Beta 90 SFA with PFU PAPR Parts FAQs
Filters, batteries, chargers, lens plates and small fittings for a powered-respirator welding helmet, and how to match the right part.
How do I know when the particle filter needs replacing?
Particle filters cannot be cleaned, so they are replaced rather than serviced. Common signs are harder breathing, a filter indicator or low-airflow alarm if your unit has one, a noticeably shorter battery run-time, or visible damage. Do not wait for the unit to struggle: a loaded filter also drains the battery faster.
How long a filter lasts depends on the fume and dust you work in, how heavily you use it and the maker's instructions, so check the manual for the replacement triggers for your unit. If an alarm sounds or the airflow drops, stop work and leave the fume area until the problem is fixed.
What does the pre-filter do, and is it worth changing more often than the main filter?
A pre-filter is a coarse layer that catches larger particles before they reach the main filter, which is meant to prolong the life of the main filter. In dusty or grinding work it loads up quickly, so it is normally changed more often than the main filter. Some makers suggest changing it on a regular schedule that depends on the work and the environment.
Pre-filters are usually non-woven material, so follow the manual for how to seat one so that it does not disturb the main filter seal. Fit the correct pre-filter type for your unit. An odour pre-filter is a different part and is only used for certain applications, so check what the manual says.
Can I wash or blow out a filter and use it again?
No. Respirator filters are not designed to be cleaned and re-used. Maker instructions for powered units say to replace a clogged filter and never to try to clean it, for example with compressed air, because washing, tapping or blowing it out can damage the filter material and make the protection worse.
If a filter is loaded, wet, damaged, past its shelf-life date or past the replacement point in the manual, fit a new one. Keep a note of when each filter was fitted so that nobody has to guess. Pre-filters are consumables too, so follow the manual for when to replace them rather than cleaning them.
What should I check on a battery and charger before ordering a replacement?
Batteries and chargers are matched to the unit, so start with the data plate or manual and the part number on the old battery or charger. Check the battery type and the connector as well as the voltage and charger details, because a charger designed for one battery chemistry should not be assumed to suit another.
Some battery types need a smart charger and cannot be left on charge indefinitely without damage. Use only a charger that the maker specifies for that battery. If you want to confirm the right pairing, our team can help you work it out from the part number.