PrPrecision Blast SystemsLtd Blasting and cleaning technology Precision restoration cleaning machines BlastMate EXC & MicroStrip Introduction Blast-mate and Microstrip are precision blast machines designed to operate with fine abrasives for many restoration applications. Typical uses are building cleaning & graffiti removal, vehicle restoration, marine paint stripping, machinery refurbishment using abrasives such as Armex soda and Restofine. BlastMate Models EXC & ECO The BlastMate EXC & ECO machines are specially designed for various precision blasting and cleaning jobs. Its size makes it easy to move around and work at various locations. The very precise metering valve of these machines is pneumatically opened and closed by a spring. When the machine is started this valve is opened and closed again when the machines is stopped. This avoids the unwanted blow of (a lot of) abrasive when starting up, which is the case with many other systems. This way less abrasive is used in comparison to other systems, resulting in less dust, more accurate cleaning, reduced risk of damage and greatly reduced waste. Blast pressure can be accurately controlled to as low as 0.5 Bar to give very gentle cleaning and the machine features very simple controls. With the EXC & ECO machines, cleaning can be dry or wet to suppress dust. The metering valve can be shut during working so cleaned objects or for example scaffolding can be blown clean with air or rinsed with water. The ECO machines are particularly efficient as the vessel remains under pressure when the trigger is released, this saves large amounts of air as the vessel does not need repressurising when the trigger is operated, this reduces compressor fuel or electric consumption.
Microstrip The innovative Microstrip machines are specially designed for the exact metering of fine abrasives as necessary for efficient use of Armex soda. (soda blasting). The metering valve is air operated, with the abrasive controlled using differential pressure within the system, the vessel remains under pressure when the trigger is released. This control method gives accurate and efficient abrasive flow without the slug at start up and consumption as low as 25kg per hour. The machine reacts quickly when the trigger is operated ensuring the abrasive is up to speed almost instantly. The machine can operate dry or with water, this allows for efficient dust suppression and a gentler clean where required. The abrasive can be turned off by the operator to allow cleaned surfaces to be blown clear or rinsed. Although designed for use with Armex soda, the Microstrip machines can work efficiently with a range of fine abrasives on many applications. The low consumption and accurate control of pressure make the machine suitable for precision cleaning and coatings removal from a wide range of substrates in an environmentally sensible manner. With a reduction in abrasive consumption and lower blast pressures comes reduced dust, noise and waste. Construction The Blast-Mate and Microstrip machines are built with a CE approved pressure vessel in sizes of 18, 40, 60 or 100 litre. The results with all these models are the same, the difference being how often the machine has to be refilled, also the 60 and 100 litre models are built with larger pipe work so larger nozzles can be used. Large nozzles create a large blasting pattern so the work speed is higher, but larger nozzles also require more compressed air! The machine is delivered with a CE certificate meeting the obligatory European Pressure Equipment Directive 97/23/EC (PED).
Components A steel sieve prevents large particles entering the pot, reducing the risks of any blockages. The steel cover avoids foreign parts and moisture entering the pot during operation. The machines are designed for quick refilling to reduce down-time. The compressed air filter with automatic drain on the inlet of the machine takes out the last residues of moisture, oil and dirt, this ensures problem free operating of the machine. The pressure regulator allows precise blasting pressures to be set, the knob of the regulator can be locked so working pressures can not be changed accidentally. The glycerine filled pressure gauges give a clear indication of the system pressure and the set blasting pressure. These gauges can optionally be mounted in a panel at the front of the machine. The silencer on the exhaust valve ensures a quiet decompression of the vessel when it has to be refilled. A pneumatic ball vibrator on the bottom of the machines keeps the abrasive in a gentle motion this ensures a constant flow of even the finest abrasives.
Hose Packages All machines are supplied as standard with a 20 metre hose package, ¾ for 18 & 40 litre machines, 1 for 60 & 100 litre machines. These hose packages consist of blast hose and control hoses and the deadman handle for the remote control of the machine. As standard, the machines are supplied with a WJN nozzle which features atomised internal water mixing, the water supply is opened/closed together with the on/off control of the machine to reduce water consumption and waste. A choice of hose extensions can be delivered to work up to about 80 meters. For wet blasting operations in remote areas where a water supply is not readily available, the machines can be specified with an air operated water pump, this will draw water from a tank and deliver it to the nozzle when required, this also allows wet blasting to be carried out at heights. Optionally a fan nozzle can be supplied, this unique nozzle has an opening of 25 x 2 or 25 x 3 mm and creates a very wide and even blast pattern. The nozzle is very wear resistant and can be set in different positions together with the retaining ring. This fan nozzle can be used in combination with KWB wetblast attachment for wet blasting. Dry compressed air Compressed air conditioning is indispensable for ensuring fault-free performance of blasting equipment, especially when working with fine abrasives. Dry and clean compressed air is an absolute must to avoid blockages and an irregular abrasive flow. An after cooler cools the compressed air to approximately 9 C above ambient temperature. This causes the oil and water vapour to condense so it can be removed by the separator, this also results in much cleaner air quality which can be desirable when cleaning delicate substrates.
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