EcoQuip Products Troubleshooting Advice

Make sure the air inlet pressure gauge reads 6.8-8.6 bar, 0.68-0.86 MPa (100-125 psi). If the gauge does not read 6.8-8.6 bar (100-125 psi), check the air compressor for proper setup.

Disengage the Emergency Stop.

Make sure the water tank is full and the inlet ball valve is open.

Increase the setting on pot pressure regulator.

• Try to push and quickly release the valve with your finger. If that does not cause the valve to seal, open the dump valve to release all of the pressure in the pot.
• Open the dump valve to relieve pot pressure. Open the pop-up and drain the pot until the water level is below the pop-up.
• Turn the selector valve to RINSE.
• Use the rinse hose to force water backwards into the valve stem.
• If the prior steps fail to resolve the issue, replace the whole valve assembly.

• Decrease the pot pressure to 10.3 bar (145 psi) or less. 
• If the valve weeps or relieves at 10.3 bar (145 psi), replace valve.

• Make sure the abrasive ball valve and the dump valve are closed. 
• If put pressure gauge still creeps downward see following steps:
  • Open the dump valve. Check pot pressure gauge, then close the dump valve.
  • Look at the pressure gauge to confirm that all pressure has been relieved from the pot.
  • Disconnect the tubing at the blast check valve and at the fill port check valve.
  • Make sure the pop-up is engaged with its seal. Turn the selector valve to WASH, then open the abrasive ball valve to pressurise the pot. Set the pot pressure to 10.3 bar (145 psi).
  • Check the water pump to confirm that no water is leaking from the TSL fill port.
  • The pump should stall after the pot pressurises, if it does not, replace the seals in the pump.
  • Check for any water leaking from either check valve. If a check valve is leaking, it must be repaired or replaced. If the valve are damaged, the pot will not be able to maintain pressure. Also, check the pot pressure relief valve. If the valve is weeping at pot pressure of 10.3 bar (145 psi) or less, it needs to be replaced.
  • Close the abrasive ball valve, close the air inlet ball valve, then engage the blast control switch to relieve pressure in the blast circuit. Confirm that the air supply pressure gauge reads 0 bar/psi.
  • Disconnect the quick coupler and confirm that the ball valve is not leaking. Replace the abrasive ball valve if it is leaking.

Replace the pot pressure regulator assembly.

Make sure the air inlet pressure gauge reads 6.8-8.6 bar, 0.68-0.86 MPa (100-125 psi). If the gauge does not read 6.8-8.6 bar (100-125 psi), check the air compressor for proper setup.

Replace the blast air regulator.

• Perform pressure relief procedure.
• Make sure all of the air pressure is relieved in the unit. If necessary, remove the air filter for access to the air regulator.
• Remove the piston cover.
• Remove the diaphragm cover for access to the diaphragm and to the end of the piston shaft.
• Remove the diaphragm and inspect for any cracks or tears. Replace the diaphragm if necessary.
• Carefully remove the spring and piston assembly, then clean out any debris in the body of the regulator.
• Inspect the piston and its seal for any foreign matter that may have been the cause for the piston to stay open.
• Inspect for any damage to the piston shaft where it interacts with the diaphragm cup. Replace components with excessive wear.

• Close the abrasive ball valve.
• Turn the selector valve to RINSE.
• Open the dump valve slowly to relieve the water pressure in the pot.
  • Be prepared to capture the water that will be drained from the pot. All disposals must comply with national and local regulations.
• After all of the pressure in the pot has been relieved, engage the pop-up pun by compressing the spring and turned the handle 90 degrees to hold the pop-up in the open position.
• Add the abrasive (minimum four bags, maximum ten 23 kg (50 lb) bags of high-mass abrasive or eight 23 kg (50 lb) bags of low-mass abrasive) and continue the setup procedures.
  • More water may need to be drained from the pot to allow additional abrasive to be added.

• See setup procedure in manual.
• Make sure the pot pressure is properly set.
• The pot pressure must be set 2 bar, 0.2 MPa (30 psi) above the blast pressure.
• Make sure the selector valve is set to BLAST.
• The abrasive ball valve must be open.
• The abrasive metering valve must be at least 1/8 turn open.

