RapidBlast™ Dustless Blasting Equipment

Dry sandblasting and wet abrasive sandblasting are two methods of sandblasting that use compressed air to blast abrasive particles onto a surface to remove contaminants or to prepare the surface for a coating.

In dry sandblasting, dry abrasive particles are mixed with compressed air and blasted onto the surface using a sandblasting gun. Dry sandblasting is typically used for surface preparation and cleaning, as well as for removing paint and other coatings.

Wet abrasive sandblasting, also known as wet sandblasting, is similar to dry sandblasting, but the abrasive particles are mixed with water before being blasted onto the surface. Wet abrasive sandblasting is typically used for cleaning and surface preparation, as well as for removing coatings and contaminants.

One of the main differences between dry and wet sandblasting is that wet sandblasting produces very little dust and is deemed to be safer and more environmentally friendly than dry sandblasting. Wet sandblasting is also more effective at removing some types of contaminants, such as grease and oil, than dry sandblasting. Dry sandblasting causes friction and can warp the surface whereas there is no heat in wet sandblasting due to the use of water. Generally, dry sandblasting requires a higher volume of compressed air compared to wet sandblasting. However, wet sandblasting is slightly slower than dry sandblasting and the element of water cushions the impact of the abrasive.

When compared to dry abrasive blasting, wet abrasive blasting is a lot safer and requires less protective equipment. However, it is important to wear appropriate protective equipment to protect against the potential hazards of the process. Some of the protective equipment that may be required for wet abrasive sandblasting are:

Eye protection: It is important to wear eye protection, such as goggles or a full-face shield, to protect against particles that could potentially be blasted into the eyes.

Respiratory protection: Depending on the abrasive material being used and the work environment, it may be necessary to wear a respirator to protect against inhaling abrasive particles or other contaminants.

Protective clothing: Wear protective clothing, such as coveralls or a suit, to protect the skin from abrasive particles.

Footwear: Wear sturdy footwear, such as steel-toed boots, to protect the feet from falling debris or other hazards.

Hearing protection: If the wet abrasive sandblasting process is noisy, it may be necessary to wear earplugs or earmuffs to protect against hearing damage.

It is always important to refer to the equipment manufacturer’s instructions and to follow proper safety procedures to minimize the risk of injury or accident.

Wet abrasive blasting and dry abrasive blasting are both methods of sandblasting that use compressed air to blast abrasive particles onto a surface to remove contaminants or to prepare the surface for a coating. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the best option will depend on the specific application and the materials being used.

Some advantages of wet abrasive blasting over dry abrasive blasting include:

Reduced dust: Wet abrasive blasting produces less dust than dry sandblasting, which makes it safer and more environmentally friendly.

Portability: One of the main advantages of wet abrasive blasting equipment is that it does not require a blast booth and can be done in the open. It is therefore very suitable for large surfaces such as oil tanks or fixed objects such as bridges

Improved visibility: The water used in wet abrasive blasting helps to clear away dust and debris, improving visibility during the blasting process.

Enhanced cleaning and surface preparation: Wet abrasive blasting can be more effective at removing some types of contaminants, such as grease and oil, than dry sandblasting.

However, there are also some disadvantages to wet abrasive blasting:

More equipment required: Wet abrasive blasting equipment is a bit more involved than dry blasting and includes a diaphragm pump, a water pump and a water tank or water supply.

Increased cost: Wet abrasive blasting is generally more expensive than dry sandblasting due to the additional equipment and materials required.

In general, wet abrasive blasting is a good option for cleaning and surface preparation applications where the goal is to remove contaminants or coatings, and where reducing dust is a priority. Dry abrasive blasting is often the preferred method for surface preparation and cleaning applications where the goal is to remove material from the surface or to etch the surface, and where the abrasive material is compatible with dry blasting.

