Wet grit blasting is efficient and highly versatile, and can be used on all types of onsite blasting projects.
Also known as wet abrasive blasting, dustless blasting, wet sandblasting or vapour blasting, it is ideal for surface preparation prior to applying protective coatings, reducing the risk of corrosion and rust developing.
Wet grit blasting v dry grit blasting
At Australian Enviroblast, we are wet abrasive blasting specialists, and so can deliver the full range of benefits to be derived from wet blasting, as opposed to sandblasting and other dry blasting methods.
Wet abrasive blasting is contaminant free
When dry blast media like silica or sand are used are used in sandblasting, significant amounts of dust containing remnants of the media are produced, and can spread beyond the the worksite, or be inhaled by operators with insufficient protection, putting health at risk.
However, as wet abrasive blasting produces virtually no dust, there is less likelihood of media particles circulating in the air, with less overall dust and waste being produced.
Enhanced surface preparation
Wet abrasive blasting has also been shown to be more effective at preparing surfaces, removing contaminants like corrosion, rust and scaling from metal and other surfaces ahead of applying a protective coating.
Wet abrasive blasting is ideal for surface preparation because it does not result in an entirely smooth substrate — instead, peaks and troughs are created, so that a protective coating will better adhere to the surface.
At the same time, using wet abrasive blasting means that remnants of the blast media and other contaminants do not remain embedded in the surface, compromising the coating.
How does wet abrasive blasting work?
Wet grit blasting uses water and compressed air to propel the media rather than air alone. This cushions the media as it hits the surface, meaning it does not become embedded in the substrate, while also clearing away old dirt, corrosion, rust and other contaminants.
The wet blasting method also means that less blast media is used, significantly helping to reduce costs.
Are wet grit blasting, sandblasting and UHP cleaning the same?
While wet grit blasting, sandblasting and UHP cleaning can all be used to remove paint, rust and corrosion, there are differences between these processes and the results they produce.
More gentle than dry abrasive blasting
Wet blasting is a more gentle process than dry blasting, meaning it can used on a range of materials and surfaces, from metal through to plastic and rubber, or for removing graffiti from brickwork and cement.
When you use wet grit blasting, you are also able to profile a surface more precisely ahead of applying a protective coating, and achieve a feathered effect when required.
This process also makes it more difficult for flash rusting to develop on metal and steel, as the water washes away soluble salts so they are not left on the surface.
This is not the case with dry blasting or sandblasting, which uses compressed air alone, and also tends to be harsher process and so is not as versatile.
Sandblasting also uses more blast media than wet abrasive blasting methods, and requires significantly less encapsulation, even in built up areas, making it a more cost effective process.
More versatile and powerful than UHP
The key difference between wet abrasive blasting and UHP cleaning is the use of blast media, rather than simply water alone. Media enables paint, old coatings, rust and corrosion to be blasted awayfrom metal and other surfaces hydrostatically, and so it is a more versatile process and can be used on a wider range of substrates.
At the same time, a lower blasting pressure and therefore less water is required, helping to reduce costs.
Delivering wet abrasive blasting services across South Australia
At Australian Enviroblast, we use highly versatile Quill Falcon Cyclone Dustless Blasting machines for onsite blasting projects across South Australia in the mining, marine, industrial and other sectors, and for all types of plant, machinery and vehicles.
Call us on (08) 8345 0719 or email us to find out more about our range of vapour blasting and dustless blasting services.