• Operate the unit in WASH until all abrasive clears from the blast hose.
• Close the abrasive ball valve, then turn the selector valve to RINSE. Blast until the hose is clear of all abrasive and water.
• Disconnect the quick coupling at the abrasive ball valve (not at the bottom of the pot).
• Turn the selector valve to WASH. Remain in WASH until all debris is clear. Remove the grommet in the quick coupler.
• Make sure nothing is in the path of the open quick coupler, then engage the blast control switch briefly and several times.
  • High flow air should escape though the cam-lock coupling. If this does not occur, the diaphragm valve is malfunctioning. Replace entire diaphragm canister.
• Hold the male end of the quick coupler up to the water coming from the cam-lock end of the coupler. Clean off any dirt or abrasive.
• Turn the selector valve to RINSE to stop the flow of water.
• Reinsert the grommet into its internal groove inside the cam-lock.
• Reconnect the quick coupler. If properly cleaned and connected, there should be no leaks at the coupler during operation.

• Perform the pressure relief procedure in the manual.
• Apply more than 5.5 bar, 0.55 MPa (80 psi) air pressure to the regulator inlet to cause the piston to retract.
• Loosen all 4 Allen-head cap-bolts evenly and then remove them completely while supporting the canister of the diaphragm valve.
  • DO NOT disassemble the canister.
• Replace the diaphragm (natural rubber compound) and hand-tighten it (only as far as necessary) to establish the alignment with the canister.
  • There are one or two shims between the diaphragm and the actuator. Keep the shims and reuse them (they do not come with the replacement diaphragm). Do not cause any pre-load or torque on the diaphragm by over-tightening it in a misaligned position.
• Insert all 4 Allen-head cap-bolts and hand-tighten.
• Tighten the cap-bolts in an alternating pattern (Top Left, Bottom Right, Top Right, Bottom Left) to 9 N*m (80 in/lb). This will cause a slight bulge in the diaphragm between the canister and the stainless steel casting.
• Relieve the pressure applied in Step 2.
• Test and confirm that the unit is working properly.
  • This can be done using only water to charge the equipment, there is no need to use abrasive for this test.

• Make sure the ball valve is closed, then disconnect the cam-lock coupler.
• Open the abrasive ball valve slightly and make sure abrasive is flowing from the abrasive hose. 
• If not follow the shut down procedure in the manual. Thoroughly flush the pot and media hose after draining media and water.

Adjust the blast regulator to the desired pressure while the blast control is engaged.

Confirm the tubing from the blast regulator to the main air regulator is intact. See Hose Schema in manual for further detail.

Replace the blast air regulator.

• Perform pressure relief procedure.
• Make sure all of the air pressure is relieved in the unit. If necessary, remove the air filter for access to the air regulator.
• Remove the piston cover.
• Remove the diaphragm cover for access to the diaphragm and to the end of the piston shaft.
• Remove the diaphragm and inspect for any cracks or tears. Replace the diaphragm if necessary.
• Carefully remove the spring and piston assembly, then clean out any debris in the body of the regulator.
• Inspect the piston and its seal for any foreign matter that may have been the cause for the piston to stay open.
• Inspect for any damage to the piston shaft where it interacts with the diaphragm cup. Replace components with excessive wear.

Make sure the air inlet pressure gauge reads 6.8-8.6 bar, 0.68-0.86 MPa (100-125 psi). If the gauge does not read 6.8-8.6 bar (100-125 psi), check the air compressor for proper setup.

Disengage the Emergency Stop.

• Inspect the hose cable for damaged or shorted wiring.
• Check the battery and control panel connections.
• Make sure the DC power source is 12V.
• Check the 3A fuse inside the control panel, and replace it if necessary.
• Check the current flow in the circuit. If current exists, replace the relay.

• At the Air-Relay, disconnect the push-to-connect tubing and check the trigger circuit (from the blast control handle).
• With the blast control switch activated, confirm that there is air flowing from the disconnected tube.
  • The air flow should be at supply air pressure but the air volume is reduced due to the size of the fittings and tubing. If you do not get supply air pressure, check the blast control switch for proper operation, and check the blast control hoses to make sure they are not kinked or internally blocked.
• Check the in-line filter at the industrial interchange nipple connection on the side of the panel (where you attach the blast control hose).
• If the previous steps do not fix the issue, replace the air relay.

• Perform pressure relief procedure in the manual.
• Make sure all of the air pressure is relieved in the unit. If necessary, remove the air filter for access to the air regulator.
• Remove the piston cover.
  • There is a spring inside this cover.
• Remove the diaphragm cover for access to the diaphragm and to the end of the piston shaft.
• Remove the diaphragm and inspect for any cracks or tears. Replace the diaphragm if necessary.
• Carefully remove the spring and piston assembly, then clean out any debris in the body of the regulator.
• Inspect the piston and its seal for any foreign matter that may have been the cause for the piston to stay open.
• Inspect for any damage to the piston shaft where it interacts with the diaphragm cup. Replace components with excessive wear.

Ensure air tubing is routed and connected properly. See Hose Schema in manual for more detail.

