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Maintenance Schedule for Mobile Welding Fume Extractors
Recommended maintenance procedure for LEVs -
Maintenance Schedule for PAPR Welding Helmets
Recommended maintenance procedure for PAPR welding helmets
Maintenance Schedule for Mobile Welding Fume Extractors
This article outlines a recommended maintenance procedure for Weldclass ALLCLEAR mobile welding fume extractors, or LEVs. Although designed for the listed Weldclass models, many of these steps outline general best-practice that is applicable to other brands of mobile welding fume extractors.
Fume Extractor Models
The information in this article applies to the following Weldclass ALLCLEAR models:
ALLCLEAR MA100
ALLCLEAR MA300 AUTO
ALLCLEAR MA350 STD
ALLCLEAR MA350 AUTO
Maintenance Schedule
|
Frequency |
Action / Component |
Details |
|
Daily |
Visual Inspection |
Check for any visible damage or wear. |
| Filter Check | Inspect filter. If visibly clogged, clean and/or replace. Replace if damaged. Follow processes below. | |
| Function Check | Turn unit on and check for normal operation & airflow at arm/hood intake, and exhaust outlet. Test emergency stop. Test auto clean function is operating [applies to Auto clean models only] by switching unit off (power must be connected & switched on). |
|
| Air Supply (Auto clean models only) |
Ensure compressed air supply is connected, and supply pressure is between 3 & 4 bar. Ensure air hose, air filter, and air compressor are operating correctly and in good condition. | |
| Check Dust Collection Tray Level |
Open dust collection tray or bin, empty if tray is filled to >25% of capacity. Follow processes below. |
|
| Weekly | Air Supply (Auto clean models only) |
Check for and rectify any wear or leaks in hoses and connections. Follow air compressor and air filter manufacturer’s recommendations for regular checks and maintenance. Replace air filter cartridge if required. |
| Power Supply | Check power supply cable and connections for signs of wear or damage. Ensure plugs and connections are secure & tight. | |
| Clean Exterior | Thoroughly clean all external components and surfaces with suitable brush and/or cloth/rag. If optional external carbon filter is intalled, clean with air gun. |
|
| Empty Dust Collection Tray | Empty tray / bin, following process below. | |
| Inspect Arm | Check suction arm for signs of damage, cracks, air leaks, etc. Replace parts as required | |
|
Annual |
Replace Filter | Replace filter as process below, if this has not occurred within the last 12 months. |
| Air Supply | Replace air hose if any signs of wear, cracking, or perishing. Follow air compressor and air filter manufacturer’s recommendations for annual servicing and replacement of parts. | |
| Power Supply | Follow WorkSafe and your employer's guidelines for applicable test and tag of input cable and plug. | |
| Update Records | Ensure maintenance tasks are / have been logged. Review records to ensure compliance with this schedule. |
Inspection, Cleaning, and Replacement Procedure
Follow these guidelines when inspecting, cleaning, or replacing a filter. Also consult and follow the instruction manual for your ALLCLEAR mobile fume extractor.
Safety First: Before You Start
- Always disconnect the unit from mains power supply before starting any filter maintenance
- Conduct only environments that are well-ventilated environments
- Ensure the unit and cleaning area is well shielded from any wind or strong airflow, so that dust is not disturbed
- Should be conducted by authorised and trained personnel only
- Operators must wear appropriate respiratory protection conforming to AS/NZS 1716 class P2 or P3, hand/body protection, and eye protection
- Ensure that other personnel stand well away from, and do not make contact with the unit, filter, and extracted matter
- When disposing of dust and/or filters, follow local regulations for disposal of contaminated materials.
Filter Inspection
- Follow safety instructions above
- Open rear filter cleaning access door to inspect internal (outlet) filter surface
- Open main / front door to inspect main filter external (inlet) surface
- Check for signs of filter clogging, damaged filter material, tears and punctures, etc
Filter Cleaning - Manual Cleaning Models
- Follow safety instructions above
- Ensure rear filter cleaning access door is closed
- Open main/front door
- Using a suitable compressed air gun, direct the air evenly from the inside of the cartridge filter towards the outside. Do not push the air gun directly into/against the filter, this may damage it.
- Apply the air for 5–10 minutes, covering the whole filter surface as evenly / thoroughly as possible.
- Close the main door
- Reconnect unit to power supply
Filter Cleaning - Auto Cleaning Models
- Follow safety instructions above
- ALLCLEAR auto cleaning units utilise a pulse cleaning system which accumulates then releases a burst of compressed air inside the filter, to push / expel particles out of the filter.
- Auto clean cycle will activate every time the unit is turned off (power supply must remain connected and switched on), or when the unit detects a reduction in airflow, based on pressure differential
- To trigger a clean cycle, turn unit off at control panel (must remain connected to power supply). A mild explosion-like noise will be heard from inside machine as the air pulse is released.
- If suction / airflow at the intake hood is visibly reduced / reducing and/or malfunction alarm continues at frequent intervals, this indicates that the filter needs to be cleaned manually (see process above), or should be replaced.
Filter Replacement
- Follow safety instructions above
- Replace the filter if damaged and/or if/when filter becomes clogged, and cleaning is no longer effective (this is also indicated by shorter or continuous warning alarm intervals even after automatic and/or manual cleaning).
- Ensure the old filter is thoroughly cleaned before installing the new cartridge filter, as per manual cleaning process above
- Before replacing the cartridge filter, prepare the appropriate container (such as heavy-duty PE-bag or plastic bag) for disposal.
- Open the main filter access door
- Unscrew the retaining bolt of the cartridge holder and remove the cartridge holder
- Pass the disposal bag over the cartridge filter before removing the cartridge from inside the compartment. Seal the mouth of the bag with a cable tie or similar.
- Reinsert the new cartridge filter. Ensure that the cartridge filter, and gasket are properly seated.
- Insert the cartridge holder and secure the cartridge with the fixing bolt.
- Close and lock the filter access door
- Connect the filter unit to the mains power supply.
Emptying Dust Collection Tray or Bin
- Follow safety instructions above
- On MA100 model the unit must be turned off & disconnected
- On MA300 & MA350 models, the bin can be emptied when machine is running
- Remove dust collection tray or bin
- Empty tray/bin into heavy-duty non-porous disposable bag (such as PE bag) and seal bag permenantly with cable tie or similiar, then dispose of bag
- Re-fit tray or bin to machine
Spare Parts
Replacement filter and spare parts for ALLCLEAR units
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