Wet abrasive sandblasting, also known as dustless blasting, vapour blasting or wet sandblasting, is a process that uses compressed air to blast abrasive particles mixed with water onto a surface to remove contaminants or to prepare the surface for a coating. Wet abrasive sandblasting typically works in the following way:

Abrasive material: The abrasive material, such as garnet, crushed glass or soda bi-carbonate is mixed with water to create a abrasive slurry.

Compressed air: Compressed air is used to propel the abrasive slurry through a hose and out of a sandblasting gun or nozzle.

Surface preparation: The abrasive slurry is directed onto the surface to be cleaned or prepared, with the force of compressed air through the sandblasting nozzle. The abrasive particles impact the surface and remove contaminants and coatings from the surface. The abrasive media and the contaminants are suppressed through the use of the water..

Rinsing: After the blasting is complete, the surface is typically rinsed with a solution of water and rust inhibitor to remove any remaining abrasive particles and contaminants. The use of the rust inhibitor prevents the formation of flash rust developing for a period of upto 72 hours.

Wet abrasive sandblasting is typically used for cleaning and surface preparation applications, as well as for removing coatings and contaminants. It is generally considered to be safer and more environmentally friendly than dry sandblasting, as it produces less dust.

Wet abrasive blasting and wet blasting are terms used interchangeably by manufacturers and users and thereby creating confusion. Wet abrasive blasting is also known as dustless blasting or vapour blasting. It involves the use of compressed air to blast a slurry mix of abrasive media particles pre-mixed and saturated with water onto a surface. The purpose of wet abrasive blasting is to remove contaminants or to prepare the surface for a coating.

Sometimes wet abrasive blasting is also referred to as wet blasting. However, strictly speaking wet blasting is dry blasting with a separate injection of water at the nozzle. Wet blasting is the use of a dry abrasive pot filled with abrasive media and sprayed with compressed air. At the nozzle, the dry abrasive media is combined with a wet ring nozzle spraying a jet of water.

Many people are gravitating to wet abrasive blasting due to the significant benefit of being able to control the dust from abrasive blasting. However, while adopting wet abrasive blasting, they confuse wet blasting, water injection blasting and vapour abrasive blasting..

Wet blasting and water injection blasting are archaic forms of wet abrasive blasting and have many shortcomings compared to vapour blasting.

The technology used in wet blasting is basic and primitive and suited to ‘DIY’ operators rather than professional blasters. There are two types of wet blasting nozzles.

Water Injection Nozzle (WIN):

The Win nozzle has a water spray that dampens the dry abrasive media as it leaves the nozzle

Halo Nozzle (Water Ring):

The Halo nozzle sprays a curtain of water on the surface surrounding the abrasive blast. It dampens the dust after impact.

Wet abrasive blasting and pressure cleaning are two methods that are used to remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants from surfaces. Both methods involve using water and abrasive materials, but they differ in the way that the water and abrasive materials are combined and applied to the surface.

Dustless blasting also known as wet abrasive blasting or vapour blasting is the process of sandblasting whereby dust is suppressed by using a slurry mix of abrasive and water propelled by compressed air. In some ways, it can be considered a combination of high-pressure water cleaning and abrasive blasting. Dustless blasting has the advantage of pressurized water but still be able to remove rust and paint using the impact of abrasive media without the dusty environment of sandblasting.

Wet abrasive blasting, also known as hydroblasting or water blasting, is a method that uses high-pressure water to propel abrasive particles at a surface. The abrasive particles are typically made of materials such as sand, glass, or aluminum oxide, and are mixed with the water to create a slurry. This slurry is then blasted at the surface using a high-pressure hose and nozzle. Wet abrasive blasting is often used to remove coatings, corrosion, and other tough contaminants from surfaces.

Pressure cleaning, also known as power washing, is a method that uses high-pressure water to remove dirt and grime from surfaces. Pressure cleaning does not typically use abrasive particles, but rather relies on the force of the water to loosen and remove contaminants from the surface. High-pressure water cleaning uses only pressurized water for cleaning the surfaces and it is effective for cleaning dust, oil, grease, grime, and cobwebs, from surfaces and walls. However, it is not effective for the removal of paint from external surfaces such as steel, timber, automotive vehicles, and steel structures.

