Abrasive Blasting
Vapour abrasive blasting (also known as wet abrasive blasting) removes coatings, contaminants, corrosion and residues from hard surfaces. It's similar to dry blasting, except that the blast media is moistened prior to impacting the surface, reducing dust significantly and also reducing the amount of water used when compared to traditional wet blasting.
How Does Wet Abrasive Blasting Work?
Water and abrasive are combined in a pot under water pressure and then precisely metered into the airflow. When wet abrasive impacts a surface, the additional water weighs the particles down and creates a “dustless” effect.
Since EcoQuip 2 uses less water than slurry or other water-based technologies, pools of water aren't left behind so there is less need to worry about toxic run-off.
Understanding "Dust-free" or "Dustless" Blasting
True Dustless Blasting is Impossible
Some might claim that their products are "dustless" or "dust-free," but the reality is there is no such thing.
Sure, using a wet abrasive blasting machine will cut down on the plume of dust you get from dry blasting, but you're also left with a puddle of water. Make sure you understand the facts around dustless blasting.
With Graco's EcoQuip 2 Vapour Abrasive blast equipment, you will see up to 92% dust suppression over dry blasting without the wet, slurry mess you get from traditional wet abrasive blasters.
Video: Comparing Blasting Technologies
Abrasive Blasting Articles
Silica Dust and Wet Abrasive Blasting
Innovation in abrasive blasting technology being driven by the need to control silica dust
Silica Comparison Wet vs. Dry Blasting
Third-party Industrial Hygiene Survey in order to evaluate potential exposures to respirable airborne dust and respirable silica
How to Prevent Flash Rust When Wet Blasting
As wet cleaning methods have increased, so has the prevalence of flash rust and the need to prevent it - here are a few tips.
How to Choose the Right Blast Nozzle for Wet Abrasive Blasting
What you need to know to choose the right nozzle for your abrasive blasting application
How to Bid on a Blasting Project – and Profit
A guide to calculating a bid that is designed to meet your target profit margin
Detecting & identifying defects in steel during surface preparation
Finding and reporting defects is not only necessary; it’s an excellent way to distinguish yourself from the competition.
Curb Masters Nicollet Mall Footpath Stencil
Curb Masters uses Graco’s EcoQuip to add stencil design to Nicollet Mall footpaths in down-town Minneapolis
Containing a Site for Vapour Abrasive Blasting
Proper containment in the process of surface preparation protects the environment and your bottom line.
Concrete Surface Prep Part 3: Grades of Roughness
How much surface profile is sufficient for various types of concrete coatings and overlays?
Concrete Surface Prep Part 2: Oil, Grease and Dirt
Concrete Surface Prep Part 2: Oil, Grease and Dirt
Concrete Surface Prep Part 1: Unsound Concrete
How does the blaster know when he’s achieved the specified surface profile on concrete?
Cleaning Polyurethane Foam On Concrete
Polyurethane foam is difficult to scrape, sand, or chemically remove from concrete – vapour abrasive blasting does this easily and requires no harsh chemicals
Blast Cleaning for Municipalities
Public works departments are utilising wet blasting/vapour abrasive blasting to clean graffiti, restore weathered monuments and even remove tough lane markings
PPE & Respirator Requirements For Safe Abrasive Blasting
Everything you need to know about blasting PPE for dry, wet and vapour abrasive blasting.
