Sundström SR 90 Airline Respiratory Protection System (Size M/L) – The Ultimate Practical Guide for Maximum Safety in Coating
Anyone who is exposed to paints, solvents, or toxic particles during sandblasting on a daily basis knows that standard respiratory masks quickly reach their limits during intensive, long-term use. The Sundström SR 90 Airline Respiratory Protection System combines continuously flowing compressed air with a flexible filter backup. In this practical guide, you will learn how to optimally configure the system, avoid operational errors, and achieve a maximum service life for your equipment through proper maintenance.
Product Overview & Fields of Application
The heart of the equipment is an ergonomic half mask made of high-quality silicone. Due to the continuous positive pressure inside the mask, it is physically impossible for contaminated ambient air to enter. A particular advantage: the material used is completely spark-free, making the respiratory system ideal for explosive and fire-hazardous zones.
Figure: Sundström SR 90 Airline – Professional silicone half mask with robust breathing hose
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Buy Sundström SR 90 Airline online now →Recommended Basic Settings
For safe operation, the supply parameters must be exactly right. The following values are based on manufacturer specifications and serve as fundamental guide values for your installation:
- Volume Flow Control: The flow rate can be manually adjusted using the knob on the control valve. Turning it counter-clockwise (fully closed) provides approx. 150 l/min. Turning it clockwise (fully open) provides up to 320 l/min.
- Purity of Breathing Air: The supplied compressed air must meet strict quality criteria. The mineral oil content must be so low that the air is completely odorless (the odor threshold is approx. 0.3 mg/m³).
- Pre-stage Filtration: To separate condensate, oil, and micro-particles, installing a Sundström SR 99-1 compressed air filter in the supply line is highly recommended.
The Pro Workflow: Commissioning in 6 Steps
Follow this systematic approach before starting work every day to guarantee the protective function of the mask:
- Perform Visual Inspection: Check the silicone mask, the breathing hose, and the harness for cracks, material fatigue, or deformations.
- Check Membranes: Meticulously check the inhalation and exhalation membranes for correct fit and cleanliness. Damaged membranes must be replaced immediately.
- Measure Airflow: Connect the included flow meter to the breathing hose, hold it vertically, and check whether the ball reaches the minimum mark.
- Put on Belt & Valve: Buckle on the comfort belt. Attach the control valve to your hip so that the regulator is easily accessible, but keep the hose out of the immediate work area (e.g., spray stream).
- Couple Compressed Air Line: Connect the certified Sundström compressed air hose to the control valve. Ensure that the main pressure remains stable between 4 and 7 bar.
- Face Fit Check: Put on the mask, tighten the straps, seal the backup filter connection tightly with the palm of your hand, and inhale deeply. The mask should pull slightly against your face – if air streams in from the outside, readjust the harness.
Troubleshooting
If the system displays unexpected symptoms during daily use, most causes can be quickly located:
- 1. The warning whistle sounds continuously Measures: Immediately check the main pressure at the compressor (Target: 4-7 bar). Inspect the supply hose for kinks or constrictions. Check if the pre-connected station filter is clogged.
- 2. Odor of solvents or oil inside the mask Measures: The compressed air quality is insufficient or the filter capacity is exhausted. Replace the active carbon core of your SR 99 filter immediately and check the effectiveness of the oil separator on the compressor.
- 3. Mask pulls uncomfortably tight when inhaling (lack of air) Measures: The control valve is closed too far. Turn the adjustment knob clockwise to open it. If this does not resolve the issue, disconnect the air supply and continue working using the backup filter while checking the valve.
- 4. Air can be heard escaping around the edges of the mask Measures: The mask size M/L does not fit perfectly or the head harness has lost its elasticity. Clean the silicone sealing edge thoroughly to remove sweat and grease residues. Switch to the smaller mask size S/M if necessary.
Maintenance and Care for Longevity
Respiratory protection is life protection. Observe the following 5 key maintenance aspects:
- Cleaning After Each Use: If heavily soiled, clean the mask with a warm soap solution (max. +40 °C) and a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Disinfection: For quick disinfection of the inside of the mask, the system can be sprayed with a 70% ethanol or isopropanol solution. Caution: Never use harsh solvents (e.g., nitro thinner)!
- Replacing Exhalation Valves: The eccentric exhalation membranes rest on fixed pins in the housing. Always replace the valve flaps and their protective covers together to prevent deformation.
- Storage: Store the system in a dry, dust-free, and cool environment (-20 °C to +40 °C at < 90 % relative humidity). A hermetically sealed box is ideal.
- Shelf Life: The silicone system has a maximum shelf life of 5 years when unused in its original condition. Wear parts like rubber bands and valves will shorten this period depending on the intensity of use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I connect any standard compressor hose?
A: No. To maintain EN 14594 approval and full protective performance, specially tested, green Sundström compressed air hoses (e.g., SR 358 or SR 359) must be used.
Q2: What happens if the compressor suddenly fails?
A: This is where the filter backup takes effect. The system allows you to breathe through the mask's integrated filter thread in an emergency, giving you time to safely leave the hazardous area.
Q3: How often do I need to check the airflow with the flow meter?
A: A check is recommended before each daily shift. This ensures that the statutory minimum volume flow is always reached, despite any potential pressure fluctuations in the facility's network.
Q4: Does the material of the mask cause sparks when rubbed?
A: No. The materials of the SR 90 Airline system are designed so that they do not generate any sparks from mechanical friction. The system is therefore suitable for ATEX and fire-hazardous zones.
Q5: When do I need to replace the inhalation and exhalation membranes?
A: Membranes are wear parts. At the first sign of waviness, hardening, sticky surfaces, or micro-cracks, they must be replaced immediately – but at the latest during the annual main maintenance.
Conclusion
The Sundström SR 90 Airline respiratory protection system sets standards in terms of ergonomics, safety, and flexibility. By combining a controllable constant-flow compressed air system with a robust filter backup, users significantly minimize health risks during professional coating and painting operations. Investing in this durable Swedish premium system quickly pays off through minimized downtime and maximum user comfort in demanding everyday workshop environments.
