All dry blast systems require dry, oil free air delivered to the process. Small amounts of moisture and oil cause the media particulates to stick together and prevent the free flow of blast media.

If the air is contaminated performance/productivity will drop significantly.  In extreme cases the whole system becomes “clogged” up.

Avoid placing any blast cabinet at the end of a very long compressed air delivery pipe without a chiller drier.  Compressed air is normally warm and when generated in the wetter months of the year and when the normal ambient air has a high humidity this allows the moisture to condense as the compressed air travels down the pipe and cools.

This results in water being driven to the furthest draw off point which is all ready to discharge when switched on!  (i.e. usually a pipeline in a vertical position).

Persistent wet air can also be an indicator that the compressor is running none stop or flat out and is nearing its limits of generating sufficient compressed air, without it resting, resultant cooling and within the “duty cycle”.

Myths about large compressed air tanks!
A large compressed air cylinder is ideal for equalising flow at a set pressure and to some extent allowing the air to cool. However, for integration into a blasting supply system, a compressed air cylinder has little to offer. Many suggest it provides a reservoir of air, which it does for small tool operations, but not for air blasting.

For more information on Shot Blasting please visit www.rosler.com

Post written by
Haydn Kitchen
Shot Blasting Technical Manager