Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CLEARBLAST

How much media can be loaded into each model/pot size?

CLEARBLAST 150 (150HV) = 100lbs glass/ 110lbs garnet
CLEARBLAST 450 = 300lbs glass / 385lbs garnet

How long does (1) 50 lb. bag of media last during blasting?

Recycled Glass will last a minimum of 30 – 60 minutes (based off of abrasive dose setting and blast pressure setting.) Other abrasive types may vary.

How much water is used?

While blasting with the average dose settings, our systems consume 1 cup of water per minute (+/- 3 gallons of water per hour).

When in Washdown mode, the system will consume approx. 2 gallons per minute at 50psi

What are the grade sizes of our media?

Fine glass is 70 -100 grit*
Standard glass is 40-70 grit*
Coarse glass is 20-40 grit*

* grit sizes may vary by supplier

What are the recommended blast pressures and glass media setups per application?

NOTE: Each application can be different and should be tested for best results to avoid damaging the surface. Beginners should always start with a slightly lower blast pressure and work their way up until they are comfortable and effectively removing the surface coating or cleaning the surface. When starting on an unfamiliar surface: Set the abrasive dose to approx. ¼ – ½ turn open and set the blast pressure to about 55 psi. Start from a distance of about 3 feet and work your way in from there for more aggressiveness or lower the pressure to soften.

Steel/Concrete/Heavier Coatings/Cleaning:
Media: Coarse Glass
Blast Pressure: @ 85 – 100 psi
(Coarser media achieves larger surface profiles for coatings needing a heavier profile to grip surface.) This material is best if used with high-pressure units.
SOFTER COATINGS/CLEANING:
Media: Standard Glass
Blast Pressure: @ 65 – 100 psi
Boat Bottoms (Gel Coated Fiberglass):
Media: Standard Glass
Blast Pressure: @ 50 – 75psi
Brick/Soft Stone/Soft Metals:
Media: Standard Glass
Blast Pressure: @ 45 – 65psi

What is the surface mil size or profile achieved with each grade of media?

Fine glass media leaves a 1-1.5 mil profile.

Standard glass media leaves a 1.5-2.5 mil profile.

Coarse glass leaves a 2.5-3.5 mil profile.

What other kinds of media can be run in our systems?

Although we recommend Recycled glass due to its environmentally friendly qualities and application-specific grading and hardness, CLEARBLAST Wet Abrasive Blasters are capable of blasting other materials commonly used in conventional blasting such as coal slag, garnet, glass bead, plastic and more. In general, so long as the media is not water soluble, does not contain too large of a grade or coarseness and does not float, then our systems can blast it. However, we cannot guarantee specific or consistent profiles on the surface being blasted with other media’s used.

What is the maximum supply pressure (psi)?

150 PSI Maximum Pressure for all CLEARBLAST Models

What should the pot pressure reading be when the pot is pressurized but the system is not blasting?

CB150 and CB150HV – 130psi

CB450 – 140psi

Note: Pot Pressure should not exceed 145psi. Going beyond this recommended setting can damage the system and effect the performance.

What should the pot pressure be while blasting?

The pot pressure will match the current blast pressure while the machine is blasting (+/- 5 psi). When you stop blasting, pot pressure will return to its preset position.

What is the recommended nozzle size for each machine?

CB150 with a 185cfm, 100 psi compressor
i. #6 standard (can achieve a stable blast pressure of about 45-90psi)
ii. #6XL (can achieve a stable blast pressure of about 45-90psi)
CB450 with a 375cfm+, 100psi compressor
i. #6 standard (can achieve a stable blast pressure of about 45-90psi)
ii. #8 standard (can achieve a stable blast pressure of about 45-85psi)
iii. #8XL (can achieve a stable blast pressure of about 45-85psi)
CB450 with 375cfm+, 150psi compressor
i. #6 standard (can achieve a stable blast pressure of about 45-120psi)
ii. #8 standard (can achieve a stable blast pressure of about 45-110psi)
iii. #8XL (can achieve a stable blast pressure of about 45-110psi)

What is the difference between standard nozzles and XL nozzles?

Standard – The standard Venturi style nozzles spread out the spray pattern of the media/air/water mixture. This allows for a larger surface area to be covered making for faster blasting times on lighter coatings and cleaning as well as brush blasting where only a profile is needed on smooth surfaces.
XL – The XL style nozzles have more of a straight through design giving a much more concentrated spray pattern. With a more concentrated spray, you get a harder hit where it is needed giving a consistent cutting edge even against the toughest coatings.

Can you blast vertically with our systems?

All blast hose setups (200ft max) can be blasted vertically, however, there MUST be a whip of blast hose approximately 10-20% of the total length of hose that is left on the ground in order to prevent a backflow of media into the system.

How many feet of BLAST hose can be used on one machine?

Recommended 200ft maximum blast hose (Assuming optimal air supply pressure and volume are provided). However, all of our models are designed to easily move around on site, allowing you to go the distance by utilizing additional lengths of air supply line.

Want to Know More?

Take a look at our educational literature, technical guides, or videos.

Literature

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