• Inspect the hose cable for damaged or shorted wiring.
• Check the battery and control panel connections.
• Make sure the DC power source is 12V.
• Check the 3A fuse inside the control panel, and replace it if necessary.
• Check the current flow in the circuit. If current exists, replace the relay.

• At the Air-Relay, disconnect the push-to-connect tubing and check the trigger circuit (from the blast control handle).
• With the blast control switch activated, confirm that there is air flowing from the disconnected tube.
  • The air flow should be at supply air pressure but the air volume is reduced due to the size of the fittings and tubing. If you do not get supply air pressure, check the blast control switch for proper operation, and check the blast control hoses to make sure they are not kinked or internally blocked.
• Check the in-line filter at the industrial interchange nipple connection on the side of the panel (where you attach the blast control hose).
• If the previous steps do not fix the issue, replace the air relay.

• Use correct abrasive.
• There is no fixed formula for what works best in each application. The information below works best for the majority of the time. From this initial setting, adjustments can be made up or down to get the fastest removal rates without damage to the surface.
• Normal settings are:
  • 7.5 Bar, 0.75 MPa (110 psi) initial pot setting.
  • Less than 1/2 turn open metering valve.
  • Blasting pressure at 5.5 bar, 0.55 MPa (80 psi) 
  • For applications requiring higher performance, use high-performance abrasive (the heaviest mass @ 80 grit) such as Garnet, and the highest pressures the system can support.
  • The initial pot pressure should always be 2 bar, 0.2 MPa (30 psi) above the intended blast pressure.
• Gradually make adjustments to meet the specific requirements for each application. Make adjustments (see DataTrak controls in manual) to achieve 7-10 cycles per minute to be the most efficient (cut at the fastest rate while using the least amount of abrasive). Blasting pressures can range between 2 bar, 0.2 MPa - 8.2 bar, 0.82 MPa max (30-120 psi).
• Unlike conventional sandblasting, higher pressures do not necessarily mean better cleaning. Nozzle distance and the angle to the surface has an effect of performance, as does the blast pressure. Choice of abrasive also has a great effect. High performance abrasive produces the best performance and can save enough time to make up the difference in cost. 
• Blasting with 45 m (150 ft) or more blast hose requires the use of an electric blast control.
• Adjustment in blast pressure requires an adjustment of the abrasive metering valve.
• See manual for more details.

• Close the abrasive ball valve.
• Turn the selector valve to RINSE.
• Open the dump valve slowly to relieve the water pressure in the pot.
  • Be prepared to capture the water that will be drained from the pot. All disposals must comply with national and local regulations.
• After all of the pressure in the pot has been relieved, engage the pop-up pun by compressing the spring and turned the handle 90 degrees to hold the pop-up in the open position.
• Add the abrasive (minimum four bags, maximum ten 23 kg (50 lb) bags of high-mass abrasive or eight 23 kg (50 lb) bags of low-mass abrasive) and continue the setup procedures.
  • More water may need to be drained from the pot to allow additional abrasive to be added.

• Perform the pressure relief procedure in the manual.
• Reset pot pressure following the setup procedure in the manual.

• Make sure the Auto-Vent is working.
• Perform the Auto-Vent cleaning procedure.
  • Try to push and quickly release the valve with your finger. If that does not cause the valve to seal, open the dump valve to release all of the pressure in the pot.
  • Open the dump valve to relieve pot pressure. Open the pop-up and drain the pot until the water level is below the pop-up.
  • Turn the selector valve to RINSE.
  • Use the rinse hose to force water backwards into the valve stem.
• If the previous steps fail to resolve the issue, replace the whole valve assembly.

