Blasting Pot Capacity: Gallons To Liters

Sandblasting pots are used to remove paint, rust, and other debris from surfaces. They work by pressurising the grit container, forcing the grit into the air supply and out through a nozzle. The size of the compressor and nozzle will determine how much air is used. Sandblasting pots come in a range of sizes, from 1.5 cu ft (43 litres) to 6.5 cu ft (185 litres). They can be purchased online from retailers such as Amazon and KMS Tools.

Sandblasting pot capacity

Sandblasting pots come in a range of sizes, from small portable units to larger stationary pots. For example, the Schmidt® 3.5 cuft Blast Machine has a capacity of 3.5 cubic feet, or about 500 pounds of dense media, and will last for up to 1 hour before needing to be refilled. On the other hand, the Schmidt® 10 cuft Blast Machine has a capacity of 10 cubic feet and is suitable for a blast room application with 1-2 blasters.

When choosing a sandblasting pot, it is important to consider the type of project you will be working on and how much abrasive media you will need. If you are working on a small project or need portability, a smaller pot with a lower capacity may be suitable. For larger projects or industrial applications, a larger pot with a higher capacity will be more efficient.

In addition to capacity, other factors to consider when choosing a sandblasting pot include the type of abrasive media you will be using, the blasting pressure, and any additional features or accessories that may be needed, such as respirators or moisture separators.

Sandblasting safety

Sandblasting is a process that involves directing tiny, abrasive particles with compressed air or water to smooth surfaces, remove edges, or prepare a surface for coating. This process is often done at high intensity and can be hazardous to the people performing it and those nearby. Here are some safety measures to ensure the safety of workers and others during sandblasting operations:

Secure the Environment

It is important to keep the blasting area free of unnecessary items and substances that could cause slipping, tripping, or falling. Ensure that no one is eating, drinking, or smoking around the blasting areas as the blasting particles pose serious respiratory and other health hazards. Verify that all ventilation, air compressors, power supplies, and wash stations are fully functional.

Check the Blasting Equipment

Inspect the abrasive blasting stations for any cracks or damage that could leak toxins into the air. Ensure the blast hose is also free from leaks or cracks. Use less toxic abrasives when possible, and keep the blasting equipment in proper containment structures. Keep any non-enclosed blasting areas restricted, and test breathing filters and carbon monoxide monitors daily to ensure proper ventilation.

Ensure Protective Gear Is Available

Provide blasting workers with protective helmets, clothing, gloves, safety footwear, earplugs, safety goggles, and other recommended equipment. Respiratory protection is critical, and anyone using the blaster must wear an abrasive blasting respirator that covers their head, face, neck, and shoulders. The respirators should be NIOSH-certified, and workers involved in cleanup may also need respiratory equipment.

Use Proper Cleanup Procedures

Use water-based cleaning methods or HEPA-filtered vacuuming systems to clean the area after sandblasting. Avoid using compressed air as it will disperse more dust into the environment.

Invest in Thorough Training

Train blasters and support staff on sandblasting safety standards and the risks involved. Consider developing a comprehensive plan that ensures they understand how to operate the machinery safely and the personal protective equipment they must wear. Review safety data sheets with your employees, and ensure they are aware of the potential dangers of the blasting materials.

Sandblasting is a noisy operation, and hearing protection is essential to prevent hearing loss. Employers should implement a hearing conservation program that includes regular monitoring and testing.

Sandblasting nozzles

Types of Sandblasting Nozzles

Venturi Nozzles

Venturi nozzles are funnel-shaped and designed to accelerate and evenly distribute the abrasive media over the blast pattern. They are available in three types: Long Venturi, Short Venturi, and Special Venturi. These nozzles are ideal for improving production speed and increasing abrasive velocity.

Straight Bore Nozzles

Straight bore nozzles are best suited for close-range spot blasting due to their small blast patterns and minimal overblast. They are perfect for cleaning small areas such as weldments, grillwork, and railings. Additionally, their ability to fit into tight spaces like bridge lattice, behind flanges, or inside pipes makes them a versatile option.

Other Specialized Nozzles

Some sandblasting nozzles are designed for specific tasks or to address particular challenges. For example, fan nozzles and XL nozzles are specialty nozzles offered by certain manufacturers. SnakeBite nozzles, such as the SnakeBite XP, SnakeBite XQ, and SnakeBite Flex, are known for their noise reduction capabilities, offering a quieter blasting experience.

