WALES, READY FOR COATING

In this Peak Times Moments, we visit an area with a mixture of cities, towns, villages and open countryside: Wales. Amidst this captivating backdrop, our latest field trial came to life, offering a profound analysis of a project that sought to explore the intriguing comparison of Bristle Blaster^® VS Grit Blasting.

This field trial, led by Kevin Jones, formerly the Senior Technical Manager at Wales & West Utilities, ventured into real-life scenarios, gathering data and uncovering valuable insights. With a focus on practical applications, this comprehensive analysis offers a fresh perspective for professionals seeking innovative solutions.

Wales & West Utilities, a leading utility company headquartered in Newport, Wales, operates in both Wales and the south-west of England, bearing the vital responsibility of delivering gas to over 7.5 million people across its extensive service area. With a strong emphasis on safety and reliability, the company ensures that its customers  receive an uninterrupted gas supply and round-the-clock emergency services for any gas-related incidents.

The Bristle Blaster^® field trial results, have yielded noteworthy outcomes. This innovative surface preparation technique has demonstrated its effectiveness, showcasing distinct advantages over traditional methods like grit blasting.

Preparation is everything

Coating Removal Guide: Surface Preparation for Coatings & Sealants

Every specific coating depending on it’s adhesion mechanism has it’s specific needs for surface profile. We like it uniform by density, regularity, and angularity. Via Keyence 3D analytical optic scans, the surface can be checked by hundreds of parameters. In this book we concentrate on Rpc, Rz and Ra values.

WHAT IS BRISTLE BLASTING?

Bristle Blasting is a mechanical surface preparation technique designed to remove corrosion, rust, mill scale and other contaminants from metal surfaces. Unlike traditional methods that rely on abrasive materials such as sand or grit, Bristle Blasting uses a unique approach using rapidly rotating, flexible wire brushes.

BRISTLE BLASTING

When it comes to surface preparation for painting or coating applications, traditional methods such as sandblasting and chemical cleaning have long been the norm. However, in recent years, the revolutionary technique of the Bristle Blaster® has gained popularity for its effectiveness and environmentally friendly features. In this article, we will take a closer look at what Bristle Blasting is, how it works, and why it has become a game-changer in the world of surface preparation.

HOW DOES BRISTLE BLASTING WORK

The process involves the use of the Bristle Blaster® equipped with rotating brush tips. The brush tips of the Bristle Blaster® are designed to strike the affected surface with kinetic energy, which is equivalent to standard processes that use grit-blasting media. When in contact with the surface to be treated, the brushes mechanically remove rust, scale and other unwanted materials from the substrate.

BENEFITS OF BRISTLE BLASTING:

1. Environmentally friendly: Bristle Blasting generates minimal waste, making it an environmentally friendly option compared to traditional methods that often produce harmful dust and debris. 
2. Improved Surface Profile: Because of the flexibility of the brushes, the Bristle Blaster® is able to adapt to irregular surfaces, providing a consistent and improved surface profile for better adhesion of coatings. 
3. Cost Effective: Bristle Blasting is cost effective due to reduced downtime and less waste disposal, ultimately saving both time and money. 
4. Minimal Surface Damage: Unlike abrasive blasting methods that can sometimes damage the substrate, Bristle Blasting is gentler on the surface, extending the life of the material. 
5. Versatility: Bristle Blasting can be applied to a wide range of materials, including steel, aluminum and concrete, making it a versatile option for various industries.

APPLICATIONS OF BRISTLE BLASTING:

Bristle Blasting finds applications in industries such as marine, oil and gas, construction and manufacturing, where surface preparation is critical for coatings, painting or welding processes. It is particularly valuable for removing corrosion from ship hulls, oil platform components, bridges and storage tanks.

ADVANCED SURFACE PREPARATION

In summary, Bristle Blasting is an advanced surface preparation technique that offers numerous advantages over traditional methods. Its environmentally friendly nature, cost-effectiveness and versatility make it a valuable tool in industries where surface quality and longevity are paramount. As technology continues to evolve, Bristle Blasting is likely to become even more important as a solution for achieving optimal surface preparation results.

