Pressure Washers for Wet Sandblasting
Industrial users face the most demanding applications every day. From cleaning heavy-duty industrial equipment to removing layers of crud from metal surfaces, they require strong equipment. The ideal, versatile machines for these users are pressure washers with wet sandblasting capabilities. These machines combine the cleaning power of pressure washers with the added capabilities of wet sandblasting.
Traditional pressure washers just do not offer sufficient power for the effective removal of layers of material. The removal of paint layers, rust, removal, and other heavy deposits requires the use of sandblasting equipment.
Why Choose “Wet” Sandblasting?
There are two forms of sandblasting available: wet and dry. Dry sandblasting uses compressed air to blast away layers of material. This is efficient for larger surfaces. However, the problem with dry sandblasting is that it generates harmful dust in the air. The dust, if inhaled over a long period, can lead to lung damage. Therefore, the users need to wear respirators and protective clothing. Even with all the precautions, government regulations ban the use of dry sandblasting in some areas.
To circumvent the problem posed by dry sandblasting, many commercial establishments use wet sandblasting to clean machines and restore metal surfaces to their original, shiny bare metal. Wet sandblasting does not release dust particles into the air, making it a safer option. Pressure washers that use wet sandblasting are best for spot cleaning, removal of residues and corrosion from small sections of metal surfaces.
How Wet Sandblasting Works
Sand and water are emitted from a pressure washer and forced across the surface to be cleaned at high pressure levels. However, let us see how exactly it works:
- Sand intake - An intake point sucks in sand from a container using vacuum pressure.
- Transport - A long sand pickup tube carries the sand into a venturi head.
- Mixing - Sand is mixed with high-pressurized water in the venturi head.
- Regulated sandblasting - The sand/water solution exits the venturi head at high pressure levels. The venturi head has a sand flow adjustment system to regulate sand inflow. The result? Sparkling clean surfaces; devoid of rust and chemical deposits.
A Plethora of Choices
Pressure washers for wet sandblasting are available with a range of features:
Portability - Moving heavy industrial machinery around for cleaning is difficult and dangerous. Your task can become easier with a portable wet sandblasting device for cleaning. Gas and propane powered units as well as wheeled and trailer mounted configurations are available from reputable suppliers.
Flexibility – Sand is not the only component that can be used for cleaning. Some pressure washers allow the use of other cleaning agents like baking soda and other medias. High-end pressure washers are designed to function optimally with different sand grit sizes and media.
Temperature - Remember that pressure washers for sandblasting must always be set to "cold". However, industrial users can also choose machines that feature triple functionality, allowing operation in cold water, hot water, or steam temperature modes based on the applications at hand.
Pressure level and flow rate - Ideally, pressure washers for sandblasting should have pressure levels between 1000 to 5000 psi. Flow rates should be 2-5 GPM for optimal cleaning.
Fuel - Pressure cleaning devices for wet sandblasting can run on gasoline, propane, or electricity. Most indoor pressure washers run on electricity, while outdoor devices use gasoline or propane.
Pressure washers are the safest and most effective forms of wet sandblasting. Invest in one today to make your industrial equipment cleaning easier and faster. |