In summary, the main difference between wet abrasive blasting and pressure cleaning is the use of abrasive particles in wet abrasive blasting. Somemes, an abrasive is also used with pressure cleaning but it has a very mild impact and is not effective or an efficient process.  Wet abrasive blasting is typically used for more heavy-duty cleaning tasks, while pressure cleaning is used for lighter cleaning tasks.

Dustless blasting, also known as wet blasting or vapor blasting, is a method of cleaning or surface preparation that uses high-pressure water and abrasive materials to remove contaminants from surfaces. Dustless blasting is generally considered to be a safe and effective method for a variety of cleaning and surface preparation tasks.

Traditional sandblasting can create hazardous dust levels and release fine dust particles from the abrasive media used and also release toxic metals or corrosion particles from the surface being blasted.

The biggest advantage of dustless blasting is that it reduces the amount of dust and debris that is created during the blasting process. This can help to improve air quality and reduce the risk of inhaling harmful particles. Dustless blasting also uses less abrasive material than dry blasting, which can help to reduce the risk of damage to the surface being cleaned.

However, as with any industrial process, dustless blasting does have some potential risks and hazards. For example, the high-pressure water and abrasive materials used in dustless blasting can be dangerous if handled improperly. It is important to follow proper safety guidelines and use appropriate protective equipment when using dustless blasting equipment.

All risks should be clearly thought through and identified before commencing work.

Operators must be trained and equipped to handle site hazards such as operating at heights or in confined spaces.

Good quality abrasive media must be used. The use of sand is not recommended due to the risk of silicosis.

Operators must wear suitable equipment such as safety goggles, helmet, respiratory equipment, blast suit, gloves, hearing protection and safety shoes for personal protection.

The site should have proper safety warning signs. It should be well illuminated and aired for ventilation.

Overall, dustless blasting can be a safe and effective method for cleaning and surface preparation, as long as it is used properly and appropriate safety measures are followed.

Dustless blasting, also known as wet blasting or vapor blasting, is a method of cleaning or surface preparation that uses high-pressure water and abrasive materials to remove contaminants from surfaces. Dustless blasting can be an effective and efficient method for a variety of cleaning and surface preparation tasks, and as a result, it may be a good business opportunity for those interested in starting a cleaning or surface preparation business.

The following factors may be considered when determining whether dustless blasting could be a good business opportunity.

• Industrial and Commercial activity in your area
• The availability and price of abrasive media
• Competition in the market.
• Demographic of the population in your area
• Your appetite for work and marketing your services

It is also important to consider the costs associated with starting and operating a dustless blasting business, including the cost of equipment and supplies, training and certification, and marketing and advertising. Conducting market research and developing a business plan can help you to assess the feasibility of starting a dustless blasting business.

Compared to most other businesses, dustless blasting offers the following advantages as a business opportunity:

• Low level of investment relative to most other businesses.
• Wide range of applications of dustless blasting in various industries
• No formal trade licences or qualifications required
• No franchise fees
• Mobile business; no need for a commercial lease
• Freedom to choose the number of hours of work
• High returns.

Overall, dustless blasting can be a good business opportunity for those who are interested in starting a cleaning or surface preparation company and have the initiative and inclination to start their own business.

A good brand of wet abrasive blasting equipment such as RapidBlast is a multi-media blaster. In other words, one can use any abrasive media as long as it meets the following characteristics:

• It is clean
• It is consistent in size
• It is safe for the operator (sand is not recommended due to the risk of silicosis)
• It is heavier than water and sinks in water
• It provides the desired profile for the surface finish required

The following are the popular abrasive media used in dustless blasting:

• Almandine Garnet
• Alluvial Garnet
• Crushed Glass
• Aluminium Oxide
• Soda Bi-carbonate
• Staurolyte
• Walnut shells
• Glass Beads

Wet abrasive blasting, also known as dustless blasting or vapour blasting, is a method that uses high-pressure water to propel abrasive particles at a surface in order to remove contaminants such as coatings, corrosion, or dirt. Wet abrasive blasting can be an effective method for cleaning and surface preparation, but it is possible that it could cause flash rusting in some circumstances.

