Filters use media for capturing particulates only – such as dust, mist, and fumes. The TR-300 and TR-300+ PAPR systems use the TR-3712N filter, while the TR-600 and TR-800 PAPR systems use the TR-6710N filter. The TR-300 and TR-300+ PAPR systems are designed for particulates only.

OSHA defines a canister or cartridge as “a container with a filter, sorbent, or catalyst, or a combination of these two items, which removes specific contaminants from the air passed through the container.” See here for the website.

Cartridges use media to help protect against certain gases and vapors. For the TR-600 and TR-800 systems, these cartridges are combined with particulate media to become a combination cartridge. 3M currently offers seven variations of filters and cartridges for the TR-600 and TR-800 series PAPR.

As directed in the user instructions, the TR-970 airflow indicator must be used to confirm airflow levels of the TR-300 series PAPR before entering a contaminated area. During the airflow check, the bottom of the floating ball must rest at or above the minimum flow mark. If the airflow indicator ball fails to rise above the minimum flow mark, change out the filter and repeat the airflow test.

The TR-971 airflow indicator must be used to confirm airflow levels of the TR-300+, TR-600, and TR-800 series PAPR before entering a contaminated area. The TR-971 is designed for testing at various elevations and temperatures within the operational range of the PAPR system. Actual service life depends on your environment. During the airflow test, the bottom of the floating ball must rest at or above the minimum flow mark. If the airflow indicator ball fails to rise above the minimum flow mark, change out the filter and repeat the airflow test.

As a secondary or backup indicator, the TR-300+, TR-600, and TR-800 motor blowers have filter loading indicators and alarms designed to notify users when the filter is loaded. At that point, users must exit the area and replace the filter.

The user must determine a service life period based on their specific work conditions. Please visit our Service Life Software and use the table for surrogates for the TR-600 and TR-800 PAPR system cartridges.

Cartridges must be changed earlier if the user detects contaminant taste, odor, or irritation, or if system alarms indicate filter loading.

No. However, 3M commercialized an IS version of the Versaflo product line in Q1 2018, the TR-800. The motor/blower on the TR-800 PAPR is certified to UL/IEC 60079 (2013).

3M also offers an intrinsically safe PAPR in the GVP Series.

The TR-300, TR-300+, and TR-600 are approved for use with:

• 3M M-Series Faceshields, Hard Hats, and Helmets
• 3M S-Series Hoods and Headcovers
• 3M Speedglas 9100 Series Welding Helmets
• 3M L-Series Helmets
• 3M H-Series Hoods
• BE Series head tops (BE-10 and BE-12), formerly used with the Air-Mate PAPR

At launch, the TR-800 is only approved for use with 3M S-Series and M-Series headtops. 3M expects to seek approval for additional headgear in the months following launch.

TR-300: Recommended operating altitude range is approximately sea level to 2,600 feet (800 meters).

TR-300+: Recommended operating altitude range is approximately -328 feet (-100 meters) to 14,107 feet (4,300 meters).

TR-600: Recommended operating altitude range is approximately -328 feet (-100 meters) to 16,404 feet (5,000 meters).

3M Speedglas Welding Headgear 9100 Series is NIOSH-approved for use with the 3M Versaflo Powered Air Purifying Respirator TR-600 series.

See the announcement for more information.