Everything to Know About Hydroblasting

If you work in a factory, you know just how fast dirt and debris can accumulate on surfaces and in equipment. Industrial activities quickly cover basins, tanks, walls, ceilings, floors and industrial machinery with a layer of particles and soil that can be hard to remove.

Until recently, industrial companies had to use chemicals or time-consuming methods to remove debris, and keep factories safe and equipment operating smoothly. With the invention of hydroblasting, industrial manufacturers can now access an efficient and effective method that makes the whole process easier than ever.

The industrial cleaning specialists at EnviroUrgence explain what hydroblasting is and explain why this technique offers unique advantages.

What is hydroblasting?

Hydroblasting is a form of high-pressure cleaning that relies entirely on the power of water. It can be used to strip paint and clean dirty surfaces quickly without resorting to abrasive sandblasting media.

Basically, hydroblasting consists of spraying a jet of hot or cold water through a nozzle at a surface, at very high pressure. 

Hydroblasting: Water pressure range

There are three levels of pressure that constitute high-pressure water blasting.

• High Pressure Water Cleaning: Pressure ranges between 340 and 80 bar (5000 – 10000 psi). This level is effective in removing rust and paint.
• High Pressure Water Jetting: Also called high-pressure hydroblasting, pressure in this range goes from 680 to 1700 bar (10000 to 25000 psi). This level of pressure is highly effective in cleaning ship hulls and in most other industrial applications.
• Ultra High-Pressure Hydroblasting: Pressures from 1700 bar (25000 psi) and up. Used in extreme cases for removing paint with very strong adhesion and deep rust. 

The spray pattern and water temperature can be adjusted for optimal results. 

Projecting hot water at such a high speed creates a great deal of power, which is perfect for cleaning and maintaining both indoor and outdoor surfaces. 

Hydroblasting: Industrial applications

There are many uses for hydroblasting, including restoring surfaces such as factory floors, pavement, building façades, swimming pools, ships and the insides of tanks. High-pressure hot water is very effective at removing grease, oil and other stubborn substances.

It’s also an ideal technique for removing graffiti, paint and rust.

Petroleum companies, government agencies, and players in the shipping and railway industries are just a few of the organisations that are benefiting from hydroblasting technology for fast and efficient cleaning. 

 

The advantages of hydroblasting

Hydroblasting is gaining popularity in a variety of industries. It’s an industrial cleaning technique that offers many advantages.

Fast

Hydroblasting doesn’t take much time, so companies that choose this method won’t need to pause operations for long while equipment and facilities are being cleaned. Pressure can even be adjusted on-site to adapt to various applications.

Efficient

Hydroblasting can be six times faster to implement than abrasive blasting (sandblasting). There is minimal clean-up, with no abrasives to collect and dispose of.

Note: do not confuse water blasting and wet sandblasting. 

Cost-effective

Hydroblasting requires less time and labour than other types of industrial cleaning.

No surface damage 

Despite relying on high pressures, hydroblasting generally never harms the surface it is cleaning. Professional industrial cleaners know when to use this method and can implement it correctly for zero damage. Other types of abrasive cleaning pose a higher risk of surface scarring, leading to surface fatigue the long run. Hydroblasting does not cause stress to surfaces, either in the form or micro-fractures or cracks. Is method helps avoid surface deterioration and make industrial assets last longer.

Effective on hard-to-reach areas

Hydroblasting can clean areas that are difficult to reach. The nozzle can be used to aim the jet of water very precisely, dislodging dust and grease even in small or awkward locations within machinery or on complex surfaces. Water blasting can be used in areas that other 

No particles or residue

Unlike sandblasting techniques, there are no particles or harmful residue generated by hydroblasting. This means there are no residual hazardous materials to dispose of after the main cleaning is done, aside from water and dislodged debris. Many hydroblasting machines even have a vacuum function to remove the water immediately. In some cases, it can simply be left to evaporate.

Eco-friendly

Hydroblasting is an eco-responsible choice. Its application is governed by Quebec law, which stipulates specific Opacity Standards to control the environmental impact of industrial cleaning methods and other industrial activities. 

When water disposal is controlled correctly, this method does not release any harmful substances into the environment.

Safe and dust-free

Hydroblasting doesn’t use any harmful chemicals or hazardous substances, which makes it completely safe for both surfaces and the environment. It does not create dust, which promotes worker safety. It is also a safe choice for use in environments that contain explosive substances.

 

Trust Enviro Urgence for industrial hydroblasting

There are many reasons to choose hydroblasting for industrial cleaning applications, Keep in mind that this method requires professional equipment and qualified personnel to be implemented effectively. Dealing with water at high pressures can be very dangerous for someone who lacks the appropriate training and accreditation, and could also lead to damaging the surface being treated.

The team at Enviro Urgence is ready and eager to clean your facilities safely and effectively! We offer complete services that include hazardous waste management.

Contact us today to learn more about our industrial cleaning services.