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Learn about the definition of efficiency in abrasive blasting, common enemies affecting air blast systems, and how to address issues like insufficient air supply, moisture, and pressure drops to optimize abrasive blasting processes and increase productivity.
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Achieving Efficiency in Abrasive Blasting William P. Nelson Schmidt Engineered Abrasive Systems Sponsored by:
What is the Definition of “Efficiency”? • Abrasive blasting is defined as a controlled erosion process whereas your productivity is measured by how much area is blasted, in what time frame and by using how much abrasive
What is Abrasive Blasting? • “To combine the energy of compressed air with a granular abrasive, which is propelled to impact a surface in a controlled, repeatable and predictable surface preparation method.”
Enemies of any Air Blast System • Insufficient air supply • Moisture • Pressure drop
Enemy #1Insufficient Air Supply • You lose 1.5% of productivity for every 1 psi reduction in blast nozzle pressure (As stated in research by NACE)
Enemy #1Insufficient Air Supply (All figures are approximate)
Enemy #2Moisture • Increased operating costs • Increased material costs • Decreased operating efficiencies • Reduced productivity
Enemy #2Moisture How does water get into the compressed air? • All air contains moisture • As the air is compressed, any moisture in it will also be compressed • As you compress the air/moisture, it heats up • Hot air retains moisture remaining a vapor So…How do you remove moisture?
Enemy #2Moisture Convert moisture from a vapor to a solid (water droplets) HOW? By cooling the air you can then remove the moisture: ► By expansion (Moisture Trap) ► Use of radiator (ACS) Once the air is cooled, you have to separate it: ► Demister Pad ► Centrifugal ► Absorption / Adsorption
Enemy #2Moisture Aftercooler System 3” Air Inlet 1) 3” Outlet 2) 2” Outlet 4) 1” Outlet
Water Volume in Air 1500 CFM Air Compressor 200° 90° 270 gal./day 90 Gal/day 180 Gal/day 75° Ambient Air 75% RH Enemy #2Moisture
Enemy #3Pressure Drop • Nozzles • Hoses; Blast & Air • Restrictive Piping
Enemy #3Pressure Drop Auto Air Valve
Enemy #3Pressure Drop High-Flow Auto Air Valve
Difference of Control System Types PRESSURE HOLD NON-PRESSURE HOLD
Fine Tuning an Abrasive Blast System Adjustments can be made to the following for enhanced productivity: • Abrasive metering • Minimizing pressure drop & increasing air flow • Hose length, hose size, couplings • Nozzle size • Moisture in air
Achieving Efficiency in Abrasive Blasting THANK YOU Sponsored by: