Standard Blast Machine Maintenance

All blast cleaning equipment is subject to abrasive wear therefore for safety and efficiency it is essential to operate a preventative maintenance programme. The degree of wear is variable and is dependent upon many factors:-type and grade of abrasive, blasting pressure, nozzle size, operator expertise, etc and these factors should be taken into consideration when planning regular maintenance schedules. The following checklists are a basic guide to assist in planning maintenance.

Warning:- Ensure that the compressed air supply to the machine is turned off and all airlines are purged of pressure and disconnected from the blast machine before any maintenance work is carried out. Precautions should be taken to prevent accidental turning on of the compressor air supply

N.B. Maintenance should only be carried out by trained competent persons

Maintenance Check List - Setting Up and after 4 hours use

1.1     Check condition of all air hoses, connections and gaskets for signs of wear and replace as necessary

1.2     Check condition of sealing ring in top of blast machine. Replace if there is sign of wear

1.3     Check condition of the safety sieve and replace if worn or damaged

1.4     Check condition of the pop-up valve and replace if there is any sign of wear

1.5     Check condition of the exhaust manifold and silencer and exhaust pipework and replace if necessary

1.6     Check condition of silencer core and replace if worn or blocked

1.7     Check condition of water separator. See separate breakdown in Construction Drawings.

1.8     Check blast hose for signs of wear or damage and replace with new if required

1.9     Check the blast hose couplings and gaskets for signs of wear and replace if necessary. Ensure that all retaining screws are in good condition and securely in place

1.10    Check that all blast hose connections are securely fastened and that the latching wires are located correctly into the holes of the marrying coupling or that split pins are in position through the marrying holes

1.11    Check the condition of the nozzle holder for wear and replace with new one if necessary

1.12    Check that the nozzle holder gasket is in good condition and ensure that it is in the correct position. Replace with new one if it is showing sign of wear

1.13    Check the nozzle for blockages, wear or damage. Replace if the internal diameter is 1.5mm(1/16") larger that it's original size

1.14    Ensure nozzle is securely located into the nozzle holder onto the gasket (see 1.17)

1.15    Check the deadman handle to ensure free spring lever action on handle and check that the rubber insert is in place

1.16    Check abrasive metering valve and fittings for sign of wear/leaks and replace as necessary

1.17    Check that the inspection door assembly is correctly and securely fitted, the gasket is in position and that no leaks occur

Maintenance Check List - After Every 40 Hours. Maximum use. 4.1.1 to 4.1.17 plus

 

2.1     Remove inspection door assembly and check condition of component parts for wear. Replace worn items

2.2     Clean out the machine, remove any foreign objects and oversized particles, check the interior for deterioration

2.3     Remove the pop-up valve and the vertical section of the interior pipework and check for signs of wear. Replace with new parts if necessary and reassemble

2.4     Remove the sealing ring  from its seat and check the seat for wear and/or build up of contamination. Clean out if contaminated. If corrosive wear to the seat is evident contact the manufacturer immediately

2.5     Check the condition of the sealing ring for wear, replace with new one if necessary and refit into the sealing ring seat

2.6     Refit the inspection door assembly correctly and securely to ensure a good seal, first ensuring that the gasket is in good condition

2.7     Check the abrasive metering valve and adjacent fittings for wear and replace with new parts if worn

2.8     Check the CF coupling and adjacent fittings for wear and replace with new if required

Maintenance Check List - After Every 160 Hours Use 4.1.1 to 4.2.8 plus

3.1     Check all fitting and thread for wear or damage and replace where necessary with new parts

3.2     Thoroughly check the vessel internally and externally for corrosion, damage and abrasive wear. Should there be any such evidence the vessel must be repaired/re-pressure tested as necessary by an authorised pressure vessel repairer/test house or the manufacturer