Flash rusting is a form of corrosion that can occur when ferrous (iron-based) metal surfaces are exposed to moisture and oxygen. Flash rusting can occur when metal surfaces are cleaned using methods that leave behind a film of moisture, such as wet abrasive blasting. If the metal is not dried properly or is left in a humid environment, the moisture on the surface can react with the oxygen in the air to form rust.

Flash rusting can present a significant problem when preparing metal structures for coating and painting, as it forms very quickly on steel that has been newly blasted, especially when sandblasting or other conventional dry blasting are methods are used. If not checked and controlled, flash rusting can fatally undermine the integrity of steel structures, boats, ships and machinery and cause protective coatings to fail.

Blasting mechanically damages the passivating layer, which protects the metal from corrosion. In the case of vapour abrasive blasting, water is also present on the surface and in direct contact with the metal through the ruptured passivation layer.

If there are salts on the surface, they will dissolve in the water to form an electrolyte solution and a corrosion cell will form. This fast-acting attack can cause visible rusting in as little as 30 minutes.

Flash rust is caused by salt deposits on the surface of newly-blasted metal (a constant hazard in marine environments) which, when mixed with water, cause corrosion cells to form. The problem is even more exacerbated and accelerated in humid environments. Sodium chloride can pull moisture out of the atmosphere at 75% relative humidity. Other, less abundant salts draw moisture at as low as 25–35% relative humidity. But as relative humidity increases, the rate of corrosion increases exponentially.

In wet abrasive blasting, a slurry of water and sandblasting media is propelled at high pressure onto the surface. A combination of the blast media cushioned by water removes the coating/corrosion but soluble salts are not left on the blasted surface as the water dissolves them and then washes the salt away.

The use of a rust inhibitor solution such as RapidHold™ SuperStrength provides additional protection against flash rusting for upto 72 hours. The rust inhibitor can be added to the slurry mix of water and sandblasting media while blasted. For instance, the RapidBlast™ wet blasting machine also has an option for wash down whereby the surface can be rinsed off using the rust inhibitor solution mixed with water.

While light levels of flash rust can fall within tolerances for some coatings, in all cases they will degrade adhesion. Applying a coating over heavy flash rust will cause the coating to fail, as well as jump-start further corrosive reactions.

RapidHold™ SuperStrength is an environmentally friendly rust inhibitor solution that prevents flash rust while wet blasting. It is also a great additive for rinsing after soda blasting, dustless blasting, slurry blasting and vapor blasting. It effectively removes salts and other contaminates.

In summary, wet abrasive blasting has the potential to cause flash rusting if a good quality rust inhibitor is not used as instructed or if the is left exposed to moisture after the blasting process. To prevent flash rusting, it is important to follow proper drying and protection procedures after wet abrasive blasting.

Dustless blasting, also known as wet blasting or vapor blasting, is a method of cleaning or surface preparation that uses high-pressure water and abrasive materials to remove contaminants from surfaces. Dustless blasting can be used for a variety of applications, including:

Industrial cleaning: Dustless blasting can be used to clean heavy machinery, industrial equipment, and other large structures. It is often used to remove coatings, corrosion, and other contaminants that are difficult to remove using other methods.

• Mill scale removal
• Paint removal
• Rust removal
• Cleaning, degreasing
• Carbon/soot removal
• Line marking/epoxy coating removal

Automotive restoration: Dustless blasting is often used to remove paint, rust, and other contaminants from automotive parts and surfaces. It can be an effective method for preparing surfaces for painting or coating.

• Paint removal
• Automotive Component cleaning
• Alloy wheels cleaning
• Polishing chrome, aluminium

Marine cleaning: Dustless blasting can be used to remove marine growth, paint, and other contaminants from boat hulls and other marine surfaces. It can be a more effective and efficient method than traditional hand scraping or sanding.

