Workers in extreme temperatures wear Vortec Cooling Tubes to minimize heat stress and fatigue. The
Vortec Cooling Tubes improve comfort and productivity by using a belt with an attached cooling tube
that generates cold air to provide air flow to the worker.
Vortec Cooling Tubes are available in two cooling capacities; 1500 BTUH and
2500 BTUH. Both models can achieve temperature differentials of +/- 45 – 60 deg F from the inlet
compressed air temperature using vortex tube technology. These models are adjustable by the worker
using an integral temperature adjustment knob on the hot air muffler end of the Cooling Tube..
*All Cooling Tubes have 1/4” compressed air quick connect and 3/4” garden hose
thread for discharge of air to vest
Benefits
Improves worker safety
Eliminates the incidence of worker heat stress or cold stress
Reduces the frequency and duration of non-productive cooling and warming work breaks
Maximizes worker productivity and comfort in extreme temperatures
Eliminates the need to air condition large warehouse or shop areas
Features
Provide continuous, consistent cooling, unlike ice or gel paks
Three cooling capacities available
Air is delivered at up to -45-60°F (-25-33°C) differential from the compressed air inlet
Easy temperature adjustment by user, even with gloved hands
All Vortec Cooling Tube models are supplied with an adjustable waist belt and an Industrial
Interchange style quick connect for attachment to the compressed air supply
Can be worn under other protective clothing
All Cooling Tubes have 1/4" compressed air quick connect and 3/4" garden hose thread for
discharge of air to vest
Replacement Vest Specifications
SPECIFICATION
22825
22825-BSP
22835
22835-BSP
Cooling Capacity (BTU/hr)
1500
1500
2500
2500
Temperature Drop (deg F)
60
60
60
60
Air Consumption @ 100 psig (scfm)
25
25
35
35
Recommended Filter
7015-24A
7035-24A
7015-24A
7035-24A
Recommended Vest Size
L or XL
L or XL
L, XL or 2XL
L, XL or 2XL
Product Instructions
Case Studies
Keeping Welders Cool
Company Overview
ArcOne manufactures and distributes personal protective equipment for industrial welders including
auto-darkening welding helmets, safety glasses & goggles and respiratory protection products. The
firm, founded in 1992, has developed a reputation for innovative technology through expert in-house
design and engineering. Its technologically advanced products have made this Taunton, MA-based
company a leader in providing high-quality products that meet welders’ needs. In addition to its
dominant presence in the North American market, ArcOne is also one of the most highly respected
names in welding protective equipment in Europe.
The Challenge
Jim Watkins, Engineering Manager at ArcOne, has directed the development of new product lines
for the company since 2003. He oversees all facets of creating new products from R&D to
engineering and quality control. The ArcOne team developed a concept for personal supplied air
respirators for welders to use as cooling sources.
“Previously,” notes Watkins, “welders did not have cooling
systems although they often work in very hot environments—either outdoors or in shops without
air conditioning. Our familiarity with this marketplace told us that they needed a product that
would significantly enhance working conditions. In concert with ITW Vortec, we developed a
design for a product which would enable the exhaust of hot air away from the user while bringing
cool air into the helmet.” To manufacture and market their Supplied Air Respirators (SARs),
ArcOne needed a lightweight Vortec Cooling Tube.
ArcOne’s design for an air-cooled helmet involves high pressure compressed air entering a Vortec
Cooling Tube where it is converted into a low pressure cold air stream which cools the worker
and also a low pressure hot air stream which is exhausted. The welder can adjust the cold air
stream’s temperature and flow volume by turning a knob at the end of the Cooling Tube. A short
hose connects the outlet of the Cooling Tube to the respirator’s helmet or hard hat. The cold
air flows through the short hose from the Cooling Tube into the helmet via the air hose.A very important stipulation was that the air the user inhales
must meet the requirements set forth by NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health). The air passes through Arc One’s filtration panel, to ensure the air meets NIOSH
standards. The hot air stream from the Cooling Tube exhausts into the environment rather than
recycled into the helmet. To bring this new helmet design to fruition, ArcOne needed an air
products company capable of understanding and working with these complex specifications.
The Solution
ArcOne chose Vortec to supply the high-performance Vortec Cooling Tube the company needed to bring their vision of an air-cooled welder’s helmet to the market. “Vortec was very responsive to our needs, helping us match the correct generator for the product we wanted to create”, Watkins states. “They assisted us in qualifying the product to meet regulatory standards. As a result of our affiliation with them, we were able to put a high-quality product for our customers on the market in a relatively short period from the initial concept to commercialization. We have very high standards here for our technology, and Vortec was able to meet us on our level. Their products offer high performance which helps ensure the product we offer to our customers meets our benchmark for excellence.”
The Conclusion
“Without a doubt, if we develop further product lines requiring air products, we will turn to Vortec,” says Watkins. “I highly recommend them, for the excellence of their engineering as well as their ability to grasp and meet unique customer needs.”
