Static wet abrasive blasting system utilizing automated valves to simplify setup and operational functions

Abstract

The invention is directed toward a static wet-abrasive blasting system used for cleaning, preparing surfaces, removing coatings, and other abrasive blasting applications. The wet abrasive basting system has a blast pot that includes pilot-controlled pneumatics to control the loading, pressurizing, de-pressurizing, and wash down functions. The wet-abrasive blasting system also uses a floating bung in conjunction with a vent mechanism to further automate the pressurizing steps in setting up the system. The wet-abrasive blasting system also uses pilot-controlled pneumatics to decide the blasting function options of just water, just air, or water / abrasive mix and air. Wet-abrasive blasting systems mix an abrasive media with water and convey the mix to meet compressed air and direct through a blast hose and nozzle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This continuation-in-part application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of application Ser. No. 15 / 685,347 filed on Aug. 24, 2017 which is a bypass continuation-in-part application that claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of PCT Application No. PCT / US2016 / 020569, filed on Mar. 3, 2016 which in turn claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of Application Ser. No. 62 / 129,206 filed on Mar. 6, 2015 all of which are entitled MOBILE WET ABRASIVE BLASTING SYSTEM UTILIZING AUTOMATED VALVES TO SIMPLIFY SETUP AND OPERATIONAL FUNCTIONS and all of whose entire disclosures are incorporated by reference herein.SPECIFICATIONBackground of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates generally to cleaning devices and, more particularly, to wet abrasive blasting systems used for cleaning, preparing surfaces, removing coatings, and other abrasive blasting applications.[0003]To remove corrosion or coatings from a substrate such as steel or...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method for automating the operation of a blast pot for cleaning surfaces or removing coatings. A control panel is connected to a housing that holds the blast pot with its valves, and an operator can control the valves using a pneumatic selector valve. This allows for easier operation of the blast stream without having to manually adjust each valve. The technical effect is improved efficiency and convenience in delivering the blast stream for cleaning purposes.

Problems solved by technology

The use of dry, hard abrasives, such as those used in conventional sand blasting, may result in excessive surface roughness to the point of causing damage to the substrate.

However, these manual procedures, if done incorrectly, can create inconsistent flow or air pressure in the mix and cause erratic behavior of the wet abrasive blasting system and an inefficient blasting process.

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