be open when in use?
Answer
No, you can close the case to protect it from dust or the environment. The case has an external audible alarm.
Question
What kind of couplers must I use with my filter panel?
Answer
Couplers must mate with the airline hose and respirator. (Refer to respirator manufacture’s manual)
Question
What kind of respirators can I use with the panel?
Answer
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.