3MSW-3016 - 3M W-3016 Low Pressure Connector for Vortex V-100

Technical Overview of the 3M W-3016 Low Pressure Connector

The 3M W-3016 Low Pressure Connector is a specialized replacement component engineered specifically for the 3M™ Vortex Cooling Assembly V-100. In the context of industrial supplied air respirator (SAR) systems, maintaining the integrity of every connection is paramount for both safety and performance. This connector serves as the critical interface between the breathing tube and the vortex cooling tube assembly, ensuring a sealed and secure path for the conditioned air to reach the user's headgear.

Manufactured to 3M's rigorous quality standards, the W-3016 is essential for maintaining the NIOSH approval of the entire respirator system. Using non-OEM or makeshift connectors can compromise the safety rating of the equipment, potentially exposing workers to contaminants or reducing the efficacy of the cooling mechanism. The connector is constructed from durable, industrial-grade materials designed to withstand the mechanical stresses and environmental conditions typical of heavy manufacturing, welding, and fabrication environments.

The V-100 Vortex Cooling Assembly is widely used to provide personal climate control for workers in hot environments. The W-3016 connector ensures that the low-pressure air supply is effectively routed from the vortex tube—where the air is cooled—up to the helmet or hood. Regular inspection of this component is recommended as part of a comprehensive respiratory protection program. If the connector shows signs of wear, cracking, or thread damage, immediate replacement with this genuine 3M part is necessary to ensure the system operates at the designed pressure and flow rates.

Installation of the W-3016 is straightforward and requires no special tools, allowing for quick field repairs or maintenance intervals. By utilizing the correct part number W-3016, safety managers and procurement specialists can ensure full compatibility with existing V-100 assemblies, avoiding downtime associated with mismatched components. This part is a staple in the inventory of any facility utilizing 3M supplied air systems for welding or high-heat applications.