The Optrel US Blog

Chief Industries Switches to Optrel e3000x PAPR System

Optrel E3000X - case study image for Optrel Blog: Chief Industries Switches to Optrel e3000x PAPR system.

Leading Manufacturer Switches PAPR Systems

Chief Industries Inc., a family-owned manufacturer, switched to the optrel e3000X PAPR system from a competitor’s powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) system. The switch allowed the company to become more cost-effective and provide its employees with the highest level of safety and protection.

The high price of PAPR problems

Prior to the e3000x, Chief Industries used a powered airpurifying respirator that caused significant inefficiencies and reduced productivity. The PAPR came with a hefty price tag and was often understocked or completely unavailable. Moreover, the system was heavy, causing workers to complain and impacting employee health and morale. With the health, safety and satisfaction of welders at the forefront of their minds, Chief Industries knew it was time for a change. 

Testing the optrel e3000x PAPR

Chief Industries went directly to its local welding distributor to discuss options to replace the current PAPR. The company wanted to keep workers healthy with the highest level of safety and protection from environmental hazards. To achieve this, they needed a PAPR system powerful enough to withstand long, often 8-10 hour days and protect against welding fumes and grinding dust. The system had to be lightweight, comfortable for all-day use, and cost-effective. 

The distributor carrying optrel brought the e3000X PAPR system to us and let us try it out in our normal day-to-day workflow, said Tony Hermanson, Tool Crib Buyer for Chief Industries  

During the trial period, workers were able to test all the industry-leading features that the optrel x3000x PAPR offers, including:

  • The highest safety class (TH3) respiratory protection, 99.98% efficient against environmental toxins including smoke, aerosols, and dust.
  • Integrated, automatic airflow control and calibration.  
  • Unbeatable comfort for workers. Air is evenly distributed inside the PAPR helmet, preventing eye irritation and offering the option of a cooling effect on the forehead.

The Decision to Change to a New Respiratory Protection Manufacturer

For Chief Industries and other large corporations, switching manufacturers can be time-consuming and costly. The process typically begins with researching a variety of manufacturers and products, testing those products in the work environment, training employees and a variety of other factors. After testing the e3000x, Chief Industries decided to make the switch. The most important factors included: 

  • The 14-hour battery life of the e3000x
  • The ability for workers to view the battery charge level at the touch of a button.
  • An intelligent alarm function that protects workers with an audible and visible alert if the airflow level is saturated
  • Automatic air-flow calibration and the ability to switch to the next lowest airflow stage without interrupting the work process 

Additionally, the welders of Chief Industries didn’t want to sacrifice hood performance. They were able to test the Crystal 2.0 PAPR system which combines the e3000x PAPR with the optrel Crystal 2.0 hood. 

The Proven Results:

The global corporation featuring 7 brands that comprise Chief Industries made an initial investment to the health of their welders with 50+ optrel e3000X PAPR systems with Crystal 2.0 hoods. That investment is still ongoing as currently every new employee now receives the most powerful ventilated breathing protection system available on the market. 

When asked if their investment with optrel has proved to be a good one Chief Industries responded,  

“Yes, the indicator on the PAPR unit tells you when to change the filter which results in fewer usable filters being thrown out. Another benefit we did not anticipate is the optical clarity of the crystal lens has led to better welds, less rework and higher productivity”.  

The optrel e3000x with crystal hood aids in ticking all the boxes:

  1. Cost-effective 
  2. Superior runtime 
  3. Comfortable 
  4. Readily available 
  5. Field serviceable 
  6. Best in class protection 
  7. Made in Switzerland 
  8. Bonus – superior optics 

Products and Technology Used:

Chief Industries paired the optrel e3000X PAPR with the innovative Crystal 2.0 hood. This combination provides the highest safety class (TH3) respiratory protection with the patented optrel Shadetronic technology, CLT 2.0 technology. With light transmission of 31% in bright condition (protection level 2) the welders of Chief Industries has some of the most innovative technology in the welding world protecting their lungs and eyesight.

Optrel is a highly innovative company that puts the welder first when designing their products. The company’s desire to make work safer, easier and more productive for welders and businesses shines through. These innovations are exactly what we needed. – Tony Hermanson, Chief Industries

About Chief Industries 

The quintessential American success story began in 1954 when Virgil Eihusen launched a small construction company — Chief Industries — from a garage in Grand Island, Nebraska. From Virgil Eihusen to his son, Robert, and now to his grandson, DJ as Chairman and CEO, Chief has been guided by strong leaders who maintain a clear focus on its core values – take care of the customer, strengthen the company through diversification, and respect their employees. 

You will find Chief products and services used in agriculture, commercial construction, structural steel, factory-built housing, ethanol production, transportation, and more.

Related Articles

Optrel Laservision Email
Why Welders Need Respiratory Protection
Why Welders Need Respiratory Protection
Helix Pure Air now available

The revolutionary slide-up hood is now fully compatible with the e3000x NIOSH-approved PAPR system.