Ecoblast UK - Blast Cleaning FAQ
Can I clean anything with this system?
Almost. The way the system works relies on the action of breaking the blast media crystals in to even smaller bits than they are already, (≈20microns-300microns, selectable by the operator). The change in kinetic energy is the thing that really does it. The harder the substrate is the better the effect (in general terms). So if you want to clean powder coating off aluminium, it will work very well, without altering the surface profile of the metal. If you want to clean rubberised glue off a plasticine block ...you will have problems!!!
- You can clean almost anything, if you try.
- The process will clean most coatings off most surfaces, especially if the substrate is hard.
- Sometimes a "test patch" is required to check requirements.
Will the process damage the object being cleaned?
Ecoblast UK Ltd uses an engineered blast medium (from "Armex®") that has a hardness value of about 2; on the same scale talc (as in powder) is 1, diamond is 10. Soda blasting doesn't work by abrading the surface, as sand blasting or bead blasting would, it works by shattering the crystals, and transferring energy to the coating, which then breaks off.
So for most things, damage is not an issue. For very delicate objects or surfaces the operator can control the process by carefully adjusting the machine and/or grade of media as required.
Talk to the operator! Discuss the requirements for that particular job.
Metallic objects in particular are not affected by normal formulations of Ecoblast UK Ltd's cleaning media.
Is the process safe and environmentally friendly?
Yes, the blasting media used by Ecoblast UK Ltd are soft and have a pH of about 8. Operators need only wear basic protection in the open air. The blasting media can be washed away or vacuumed away when the cleaning is done. If the material removed is toxic then suitable disposal is required.
I am concerned about the effect that ecoblast may have on rubber and plastics , should I be?
No. Ecoblast UK Ltd can remove paint or other contaminants from surfaces next to these materials without a problem (see Diary Photo's).
What happens to the small quantities of grease and oil on the surface?
The process of blasting converts these residues into a soap like material (saponification). Microscopic particles of the residues can be recovered as necessary bound to the media.
The articles to be cleaned should be as grease free as possible, as large amounts of grease or oil degrade and slow down the cleaning process. However the media will not get stuck in the greasy corners, unlike bead blasting for instance.
Will the cleaning get all my oilways clean?
No. As the crystals need to shatter to do their job, the flow of air/media along the long drillings does not clean the surfaces within. Axial flow produces very little if any cleaning. Blast impact angles need to be more than 10 degrees to be effective.
If the component is washed suitably, the retained medium will disappear. No other blasting medium will do this.
Can I protect areas that I want untouched?
Easily. Adhesive tape or cloth is sometimes all that is required.
If in doubt talk to Ecoblast UK Ltd.