Water blasting is a popular cleaning method for both indoor and external surfaces. This process is also called ‘Hydroblasting’. It is a special technique that totally relies on the energy of water striking a particular surface to achieve its cleaning effect. The most important thing in this method is that Abrasives, toxic and possibly injurious substances are not used in water blasting systems.
It is being used in a lot of applications which was previously dominated by abrasive blasting techniques. Highly pressurized and focused stream water, generally above 10,000 psi, is produced by water blasting machine with a pressure pump and the right nozzles. Now, we will look into the different types of it.
Stiff Lance
For this type of cleaning process, an anti-withdrawal device must be used. The anti-withdrawal device must be attached to the cleaning equipment. The technician operating the nozzle must utilize and operate a safety dump valve.
The process includes marking the lances 4 feet from the end of the nozzle. As you move from one tube to the next, other, high-pressure water should be releasing the safety valve, and the system can be bypassed. For this type of hydro blasting, a handguard must be used.
Flex Lance
Flex lancing by hand should only be used after all other means of cleaning have been considered. An anti-withdrawal device must be used on all flex lance jobs. The anti-withdrawal device must be attached to the cleaning equipment. In this process, the technician should completely release the safety dump regulator by removing their hand or foot to eliminate unintentional pressurizing of the spear when moving from tube to tube.
Shotgun
In this cleaning process, the operator handling the nozzle needs to be in full control of the safety dump system. All shotguns will have a contact type control switch which when released, will cause water pressure at the nozzle to drop. A protective device will be there at the point where the hose connects to the gun to prevent injury to the technician. Objects to be cleaned shall not be held manually and the system will never be left unattended as well.
Line Mole
In the line mole process, an anti-withdrawal device must be used. The technician operating the nozzle must utilize and operate a foot-operated dump valve. The lance must be marked 4 feet from the end of the nozzle and High-pressure water must be bypassed while traveling from one tube to the next. by allowing the safety dump valve to open. An important thing to be concerned about is not to discharge the dump valve, and to use quick connect fittings on the high-pressure hose.
These are different types of water blasting methods. Water blasting is also considered the most environmentally friendly method for cleaning internal and external surfaces. Simply by blasting water out from a pressurized area at a high speed, a big force can be formed and this force works well for cleaning internal and external surfaces in an efficient manner. So, this method is being used in a growing number of applications as mentioned above as well.