If you are considering surface preparation for your next project, exploring Bristle Blasting as an option could lead to significant efficiency and performance benefits.

BRISTLE BLASTER®

The patented Bristle Blaster® is the world’s first hand-operated brush belt system that compares to sandblasting in quality of surface roughness, and in results. The Bristle Blasting process is a new innovation that both removes corrosion, and generates an anchor profile using specially designed rotating brushes. The Bristle Blaster® consists of wire brush tips bent forward and dynamically matched to power tools operating at approximately 2,500 rpm.

SURFACE PREPARATION EQUIPMENT

Surface preparation equipment is essential for achieving high-quality results in various industries. From removing rust and old paint to creating a smooth surface for coatings, these equipment play a crucial role in ensuring durability and longevity of the final product. Whether you are working on automotive, construction, or industrial projects, having the right surface preparation equipment is vital.

With advanced technology and innovative features, the Montipower surface preparation tools make the preparation process faster, more efficient, and safer. Invest in reliable surface preparation equipment to enhance productivity, save time, and deliver exceptional results that meet the highest industry standards.

MontiPower’s Bristle Blaster® and MBX® are revolutionary tools in the field of surface preparation. For example, it is the only hand-held power tool in the world that can “sandblast”. The patented technology removes corrosion and coatings quickly and thoroughly, but that’s not all. The Bristle Blaster® and MBX® also create surface preparation grades comparable to Sa2½ (SSPC-SP 10/NACE No. 2) to Sa3 (SSPC-SP 5/NACE No. 1) and roughness levels as high as 120 µm Rz.

SURFACE PREPARATION WITHOUT BLASTING

MontiPower®’s various power tools are a phenomenal breakthrough when it comes to “blasting without abrasive“. Partly because of this, the power tools are seen as the perfect alternative to sandblasting. Despite the fact that sandblasting has been practiced for many years, several disadvantages to this method of surface preparation have come to light over the years. For example, sandblasting is not easy to perform yourself, making it a relatively expensive and time-consuming job to outsource to a professional. In addition, sandblasting is very persistent. Not only for the surface to be prepared – which can damage it – but also for the health of people, animals and the environment. The dangers of sandblasting have even led to a ban on sandblasting in many countries, so other blasting media are now mostly used. With the arrival of MontiPower’s surface preparation tools, sandblasting will soon be a thing of the past. The patented properties of the Bristle Blaster® and the MBX® have formed the basis for new product series for surface preparation.

SURFACE PREPARATION WITH THE BRISTLE BLASTER®

When it comes to surface preparation for painting or coating applications, traditional methods such as sandblasting and chemical cleaning have long been the norm. However, in recent years, the revolutionary technique of the Bristle Blaster® has gained popularity for its effectiveness and environmentally friendly features. In this article, we will take a closer look at what Bristle Blasting is, how it works, and why it has become a game-changer in the world of surface preparation.

SODA BLASTING

Soda blasting is a mild form of abrasive blasting using sodium bicarbonate particles and compressed air, which has a gentler effect than sandblasting.

Soda blasting involves the use of compressed air to blast particles of sodium bicarbonate with a much lower intensity than traditional abrasive blasting techniques, such as sandblasting. Soda blasting is a more gentle form of abrasive blasting. It is used to clean, strip and finish surfaces in which it causes less damage and doesn’t create hazardous substances or dust.

WHAT IS SODA BLASTING?

Soda blasting is a type of abrasive blasting which uses sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) as its abrasive media. This method is often used to remove paint or other surface coatings from different surfaces. Additionally, it is a non-chemical, non-abrasive, non-toxic, and non-destructive way to clean and restore surfaces to a like-new finish. Soda blasting has been used on a variety of surfaces from antiques to industrial parts. In addition, this method is much more eco-friendly than traditional sandblasting as it does not cause the environment damage that sandblasting can.

HOW DOES SODA BLASTING WORK?