• Perform the diaphragm flush procedure.
  • Operate the unit in WASH until all abrasive clears from the blast hose.
  • Close the abrasive ball valve, then turn the selector valve to RINSE. Blast until the hose is clear of all abrasive and water.
  • Disconnect the quick coupling at the abrasive ball valve (not at the bottom of the pot). 
  • Turn the selector valve to WASH. Remain in WASH until all debris is clear.
  • Remove the grommet in the quick coupler.
  • Make sure nothing is in the path of the open quick coupler, then engage the blast control switch briefly and several times.
    • High flow air should escape though the cam-lock coupling. If this does not occur, the diaphragm valve is malfunctioning. Replace entire diaphragm canister.
    • DO NOT disassemble the canister.
  • Hold the male end of the quick coupler up to the water coming from the cam-lock end of the coupler. Clean off any dirt or abrasive.
  • Turn the selector valve to RINSE to stop the flow of water.
  • Reinsert the grommet into its internal groove inside the cam-lock.
  • Reconnect the quick coupler. If properly cleaned and connected, there should be no leaks at the coupler during operation.
• If flushing does not solve the problem repair the diaphragm valve.
  • Perform the pressure relief procedure in the manual.
  • Apply more than 5.5 bar, 0.55 MPa (80 psi) air pressure to the regulator inlet to cause the piston to retract.
  • Loosen all 4 Allen-head cap-bolts evenly and then remove them completely while supporting the canister of the diaphragm valve.
    • DO NOT disassemble the canister.
  • Replace the diaphragm (natural rubber compound) and hand-tighten it (only as far as necessary) to establish the alignment of the canister.
    • There are one or two shims between the diaphragm and the actuator. Keep the shims and reuse them (they do not come with the replacement diaphragm). Do not cause any pre-load or torque on the diaphragm by over-tightening it in a misaligned position.
  • Insert all 4 Allen-head cap-bolts and hand-tighten.
  • Tighten the cap-bolts in an alternating pattern (Top Left, Bottom Right, Top Right, Bottom Left) to 9 N*m (80 in/lb). This will cause a slight bulge in the diaphragm between the canister and the stainless steel casting.
  • Relieve the pressure applied in Step 2.
  • Test and confirm that the unit is working properly.
    • This can be done using only water to charge the equipment, there is no need to use abrasive for this test.

• Make sure the ball valve is closed, then disconnect the cam-lock coupler.
• Open the abrasive ball valve slightly and make sure abrasive is flowing from the abrasive hose.
• If not, follow shut down procedure in manual.
• Thoroughly flush the put and the media hose after draining media and water.

• Place the unit on a level surface.
• If this is not possible, the Auto-Vent must be on the higher side of the unit.

Confirm the Auto-Vent valve is working and set initial pot pressure 2 bar, 0.2 MPa (30 psi) above the blast pressure.

• Perform Auto-Vent cleaning procedure.
  • Try to push and quickly release the valve with your finger. If that does not cause the valve to seal, open the dump valve to release all of the pressure in the pot.
  • Open the dump valve to relieve pot pressure. Open the pop-up and drain the pot until the water level is below the pop-up.
  • Turn the selector valve to RINSE.
  • Use the rinse hose to force water backwards into the valve stem.
• If the previous steps fail to resolve the issue, replace the whole valve assembly.

• Perform the diaphragm flush procedure.
  • Operate the unit in WASH until all abrasive clears from the blast hose.
  • Close the abrasive ball valve, then turn the selector valve to RINSE. Blast until the hose is clear of all abrasive and water.
  • Disconnect the quick coupling at the abrasive ball valve (not at the bottom of the pot). 
  • Turn the selector valve to WASH. Remain in WASH until all debris is clear.
  • Remove the grommet in the quick coupler.
  • Make sure nothing is in the path of the open quick coupler, then engage the blast control switch briefly and several times.
    • High flow air should escape though the cam-lock coupling. If this does not occur, the diaphragm valve is malfunctioning. Replace entire diaphragm canister.
    • DO NOT disassemble the canister.
  • Hold the male end of the quick coupler up to the water coming from the cam-lock end of the coupler. Clean off any dirt or abrasive.
  • Turn the selector valve to RINSE to stop the flow of water.
  • Reinsert the grommet into its internal groove inside the cam-lock.
  • Reconnect the quick coupler. If properly cleaned and connected, there should be no leaks at the coupler during operation.
• If flushing does not solve the problem repair the diaphragm valve.
  • Perform the pressure relief procedure in the manual.
  • Apply more than 5.5 bar, 0.55 MPa (80 psi) air pressure to the regulator inlet to cause the piston to retract.
  • Loosen all 4 Allen-head cap-bolts evenly and then remove them completely while supporting the canister of the diaphragm valve.
    • DO NOT disassemble the canister.
  • Replace the diaphragm (natural rubber compound) and hand-tighten it (only as far as necessary) to establish the alignment of the canister.
    • There are one or two shims between the diaphragm and the actuator. Keep the shims and reuse them (they do not come with the replacement diaphragm). Do not cause any pre-load or torque on the diaphragm by over-tightening it in a misaligned position.
  • Insert all 4 Allen-head cap-bolts and hand-tighten.
  • Tighten the cap-bolts in an alternating pattern (Top Left, Bottom Right, Top Right, Bottom Left) to 9 N*m (80 in/lb). This will cause a slight bulge in the diaphragm between the canister and the stainless steel casting.
  • Relieve the pressure applied in Step 2.
  • Test and confirm that the unit is working properly.
    • This can be done using only water to charge the equipment, there is no need to use abrasive for this test.