Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) Fans

From MEFD
Revision as of 01:21, 11 August 2025 by Hunter (talk | contribs) (→‎SuperVac V18-BL PPV Fans: add stats)

In 2025, MEFD move to battery powered positive pressure ventilation (PPV) fans. PPV fans are used to clear smoke and CO from structures. Battery powered PPV fans have advantages over our previous gas powered fans:

  • Easier to start
  • Less maintenance
  • Do not produce their own CO
  • Quieter
  • Higher air movement volume (CFM)

SuperVac V18-BL PPV Fans

SuperVac V18-BL Controls.jpg

Our current model is the SuperVac V18-BL. We use the Milwaukee M18 batteries. Do NOT use these batteries for any other tools.

The fans have approximately 35 minutes of run time on the batteries and can be run continuously using shore power. Note: plugging in the fan does NOT charge the batteries, they must be put in a battery charger.

  • Power: 1hp
  • Speed: up to 1889 rpm
  • Max Output: 8084 cfm
  • Weight: 58 lb
SuperVac V18-BL - 3 Fans.jpg

Setup & Use:

  • Unlock handle and roll into position
  • Place 15 feet from door
  • Adjust angle, use front tilt handle to lock fan in place
  • Press power button
  • Use speed control knob to get desired air flow

Power Button Colors:

  • Blue - Starting Up
  • Green - 50% to 100% charge
  • Yellow - 25%-49% charge
  • Red (flashes) - less than 25% charge

Maintenance:

  • Charge batteries completely
    • To calibrate batteries: charge fully, discharge fully, charge fully again
  • Clean fan - fan is waterproof, cleaning with water is fine
  • Check that Guards are undamaged and effectively prevent objects from contacting the blade
  • Wheels and feet are in place and tight
  • Tilt Mechanism works properly; tighten if loose
    • Tighten knurled nut on the Tilt Mechanism.
    • For larger adjustments, tighten nut with 9/16” (14mm) wrench.
  • Power cord is in good condition
  • All fasteners are tight

Notify an officer if:

  • Blade hits guard or does not spin freely
  • There is excessive vibration or it appears imbalanced
  • The batteries will not hold a charge or need replacing
  • The unit does not run
  • Anything on the unit is broken or cannot be properly tightened

Resources:

Intro video from Fultondale Fire Department: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCE0T9gkHlc (Note: we are using the M18 Milwaukee batteries instead of the DeWalt shown in the video).

See below (or to the right) for the spec sheet and user manual PDFs.

V18-BL-SP SellSht UPDATED-1224.pdf
SuperVac V18-BL User Manual.pdf
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