Soda blasting works by shooting pressurized sodium bicarbonate particles particles, also known as baking soda, through a high-pressure nozzle onto a surface. The soda strips away dirt without damaging underneath, due to its low impact. It is a useful technique that can clean many surfaces, especially delicate ones without causing harm.

ADVANTAGES OF SODA BLASTING

The advantage of soda blasting is that it causes much less damage in comparison to other forms of abrasive blasting. It is also much cleaner and environmentally friendly.

DISADVANTAGES OF SODA BLASTING

There are some disadvantages with this soda blasting, the potential for hazardous dust exposure, the risk of intensifying surface contamination, and the potential for costly overspray. Soda blasting is not recommended for surfaces made of electrical equipment, wood, soft metals or plastic since it could damage these materials.

COMMON TOOLS FOR SODA BLASTING

There are several tools used when soda blasting, an air compressor, an air cooler and moisture separator, a blast pot, hose and nozzle.

WHAT MEDIA IS USED FOR SODA BLASTING?

The media used for soda blasting is sodium bicarbonate particles, the three commercial grades are the Natrium 150, Natrium 260 and Natrium 300, with the number representing the approximate median particle size in microns.

IS SODA BLASTING SAFE?

Soda blasting is a safe and eco-friendly method for removing paint and rust from surfaces. The baking soda used is generally perfectly safe, so there’s no risk of exposing the environment—or yourself—to any harmful substances. In comparison to sandblasting, soda blasting is way more safe for the environment. It is also non toxic and non abrasive.  

ALTERNATIVE TOOLS TO SODA BLASTING: THE BRISTLE BLASTER® AND MBX®

The Bristle Blaster® and MBX® from MontiPower are the new developments in the field of surface preparation. Due to the specially developed technology with patented brushes, the power tools are the perfect alternatives for the existing blasting equipment.

With the use of the Bristle Blaster® and MBX® from MontiPower, blasting with different types of loose abrasives is a thing of the past for smaller areas and difficult to access areas. The tools are easy to use, are – unlike blasting – completely safe and very effective. Not only in cleaning surfaces, but also in processing them.

With their impact, the brushes of the power tools create a profile on the surface that can be compared to the surface profile that is created after blasting. In this way, MontiPower tools are the ideal alternative to sandblasting.

HOW DO MONTIPOWER ABRASIVE BRUSHES WORK?

The Bristle Blaster® and MBX® from MontiPower are hand-operated tools, which are equipped with a rotating brush. These specially designed brushes are characterized by their sharpened flexible tips with kneed ends.

By rotating the brushes at a low RPM, the different types of surfaces are processed and cleaned easily, quickly and effectively. The kneed tips of the brushes play an important role in this. These points are held back for a very short time during the rotation of the Bristle Blaster Brush by the so-called ‘accelerator bar’. Due to this short interruption, the points – partly due to the high speed at which the brush rotates – are released with great power from behind the accelerator bar. This technique ensures that the curved tips of the brushes are immediately retracted upon contact with the surface, effectively cleaning the surface and also providing it with the characteristic micro-structure. It makes MontiPower tools the ideal surface preparation method for many sectors, and a great alternative to blasting with abrasives.

ALTERNATIVE TO BLASTING WITH ABRASIVES IN DIFFERENT SECTORS

With their many advantages, our power tools ensure that they are the ideal alternative to cleaning with abrasives for many markets. As mentioned, the traditional ways of blasting can be harmful to humans and animals, but also damaging to the environment. It makes the Bristle Blaster® and MBX® from MontiPower, among other things, an excellent alternative for surface preparation in the maritime and industrial sector.

In addition, the convenience and effectiveness of the various power tools play an important role in many sectors. A good example of this is the work in public infrastructure. The blasting of bridges, tracks and highways, among other things, is a very time-consuming and labor-intensive job, which is subject to a lot of pressure because of the time. When blasting these objects, workers are also exposed to various small particles and possible chemicals. With the use of the Bristle Blaster® and MBX® from MontiPower, abrasive blasting is a thing of the past.

