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Specifications of an AFG Exhaust System

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant helps emergency workers maintain a safe work environment. AFG exhaust systems reduce the volume of diesel fumes created by idling firetrucks sitting inside of the firehouse. Workers breathe cleaner air and experience a reduction in illness. Fireengineering.Com compared different types of AFG approved exhaust systems. Each method varied in price and attacked the exhaust issue from a different standpoint.

  1. Snake Exhaust

    • One Assistance to Firefighters Grant exhaust method involves attaching a series of rubber hoses to firetruck exhaust pipes. Fumes are drawn through the hoses using a series of fans and expelled from the firehouse. Snake exhausts are effective for budget-conscious firehouses seeking a minimally invasive setup. Purchase hoses and fans from automotive or home supply retailers. Minimal automotive knowledge is required to complete the setup. A major drawback is the that hoses must be removed each time the trucks leave the firehouse. In emergency situations this technique proves highly ineffective.

    Hazardous Location Exhaust Fan

    • The Assistance to Firefighters Grant approves of removing diesel fumes with exhaust fans. Grainger distributes a 16-inch hazardous location exhaust fan, item number 3XK37, designed by Dayton. The panel fan features a steel frame with four spark-resistant aluminum propellers. Fumes are expelled using direct drive technology. The 41-pound unit is designed for horizontal or vertical mounting on firehouse walls. The overall fan measurements are 20 by 20 inches. A baked-on polyester finish reduces corrosion. As of 2011, suggested retail pricing is $800.50 per unit.

    Belt Drive Exhaust Fan

    • Belt drive exhaust fans are approved by the Assistance to Firefighters Grant for smaller firehouses not experiencing chronic exhaust issues. Grainger distributes item number 7M848- a 48 inch, 3 horsepower medium duty fan by Dayton constructed from galvanized steel. A three speed motor design increases performance and minimal component wear during high speed operation. The five blade, 338.58 pound unit is designed for vertical or horizontal mounting on firehouse walls. Overall fan measurements are 54 by 54 inches. As of 2011, suggested retail pricing is $1,932 per unit.

    Ward Diesel Filter

    • The Assistance to Firefighters Grant approves of the Ward Diesel Filter System in the improvement of firehouse exhaust conditions. Specially trained technicians insert a filter, diverter unit and electronic control module directly inside firetruck exhaust pipes. The ceramic filter is encased in stainless steel to withstand high temperatures. To facilitate removal, the unit is installed using tie rods and hex nuts. All visible smoke is automatically removed for a period of 10 to 99 seconds after vehicle start-up.

    Plymovent Solutions

    • Plymovent Solutions are a series of automatic exhaust fans created for Air Cleaning Systems, a California-based company. The air purification system is approved for use by the Assistance to Firefighters Grant to aid in the reduction of airborne diesel fumes. Each unit can be mounted on walls or ceilings in firehouses with back-in or drive-through configurations.These fans are capable of almost 100 percent exhaust emission capture.

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