The Vortec Personal Air Conditioning Vests (PACs) circulate cool air to minimize temperature-related stress and fatigue, thus improving comfort and productivity.
The key to this low-cost personal air conditioner is the vortex tube, which converts compressed air to a low-pressure cold air source by spinning it rapidly, thus splitting into hot and cold air streams. The cold air stream feeds into the vest, which diffuses the air flow around the worker’s torso, keeping them comfortable and productive. The circulating air is up to 60 degrees F cooler than ambient, keeping workers cool even in oppressive environments.
These durable, plasticized vests are available in three sizes and provide continuous cooled air through their perforated lining. They do not restrict movement, do not absorb sweat or other contaminants, and can be worn under other protective clothing.
The cooling vest requires no hook-ups other than a compressed air source, which in this case is supplied by a rotary screw compressor that feeds air to the mask, vest and air tools used throughout the collision center.
Bruce Dunehew, collision center manager for Cadillac of South Charlotte in North Carolina, purchased one of the vests for his painter, Dave Nutter. Summer in Charlotte can be brutal, with temperatures regularly reaching over 90 degrees F. The working environment can hospitalize employees if not monitored closely, but heat can also cause fatigue, slow down productivity and cloud judgment.
Although Dunehew and his team have not calculated the additional throughput or efficiency since adding the cooling vest, they have seen improvement, making the $300 investment “well worth it.” Especially considering the fact that it hasn’t broken down or needed further maintenance, the vest system is an added boost, providing needed cooling without any additional technical problems.
“It helps immensely,” says Nutter. “I am markedly cooler and a lot more comfortable. I’m able to concentrate more on the task at hand, which is much more beneficial.”
For more information, visit www.vortec.com or email [email protected].