DRY ICE BLASTING

Dry ice blasting, or CO2 blasting is a technique of cleaning where solid CO2 is accelerated in a pressurized air flow and focused on a surface to clean it.

This technique is a very clean alternative compared to other blast cleaning methods. It can be used to clean surfaces. It is used to get rid of dirt, oil, paint, or strip pollutants from a surface. Dry ice blasting doesn’t cause contaminants to build up in the waste and dramatically lowers the secondary waste that needs to be thrown away.

WHAT IS DRY ICE BLASTING

Dry ice blasting is a process which utilizes solid carbon dioxide (CO2) pellets, known as dry ice, blasted at high speeds to clean surfaces. This method is sometimes referred to as dry ice cleaning, cryogenic blasting, or CO2 cleaning. When the pellets hit the surface the dry ice sublimates (or goes from a solid state into gas) and loosens dirt, oil, grease, and other contaminants.

This process can be used to clean a variety of surfaces, from nonporous surfaces such as metals, chrome, machinery, and conveyor belts to porous surfaces such as carpets and upholstery. Dry ice blasting is a dry and non-abrasive process that is safe and effective for a variety of industrial and commercial applications.

HOW DOES DRY ICE BLASTING BLASTING WORK?

As mentioned before, dry Ice Blasting is a clean blasting technique that is used across many industries. Dry Ice blasting is a cleaning and surface preparation method that works on the principle of accelerated particles making contact with a surface and sublimating, or evaporating, on contact.

To perform Dry Ice blasting, solid CO2 particles are propelled using compressed air onto any surface, where the particles sublimate on contact, taking any unwanted debris from the surface. The method is highly effective and safe for the environment because the particles leave no chemical residue and typically present no secondary waste disposal problems. For these reasons, Dry Ice blasting is one of the most successful blasting techniques out there, and is suitable for a variety of industrial and commercial applications.

ADVANTAGES OF DRY ICE BLASTING

The main advantage of dry ice blasting is that it is a non-abrasive form of cleaning. This means that it will not damage the surface to be cleaned, while still being effective at removing dirt and grime. Additionally, dry ice blasting does not require the use of chemicals or water, so it is more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

DISADVANTAGES OF DRY ICE BLASTING

One of the main drawbacks of dry ice blasting is its cost. This method can be more expensive than other forms of blasting since it requires specialized equipment and training. Additionally, as it is a cryogenic technology, the extreme cold temperatures produced by dry ice can damage delicate components of the item being cleaned. Dry ice is also a relatively limited resource since it only exists in places where it is mined or produced.

COMMON TOOLS FOR DRY ICE BLASTING

Dry ice blasting requires specialized equipment such as high pressure cleaners, blasting wand and safety equipment. This makes it less flexible in comparison to our Bristle Blaster® and MBX®.  This means that the cost for equipment used for dry ice blasting is high so this is a huge disadvantage.

WHAT MEDIA IS USED FOR DRY ICE BLASTING?

The media used for dry ice blasting is solid carbon dioxide (CO2) pellets. They are rice grain shaped and have a diameter of 2-3 mm. It is also known as frozen CO2.

IS DRY ICE BLASTING SAFE?

Dry Ice Blasting is a safe and non-toxic solution for a variety of different industries. This form of media blasting utilizes dry ice pellets to clean and degrease a variety of surfaces. At temperatures of -109 degrees Fahrenheit, dry ice pellets lower the surface of what they clean to temperatures too cold for bacteria, mold, and other contaminants to survive. This makes dry ice blasting a safe, non-toxic, and effective alternative to traditional dry media blasting or chemical solutions. Additionally, dry ice blasting produces no waste or run off, thus allowing for a low-impact solution to many industrial cleaning needs.

ALTERNATIVE TOOLS TO DRY ICE BLASTING: THE BRISTLE BLASTER® AND MBX®

The Bristle Blaster® and MBX® from MontiPower are the new developments in the field of surface preparation. Due to the specially developed technology with patented brushes, the power tools are the perfect alternatives for the existing blasting equipment.

