To ensure the integrity of steel and other metals, a coating or a lining should be applied to protect the surfaces from corrosion. To ensure the success of these processes (and thereby increasing the durability of the coating or lining), the steel substrate should first undergo surface preparation to remove contaminants and create suitable conditions.
The BS EN ISO 8501-1:2007 standard describes various grades of surface preparation cleanliness, achieved through hand cleaning, cleaning using power tools and abrasive blast cleaning. Blast cleaning is the most efficient when factors such as cost, time, and effectiveness are considered.
What Is Blast Cleaning?
Abrasive blast cleaning is the most comprehensive method for the removal of mill-scale and rust on steel surfaces. The method involves the use of high-velocity abrasive particles from a jet stream of compressed air or centrifugal impellers to ‘blast’ clean the steel surface.
The Benefits Of Blast Cleaning
Blast cleaning helps in surface preparation by removing contaminants before coating, painting or lining. Surface cleaning removes rust and other contaminants which could cause problems with paint adhesion, or in the most extreme cases, compromise the integrity of the surface metal itself.
Compared to hand cleaning and power tools, blast cleaning is more cost-effective, as some abrasive materials are reusable. The efficiency of blast cleaning is also high compared to hand and power tool cleaning, attaining a 100% efficiency where power tools only achieve a 30% to 50% efficiency level. It is also a safe method where, provided one uses the right protective gear, the health risks are minimal.
Find Out More
If you require assistance with steel surface preparation and coating, KUE Group is an independent company of professionals ready to cater to all your needs. Contact us today for advice or to get a free quote.
