What Does
Vacuum Blasting Mean?
Vacuum blasting is a material removal and abrasive blasting method. Similar to conventional abrasive blasting, abrasive material is propelled towards a substrate by means of a compressed fluid. However, with vacuum blasting both the abrasive particles and the material being removed from the substrate is immediately collected by a vacuum.
Vacuum blasting greatly reduces waste and increases the operator's safety compared to conventional blasting methods.
Vacuum blasting may also be known as closed circuit blasting.
Corrosionpedia Explains Vacuum Blasting
Vacuum blasting collects all types of debris right at the point where the blasting process occurs. This debris includes abrasive particles, material being removed from the base material and any other foreign material that may make its way into the vacuum blasting system.
After being vacuumed, the material that has been retrieved is sorted. The abrasive particles, once sorted out from other debris, are recycled through the abrasive blasting system. This creates a closed loop, which is why vacuum blasting is sometimes also referred to as closed circuit blasting.
When used properly, vacuum blasting virtually eliminates the risk of particulates escaping the system. This makes it particularly well suited for applications where dust is a concern. The dust that comes from conventional abrasive blasting can be detrimental to the operator's health, machine functionality and the environment. Also, the lack of abrasive recovery with conventional abrasive blasting makes it a potentially wasteful process.