With the use of the Bristle Blaster® and MBX® from MontiPower, blasting with different types of loose abrasives is a thing of the past for smaller areas and difficult to access areas. The tools are easy to use, are – unlike blasting – completely safe and very effective. Not only in cleaning surfaces, but also in processing them.

With their impact, the brushes of the power tools create a profile on the surface that can be compared to the surface profile that is created after blasting. In this way, MontiPower tools are the ideal alternative to sandblasting.

HOW DO MONTIPOWER ABRASIVE BRUSHES WORK?

The Bristle Blaster® and MBX® from MontiPower are hand-operated tools, which are equipped with a rotating brush. These specially designed brushes are characterized by their sharpened flexible tips with kneed ends.

By rotating the brushes at a low RPM, the different types of surfaces are processed and cleaned easily, quickly and effectively. The kneed tips of the brushes play an important role in this. These points are held back for a very short time during the rotation of the Bristle Blaster Brush by the so-called ‘accelerator bar’. Due to this short interruption, the points – partly due to the high speed at which the brush rotates – are released with great power from behind the accelerator bar. This technique ensures that the curved tips of the brushes are immediately retracted upon contact with the surface, effectively cleaning the surface and also providing it with the characteristic micro-structure. It makes MontiPower tools the ideal surface preparation method for many sectors, and a great alternative to blasting with abrasives.

ALTERNATIVE TO BLASTING WITH ABRASIVES IN DIFFERENT SECTORS

With their many advantages, our power tools ensure that they are the ideal alternative to cleaning with abrasives for many markets. As mentioned, the traditional ways of blasting can be harmful to humans and animals, but also damaging to the environment. It makes the Bristle Blaster® and MBX® from MontiPower, among other things, an excellent alternative for surface preparation in the maritime and industrial sector.

In addition, the convenience and effectiveness of the various power tools play an important role in many sectors. A good example of this is the work in public infrastructure. The blasting of bridges, tracks and highways, among other things, is a very time-consuming and labor-intensive job, which is subject to a lot of pressure because of the time. When blasting these objects, workers are also exposed to various small particles and possible chemicals. With the use of the Bristle Blaster® and MBX® from MontiPower, abrasive blasting is a thing of the past.

10 types of abrasive blasting

There are several types of blasting methods, in this article we will tell more about the differences and different types of blasting methods.

Bristle blasting

The Bristle Blaster® and MBX® from MontiPower are the new developments in the field of surface preparation. Due to the specially developed technology with patented brushes, the power tools are the perfect alternatives for the existing blasting equipment.

With the use of the Bristle Blaster® and MBX® from MontiPower, blasting with different types of loose abrasives is a thing of the past for smaller areas and difficult to access areas. The tools are easy to use, are – unlike blasting – completely safe and very effective. Not only in cleaning surfaces, but also in processing them.
With their impact, the brushes of the power tools create a profile on the surface that can be compared to the surface profile that is created after blasting. In this way, MontiPower tools are the ideal alternative to sandblasting.

Bead blasting

Bead blasting has become an increasingly popular method of surface treatment. It is an effective and efficient method for removing dirt and oxidation from different materials.

There are various surface preparation techniques available to use and choose from. Abrasive blasting is the most well-know form of surface preparation. This method is often used for removing coatings, mill scale, paint and other dirt. In most cases, abrasive blasting involves applying air and an abrasive media with great force to the surface. This results in the removal of the material from the object. There are many different types of media to blast with. A few examples of blasting techniques with different media are: sandblasting, vapor blasting, vacuum blasting, wheel blasting and bead blasting. All these options have their own advantages and disadvantages. It this article, we will focus on bead blasting.