Materials Used in Sandblasting Nozzles

Tungsten Carbide

Tungsten carbide is a common material used for sandblasting nozzles. It offers durability and a longer lifespan than some disposable alternatives. Nozzles with tungsten carbide lining are widely available and often feature a polyurethane or aluminum jacket.

Silicon Nitride

Silicon nitride is another material used in sandblasting nozzles. It is known for providing greater longevity and lighter weight compared to tungsten carbide. This material is ideal for extended blasting sessions as it reduces operator fatigue.

Ceramic

Ceramic nozzles are also popular in the sandblasting industry. They offer a balance between durability and performance, making them suitable for various applications.

Boron Carbide

Boron carbide is a material known for its durability and strength. Nozzles made with this material are often long-lasting and effective in removing rust and grime.

Considerations When Choosing a Sandblasting Nozzle

When selecting a sandblasting nozzle, it's important to consider the specific application and the type of abrasive media being used. Additionally, the size of the nozzle plays a crucial role, with 3/4" threads suitable for lightweight jobs and 1-1/4" threads or 50mm contractor threads designed for bigger blast applications. Consulting with experts or referring to nozzle selection guides can help you make the right choice for your project.

Sandblasting media

Dry-media blasting abrasives include sugar sand, corn cob, walnut shells, and sodium bicarbonate. Sugar sand is a round media used for light duty dry blasting, cleaning, and stripping coatings. Corn cob is made from crushing the woody ring of a corn cob into multiple sizes and is ideal for delicate surfaces like wood. Walnut shells are organic angular abrasives for mildly powerful stripping without damaging the surface. Sodium bicarbonate is a mild abrasive with a MOHS Scale of hardness rating of 2.5 that will not leave an unwanted surface profile on the material.

Wet or dry blasting abrasives include steel grit, steel shot, aluminum oxide, glass beads, crushed glass, garnet, coal slag, and plastic. Steel grit is an angular abrasive used for fast stripping and aggressive cleaning. Steel shot is in a spherical shape, which creates a smooth texture on the surface. Aluminum oxide is a sharp, long-lasting media for fast glass etching and profiling. Glass beads are used for general cleaning, peening, and cosmetic finishing of sensitive surfaces. Crushed glass is an angular profile made from 100% recycled glass that is efficient and cost-conscious. Garnet is a hard, angular media commonly used in place of silica sand for removing tough coatings, paint, rust, and mill scale from steel. Coal slag is an angular blast media that is a byproduct of coal, used to remove coatings like rust and paint from steel and concrete. Plastic is a soft media used for removing paint and mold from delicate surfaces in automotive and aerospace applications.

When selecting sandblasting media, it is important to consider the shape, size, density, and hardness of the abrasive. Angular media creates a textured surface, while round-shaped abrasives will not leave a rough texture. The size of an abrasive is typically measured by its mesh size, defined by the number of holes in a screen the media can pass through per square inch. The density of an abrasive is measured in pounds per cubic foot, with higher density abrasives having more impact on the blasted surface. The hardness of an abrasive is measured on the Mohs hardness scale, with softer media being sufficient for removing dirt, oil, grease, and paint without damaging the surface.

Sandblasting equipment

There are many different types of sandblasting equipment, from portable, lightweight blast pots to large industrial blast rooms. The type of equipment you need will depend on the size and nature of the job.

For example, for a small job, you might use a portable sandblasting machine with a capacity of 43 litres (1.5 cu ft) and 150 psi (10.3 bar). This would include a pressure release system, a heavy-duty moisture separator, and a combination valve/MPV valve.

For larger jobs, you might need a blast room or a dome blast booth to contain the grit and dust. These can be rented or purchased, depending on your needs.

Other equipment includes blast machines, hoses, nozzles, spray tips, work gloves, helmets, respirators, and safety gear. It's important to have the proper safety equipment when sandblasting, as the process can create a lot of dust and debris.

You can also choose from a variety of blasting media, including sand, baking soda, crushed glass, and garnet sand. Each type of media has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the right one for your project.

Some companies that sell or rent sandblasting equipment include Norton Sandblasting Equipment, Clemco, BlastOne, and Amazon.

Frequently asked questions