​Blast Cleaning & Wet Blasting in Hertfordshire

​

Definition and Different Methods of Blasting

Blast cleaning is a surface treatment process that uses abrasive materials to remove scale, oxide layers, rust, and other contaminants, crucial for preparing surfaces before coating. Widely used in industries such as aviation, automobile, bicycle, and gas cylinder repair, the benefits of blast cleaning include:

• Fast execution: Quick process with complete control.

• Versatility: Ability to remove existing coatings and etch surfaces.

• Efficiency: Involves accelerated abrasive particles using compressed air or centrifugal wheels.

The abrasive particles can be dry or wet, depending on the conditions. Wet blasting is a method that can be particularly effective for reducing dust and improving the finish. Preliminary site investigations determine the optimal blast cleaning parameters for the desired result. These particles can be collected for reuse or recycling, with finishing depending on impact energy and abrasive material.

Surface Preparation

To protect steel and other metals from corrosion, applying a coating or lining is essential. High-quality application of these protective layers requires carefully preparing the steel base surface. As outlined in BS EN ISO 8501-1:2007, different degrees of surface finish exist. Blasting is more economical and safer than manual cleaning and power tools, ensuring:

• Edge Treatment: Proper treatment of edges for coating adhesion and sufficient thickness.

• Connection and Weld Protection: Focusing on protecting connections and welds from corrosion.

Now, let's take a look at key differences between main types of blasting.

Differences Between Dry and Wet Blasting

Dry Blasting

• Method: Uses high-speed dry abrasive particles to clean surfaces.

• Benefits: Fast process, highly effective in removing heavy contaminants, ideal for low-humidity conditions.

• Applications: Perfect for cleaning metal surfaces, concrete, brick, and stone.

Wet Blasting

• Method: Utilizes a mixture of water and abrasive particles to clean surfaces.

• Benefits: Reduces dust, improves surface finish quality, minimizes damage risk on delicate materials.

• Applications: Ideal for sensitive surfaces, historical monuments, stone, concrete, and surface preparation for coatings.

Benefits for Various Clients (and there are many other examples)

• Councils and Highways Authorities: For Councils and Highways Authorities, blasting services are vital for maintaining infrastructure by effectively removing debris, graffiti, and old coatings from roads and public structures. Their adaptability allows for application on various surfaces, with water-enhanced blasting offering a finer finish. Also, this approach helps meet environmental regulations by decreasing airborne particles.

• Concrete Repair Companies: Both techniques improve the adhesion of repair materials, ensuring durable and effective solutions. Their versatility allows for use on various concrete structures, with water-infused blasting providing a smoother surface. Furthermore, this method supports compliance with environmental regulations by minimizing dust emissions.

• Architects and Chartered Surveyors: Ensures safe and effective cleaning of buildings and structures..

• Heritage Conservation Officers: Preserving historic structures requires precision, and that's where wet and dry blasting excel. These methods gently clean dirt and graffiti, maintaining the integrity of valuable heritage sites. Dust-free water-assisted blasting ensures delicate surfaces remain undamaged, while also enhancing worker safety.

• Port Authorities: Blasting is essential for port authorities as it effectively removes rust and marine growth from surfaces, ensuring maintenance and longevity. Both methods improve coating adhesion, preventing corrosion in harsh marine environments. Their versatility allows for use on various structures, with wet blasting providing a smoother finish for sensitive areas.

• Oil Refineries: Wet and dry blasting are essential for oil refineries due to their effectiveness in removing contaminants like rust and paint, ensuring surfaces are well-prepared for coatings. Both methods improve coating adhesion, which is crucial in preventing corrosion. Water-infused blasting offers a smoother finish for delicate equipment as well. Additionally, dustless blasting helps refineries meet environmental regulations by reducing dust emissions.

• Property Restoration Companies: Quick and effective building and structure cleaning, preparing for renovation or restoration.

• Construction Companies: Preparation and cleaning of stone and other building materials for new projects or repairs.

• Rail Networks: Extends track lifespan and removes rust and contaminants.

• Airports: Keeps runways and equipment clean for safer operations.

Application and Materials

Blasting cleans surfaces using various technologies and abrasives, such as:

• Materials: Wire scraps, silicon carbide, ice, walnut shells, glass, baking soda, sand, and steel chips.

• Method: Mechanical energy directs abrasive particles onto surfaces at high speed.

This method, including wet blasting, is common in many industries worldwide, offering services like air cleaning and hydroprocessing. Adjusting the pressure and type of particles used for blasting achieves the desired results