• Paint removal
• Anti foul removal
• Barnacle removal

Concrete cleaning: Dustless blasting can be used to remove stains, graffiti, and other contaminants from concrete surfaces. It can also be used to prepare concrete surfaces for coatings or resurfacing.

• Concrete Etching
• Graffiti removal
• Paint removal
• Inspection of corrosion in structural concrete
• Line marking/epoxy coating removal

Manufacturing Industry

• Tools and dies reconditioning
• Component deburring/cleaning
• Paint or powder coat removal

Construction Industry

• Swimming pool resurfacing
• Paint removal from timber homes
• Corrosion removal
• Brick restoration
• Hardwood deck restoration

Monument restoration: Dustless blasting can be used to clean and restore statues, memorials, and other monuments. It can remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants without damaging the underlying surface.

• Graffiti removal
• Stone restoration
• Mortar removal
• Brick restoration

In summary, dustless blasting has a wide range of applications in industrial, automotive, marine, concrete, and monument restoration. It is often used as an effective and efficient method for cleaning and surface preparation tasks that are difficult to accomplish using other methods.

Soda blasting and dustless blasting are two methods of abrasive blasting, which is a process of propelling abrasive media at high speeds to clean or strip surfaces. Both methods can be used for a variety of applications, including removing paint, rust, and other contaminants from metal, wood, and concrete surfaces.

Soda blasting is a type of abrasive blasting that uses bicarbonate of soda (also known as baking soda) as the abrasive media. Soda blasting is a gentle form of abrasive blasting that is effective at removing paint and other contaminants without damaging the underlying surface. It is often used for delicate surfaces, such as fiberglass or aluminium, where other abrasive blasting methods might cause damage. Soda blasting is also somewhat environmentally friendly, as the abrasive media is non-toxic and biodegradable. However, soda bi-carbonate is harmful for plants and vegetation around the blasting area must be covered or protected from spray and run off in the soil. Soda blasting is typically not as effective at removing either paint or rust compared to sandblasting or dustless sandblasting because it’s not as heavy duty a medium. Soda bi-carbonate as an abrasive media is expensive (a special granular particle that is moisture resistant needs to be used for blasting) than garnet or crushed glass used in dustless blasting. Soda blasting can clean mould & deodorize smoke fires due to the cleaning properties of soda bi-carbonate. Soda blasting prevents further rusting and can also be applied on plastics, chrome and wood also.  Soda blasting however can be messy and can create a lot of dust due to the lighter particles of the media. It can also leave a thin white film on the surface. Sand blasting is applied using much greater pressure than soda blasting. Soda blasting may use only 20psi, but sand blasting can use anywhere from 70 to 120psi. This alone creates a vast difference in how well they work in various scenarios, as air pressure is one of the main factors in their strength.

Dustless blasting, also known as wet abrasive blasting, is a type of abrasive blasting that uses water to suppress dust and debris generated during the blasting process. Dustless blasting can be used with a variety of abrasive media, including sand, garnet, and aluminum oxide. Dustless blasting is effective at removing paint and other contaminants from surfaces and is typically faster and more efficient than other abrasive blasting methods. Dustless blasting is usually done with crushed glass or garnet which are a cheaper abrasive than soda bicarbonate. However, it is not effective on plastics, soft wood and glass.

Is soda blasting better or sandblasting better for the steel body of a car?

Sandblasting is an efficient process for removing rust and paint off the steel body of a car. Within sandblasting, wet abrasive sandblasting is better for automotive applications as the water used in the process reduces friction and heat, which can warp the metal during the stripping process.. By contrast, dry sandblasting will produce heat and friction, and the metal can be subject to warping, especially if it is thin. Soda blasting is however effective to prepare the surface on the underbody of a car where there is no paint.

In summary, the choice between soda blasting and dustless blasting is the substrate being blasted, the type of coating to be removed, cost considerations of the abrasive media, the compressed air pressure and the surrounding environment (vegetation).