Blast 'n' Vac

Blast 'n' Vac Dry Blasting Recovery System

Many jobs now require that old style, productive, but highly offensive, open blasting be abandoned in favour of a more controlled approach. The industry recognises Vacuum Blasting as a better alternative and there is no more proven system on the market than the Blast 'n' Vac. It is a dust free fully enclosed dry blasting system which is ideally suited for the removal of toxic coatings.

How does it work?

The Blast 'n' Vac machine mixes abrasive particles with compressed air to allow them to be blown on to the work surface at high speed which strips back the paint and other contaminants to original surface and all residues are contained and vacuumed back into the system. The system can also operate at low pressure ranging from 5-100 psi.

The heavy particles are separated from the dust; the particles are then allowed to fall into a collection drum. The mullet-cartridge dust collector captures the fine dust allowing it to fall into the collection drum and the air then passes through a H.E.P.A. filter to ensure that the discharge air is clean. With no moving parts, this air powered venturi system is the ultimate in reliability.

What are its advantages over conventional methods of cleaning?

Normal sandblasting cuts the contaminant from the surface, but causes toxic or hazardous waste to become airborne. Blast 'N' Vac retrieves dust, residue and abrasive at the point of blast and eliminates the negatives traditionally associated with open blasting -Contamination, dust, poor visibility, operator exposure, shut down work surrounds, clean up. It allows blasting to be undertaken were no other methods would be acceptable.

Versatile-Able to work in all locations:

The Blast 'N'Vac system can work in horizontal and vertical positions and can by using an extension hose can be operated Up to 30 meters from the equipment.

Continuous blasting

As it is air powered there is a constant supply of compressed air to the cleaning and vacuum nozzle which enables the work to be completed quicker, cleaner and thus is cost effective and reduces downtime.

Is Blast 'n' Vac friendly to the environment?

Dry blasting prevents the emission of toxic substances (lead paint) in to the environment unlike conventional blasting. The unit has a self contained collection drum which can hold up to 250 litres of waste. There is no need to clean up large areas as the vacuum system negates the need to do so.

Health and safety

Like most industrial processes there is always an element of danger and dry blasting is no exception. The dangers that operators will be exposed to consist of noise, compressed air and manual handling.

• Noise: The noise levels can reach up to 100 dB (A) which will require emissions to be reduced to as low as possible under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2006. Operators will be required to wear ear protection at all times during he cleaning process.
• Compressed Air: Particles leave the nozzle of the pistol at around 100PS1 and as a result the head of the system should not be aimed at other persons or the direction of where others may be standing .Hoses used will be positioned so that they are kink free and all fittings will be tightened correctly before commencing operations. Only trained operators will be allowed to use the Blast 'N' Vac equipment.
• Manual Handling: The equipment used is heavy at the point of the head and therefore operatives should work for 25 minutes at a time and then take a break. A nozzle holder can be utilised to reduce the need for manual handling and thus reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injury.
• PPE: As always correct PPE should also be worn which take into account the location where works are undertaken and the dangers associated with such works should be clearly identified by risk assessment.

With all three solutions specific Risk Assessments must be undertaken to ensure suitability of application. Detailed Method Statements can then be designed to suit each.