Effective moisture control during blasting is crucial to achieving optimal results. Blasting, the operation of forcibly propelling a stream of abrasive material against a surface under high pressure, relies heavily on maintaining the right moisture levels. Whether the goal is to smooth a rough surface, roughen a smooth one, shape a surface, or remove contaminants, controlling moisture ensures that the media, propelled by pressurized fluid or a centrifugal wheel, performs effectively without clumping or losing its abrasive properties.
Effects of Uncontrolled Humidity
When air reaches its dew point temperature, any further cooling causes condensation, leading to water droplets forming on cold surfaces. This condensed moisture can react with certain inorganic materials or create a conducive environment for substances to attack and degrade the materials being blasted. Proper moisture control helps to mitigate these risks, ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the blasting process. Moisture control during blasting is essential to prevent the destructive effects of condensation.
Causes of Uncontrolled Humidity
A certain amount of water vapour is always present in the air. In normal conditions, a relative humidity of 50% at comfort temperature 77-80°F is considered as pleasant. In India, in most parts of country the RH varies between 60-90%, corresponding dry belt temperature range from 85°F-100°F. The effects of this humidity are felt by man as well as machine. We accept and forget about the ever present humidity as part of our life, but the effects of humidity on the mechanized industry are long term and devastating and cost a company thousands of rupees every year for maintenance.
General Recommendation
The critical humidity in most cases is about 45%. In some cases even lower, however in practice the relative humidity to be maintained for storage of steel components and machinery should not exceed 40%.
Hence it is imperative that the RH must be controlled.
It is possible to achieve a low RH by either heating or dehumidifying the air. When the air is heated, the temperature of the air is raised. The equipment to be protected must also be heated to the same temperature as air, because the dew point temperature is very high & if the metal surface is lower than surrounding air, condensation will begin. Heavier equipment which takes a long time to heat up is not given proper protection during the time it is being heated.
Bry-Air Solution
Bry-Air offers the simplest and most economical solution to humidity-related problems, including issues with moisture control during blasting. The Bry-Air Desiccant Dehumidifier effectively absorbs moisture from the air, preventing problems that can arise in the blasting process. For instance, Associated Bearing maintains a relative humidity of 45% and a temperature of 37.5°C±1°C in their storage room for ball and roller bearings, achieving optimal conditions with a 600 cfm capacity using Bry-Air Dehumidifiers.
