MAINTAINING
THE FREE-AIR
®
PUMP
Bullard Free-Air pumps consist of an elec-
trically driven air pump with four carbon vanes.
The vanes self-adjust as they wear and should
last from 5,000 to 15,000 hours if properly
maintained.
For the pump to operate at its optimum
performance level, the following routine
maintenance procedures must be performed:
1. REPLACE THE INLET AND
OUTLET FILTERS REGULARLY
Dirty filters may inhibit air flow to the respira-
tor(s), and cause the motor to overload and
decrease vane life.
- Replace the Carbofine outlet filter cartridge
(Cat. No. S17101) at least once every 200
running hours or sooner if necessary.
- Replace the inlet filter (Cat. No. 23611), at
least once every 500 operating hours or
sooner if necessary.
2. FLUSH PUMP IF NECESSARY
Should excessive dirt, sand, foreign particles,
moisture or oil be permitted to enter the pump,
the carbon vanes will become sluggish and
the pump’s performance will deteriorate. This
will result in decreased outlet pressure or
failure of the pump to operate.
If the pump remains idle in a humid environ-
ment for a long period of time, rust film may
build up in the pump’s chamber and rotor slots.
This will result in decreased outlet pressure or
a failure to operate at all.
If the above occurs, the pump should be
flushed with the following recommended
solvent:
- Loctite Safety Solvent (Cat. No. S17931)
12
WARNING: NEVER USE KEROSENE OR
OTHER COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS OR
VAPORS WITH THIS PUMP. THEIR USE
MAY RESULT IN AN EXPLOSION WHICH
MAY CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH.
Directions for Flushing Pump
a. Before flushing, disassemble and remove
the following parts from the pump:
- Disconnect the respirator’s air supply hose
- Remove the pump’s inlet filter
- Remove the pump’s outlet filter jar and
outlet filter cartridge
b. With the pump running, pour several ounces
of approved safety solvent into the pump’s
air inlet port. Repeat the flushing if
necessary.
WARNING: RUN THE PUMP FOR A
SUFFICIENT TIME TO PURGE ALL
TRACES OF THE SOLVENT BEFORE
REPLACING THE FILTERS, RECON-
NECTING THE AIR SUPPLY HOSE(S)
AND USING THE RESPIRATOR.
3. AVOID RUNNING THE PUMP AT
EXCESSIVE PRESSURE
Avoid running the Free Air pump above 15
psig (103 kPa) for any length of time.
Running the pump above 15 psig (103 kPa)
could cause motor damage and will create
premature wear of the carbon vanes.
NOTE: NEVER LUBRICATE THIS OIL-LESS
PUMP. THE MOTOR BEARINGS ARE
GREASE PACKED AND SEALED. THEY
REQUIRE NO FURTHER LUBRICATION.
