3M Powered Air Purifying Respirator HE System with 3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100 FX-Air

1. Product Overview

The 3M Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) HE System with 3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100 FX-Air (Model 36-1101-30iSW) is designed to provide high-efficiency particulate respiratory protection for welders. This system combines a lightweight, compact design with an ergonomic, adjustable head suspension for enhanced comfort and stability.

Key features include:

• Flip-up Assembly: Features an 8" x 4.25" clear visor viewing area for grinding and preparation tasks.
• Side Windows: Equipped with Shade 5 side filters to expand peripheral vision.
• Adjustable Head Suspension: Designed for improved comfort, helmet stability, and weight distribution.
• Auto-Darkening Filter: Includes the 3M Speedglas Auto-Darkening Filter 9100XXi with a 2.8" x 4.2" viewing area.
• Respiratory Protection: Provides high-efficiency particulate filtration. Can be combined with an optional 3M Adflo Cartridge (not included) for additional protection against organic vapor, sulfur dioxide, chlorine, and hydrogen chloride vapors.
• Safety Alarms: Audible and visual alarms indicate low airflow and low battery charge.
• Assigned Protection Factor (APF): When used correctly, the system achieves an APF of 25.

Figure 1: Front view of the 3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100 FX-Air.

Figure 2: Overview of the 3M Speedglas 9100 FX-Air Welding Helmet system.

2. Components and Parts

The complete system includes the following main components:

• 3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100 FX-Air
• 3M Adflo Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) unit
• Lithium-ion battery
• High-efficiency particulate filter
• Wide leather belt
• 3M Speedglas Auto-Darkening Filter 9100XXi

The helmet design allows for various configurations to suit individual preferences and application needs.

Figure 3: Illustrative components for helmet configuration.

3. Setup Instructions

Proper setup is crucial for optimal performance and safety. Follow these steps to prepare your 3M PAPR and Welding Helmet system:

1. Battery Installation and Charging: Ensure the lithium-ion battery is fully charged before first use. Insert the charged battery into the Adflo PAPR unit according to the instructions provided with the PAPR.
2. Filter Installation: Install the high-efficiency particulate filter into the Adflo PAPR unit. If additional protection is required, an optional 3M Adflo Cartridge can be stacked onto the particulate filter. Refer to the PAPR manual for detailed filter installation procedures.
3. Helmet Assembly: Attach the welding helmet to the head suspension. Ensure all connections are secure.
4. Head Suspension Adjustment: Adjust the ergonomic head suspension to achieve a comfortable and stable fit on your head. The helmet should feel balanced and secure without causing pressure points.
5. Belt Attachment: Secure the wide leather belt around your waist, ensuring the PAPR unit is comfortably positioned.
6. Air Hose Connection: Connect the air hose from the PAPR unit to the welding helmet, ensuring a tight seal.

4. Operating Instructions

To operate the 3M PAPR and Welding Helmet system effectively and safely:

1. Power On: Turn on the Adflo PAPR unit. Listen for the fan and check for the initial airflow.
2. Pre-Use Check: Before beginning work, perform a quick check to ensure proper airflow into the helmet and that the auto-darkening filter is functioning correctly.
3. Welding Mode: When welding, the 3M Speedglas Auto-Darkening Filter 9100XXi will automatically darken to the selected shade level upon arc ignition. This protects your eyes from intense light.
4. Grinding/Preparation Mode: To switch to grinding or preparation mode, simply flip up the front welding shield. This reveals the clear, wide-view protective visor, allowing for clear vision without removing the helmet.
5. Monitoring Alarms: Pay attention to the audible and visual alarms from the PAPR unit. These indicate low airflow or low battery charge, signaling that action is required (e.g., filter replacement, battery recharge).
6. Peripheral Vision: Utilize the Shade 5 side windows for enhanced peripheral vision during tasks.

Figure 4: The flip-front welding shield in the up position for grinding or setup.

Figure 5: The welding helmet in use during a welding operation.

5. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and effectiveness of your 3M PAPR and Welding Helmet system:

• Battery Care: Recharge the lithium-ion battery as soon as the low battery alarm is triggered. Store the battery in a cool, dry place when not in use.
• Filter Replacement: Replace the high-efficiency particulate filter when the low airflow alarm sounds, or as recommended by 3M based on usage and environment. If using an optional gas/vapor cartridge, replace it according to its specific service life indicators or schedule.
• Cleaning the Helmet: Clean the exterior of the welding helmet and the clear visor with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents that could damage the materials or coatings.
• Auto-Darkening Filter Cleaning: Gently wipe the auto-darkening filter lens with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals.
• Inspection: Periodically inspect the helmet, head suspension, air hose, and PAPR unit for any signs of wear, damage, or cracks. Replace damaged components immediately.

6. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter:

• Low Airflow Alarm:
  • Cause: Clogged particulate filter or gas/vapor cartridge.
  • Solution: Replace the particulate filter and/or gas/vapor cartridge. Ensure the air hose is not kinked or obstructed.
• Low Battery Alarm:
  • Cause: Battery charge is low.
  • Solution: Recharge the lithium-ion battery. Ensure the battery is properly seated in the PAPR unit.
• Auto-Darkening Filter Not Darkening:
  • Cause: Low battery in the ADF, sensors obstructed, or incorrect sensitivity settings.
  • Solution: Check the ADF battery (if replaceable) or ensure the main PAPR battery is charged. Clean the sensors on the ADF. Adjust sensitivity settings as needed.
• Uncomfortable Fit:
  • Cause: Head suspension not properly adjusted.
  • Solution: Re-adjust the ergonomic head suspension to ensure a snug yet comfortable fit, distributing weight evenly.

7. Specifications

8. Safety Information and Legal Disclaimer

3M industrial and occupational products are intended, labeled, and packaged for sale to trained industrial and occupational customers for workplace use. Unless specifically stated otherwise on the applicable product packaging or literature, these products are not intended, labeled, or packaged for sale to or use by consumers (e.g., for home, personal, primary or secondary school, recreational/sporting, or other uses not described in the applicable product packaging or literature), and must be selected and used in compliance with applicable health and safety regulations and standards (e.g., U.S. OSHA, ANSI), as well as all product literature, user instructions, warnings, and other limitations, and the user must take any action required under any recall, field action, or other product use notice. Misuse of 3M industrial and occupational products may result in injury, sickness, death, or property damage. For help with product selection and use, consult your on-site safety professional, industrial hygienist, or other subject matter expert. For additional product information, visit www.3M.com.

9. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information regarding your 3M Powered Air Purifying Respirator HE System and Speedglas Welding Helmet, please refer to the documentation included with your product or visit the official 3M website. Support resources, including product manuals, FAQs, and contact information, can typically be found on the manufacturer's website.

You can also visit the official 3M store on Amazon for more product information and support: 3M Industrial Store.