We provide a range of abrasive blasting solutions, specialising in cleaning and repairing structures and assets for concrete repair and coatings projects. Cleaning and preparation methods are varied depending on the targeted surface in question, some highly abrasive and some significantly milder, but all with the objective of achieving the appropriate cleanliness and profile.
Experienced dustless blasting contractors, we are equipped to undertake dust-free, dry and wet abrasive blasting contracts and have completed projects on a wide range of structures, specialising in the removal of rust, coatings and defective paint from substrates unaccompanied by airborne dust particles. We provide two types of dustless blasting solutions:
Vacuum blasting is an abrasive blasting method. It’s a dust-free process in which all materials, shot media and old coatings when blasted from a surface are vacuumed back inside of the machinery via a hose. When compared to grit blasting, this process can be quite slow. This equipment is used on surfaces where sensitive equipment or machinery is present or where dust might cause problems.
Wet abrasive blasting (or quill) is a combination of high-pressure water jetting and dry grit blasting This method gives power and efficiency without the problems associated with airborne/ breathable dust. With the addition of water, this system uses approximately 50% less grit.
Using dustless blasting equipment causes minimal mess as the blasted material is immediately contained through the machinery. This means that work can commence without restrictions to areas which will usually reduce the length of time of service disruption. Precision dustless blasting is widely used by the NHS and food manufacturing industries, where cleanliness is paramount.
Dangerous levels of silica (dust) can be produced through blasting materials such as concrete and masonry. Crystalline silica particles can cause lung disease and lung cancer; a health hazard can be caused by the smallest amount of airborne silica dust. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has a recommended exposure level (REL) of 0.05 mg/m3 to Silica. Consequently, all materials and old coatings when blasted from a surface are vacuumed back into the machine via a hose attached to the inside of the blast nozzle.
Grit/shot blasting is used to remove rust, failed coatings, flaking points and contaminants. It will also prepare pipe work to be re-coated by re-profiling the surface. This leaves a good mechanical key to which the new primer or coating can bond. The minimum standard of blast cleaning to receive coatings is SA21/2.
We use a variety of abrasives, dependent on client specification and surface finish required, such as:
For sensitive blast cleaning work, granulated shells and kernels can be used.
Surface preparation of the mixed bed regenerator vessel at Dungeness Power Station was carried out ahead of a chemical coating being installed. Ultra high-pressure water jetting at 36000psi was used followed by grit blasting to standard Sa3.