Centrifugal blasting

Centrifugal blasting is a type of surface finishing process where a metal surface is blasted by an abrasive material that is propelled by a centrifugal force. The process sprays the abrasive material onto the surface at a high velocity. This process is commonly used to remove scale, corrosion and burrs from a metal surface. In addition, it can be used to clean, roughen or texturize a surface or as a form of shot peening. Centrifugal blasting also provides a unique way to etch and debur surfaces. Many surface preparation projects may require manual cleaning if centrifugal blasting is not used.

Dry ice blasting

Dry ice blasting, or CO2 blasting is a technique of cleaning where solid CO2 is accelerated in a pressurized air flow and focused on a surface to clean it.

This technique is a very clean alternative compared to other blast cleaning methods. It can be used to clean surfaces. It is used to get rid of dirt, oil, paint, or strip pollutants from a surface. Dry ice blasting doesn’t cause contaminants to build up in the waste and dramatically lowers the secondary waste that needs to be thrown away.

Pencil blasting

Pencil blasting is a process of using a technique similar to “burning in” with a pencil-shaped brush. This type of blasting is often used as a way to get into areas of difficult access where heavier sandblasting is not recommended or possible. By choosing the correct material, size and shape of the media used in the process, it is possible to achieve clean, smooth finishes with minimal to no warping or crack damage. It is a common choice for the repair or blasting of raw metals, masonry, wood, plastic and other materials, as it is a more gentle and precise process than heavier blasting methods.

Sandblasting

Sandblasting involves blasting a combination of sand and air under high pressure onto the surface that has to be prepared or cleaned. Due to the high force with which the sand is applied to the surface, mill scale, dirt or any coatings are easily removed. Moreover, the sand creates a structure in the surface, which makes it easy to apply a new layer. However, despite its advantages, sandblasting also has a large number of disadvantages. For example, sandblasting is very dangerous to our health. But why is sandblasting actually so dangerous? And what are the risks?

Soda blasting

Soda blasting is a mild form of abrasive blasting using sodium bicarbonate particles and compressed air, which has a gentler effect than sandblasting.

Soda blasting involves the use of compressed air to blast particles of sodium bicarbonate with a much lower intensity than traditional abrasive blasting techniques, such as sandblasting. Soda blasting is a more gentle form of abrasive blasting. It is used to clean, strip and finish surfaces in which it causes less damage and doesn’t create hazardous substances or dust.

Steel grit blasting

Steel grit blasting is a process where metal is blasted with a small amount of compressed air and steel particles. This process can be used to clean, strip, and prepare surfaces before a fresh coat of paint or finish can be applied. The steel grit blasting process is a popular choice for many projects since it is both less abrasive and cost effective. Additionally, steel grit blasting is versatile and can be used on many different surfaces. This process is often used on metals, plastics, and wood. The steel grit blasting process is a quick and effective way to change the look of a surface by removing rust, old paint and any other contaminants that may have collected on the surface over time.

Vacuum blasting

Vacuum blasting is an abrasive blasting process that uses a vacuum to capture material during the blasting process. This process is gaining popularity in many industries due to its ability to reduce air pollution, dust, and other airborne hazards. Vacuum blasting is a dry process meaning that little or no media, cleaning agents, or water are used in the blasting process. Vacuum blasting works by using large amounts of vacuum pressure to capture the blasting media as the blasting takes place. The vacuum then filters, cleans and collects the blasting media, making it possible to reuse the same media for multiple jobs. Vacuum blasting is an effective and environmentally-friendly option for surface cleaning, paint and rust removal, and most other abrasive blasting applications.

Wet blasting

Wet blasting is a process used for the surface preparation of metals, plastics, or other materials. During this process, a high-pressure abrasive slurry is delivered to the surface. This slurry is composed of a mix of an abrasive (such as aluminum oxide or silicon carbide), water, and a detergent (which helps keep the slurry suspended and separates the abrasive debris from the surface being treated). The combination of the high-pressure stream and the suspended abrasive in the slurry blasts the surface, providing a superior surface finish that can be used for various finishes or preparation for powder coating or other processes. Wet blasting is a much more efficient process than dry blasting and produces less dust and debris, making it ideal for use in sensitive environments such as aerospace or electronics.