Standard Blast Machine Setting Up Instructions
Warning: Never attempt to wheel the machine over rough/uneven ground. For hoisting, the lifting lugs provided on the blast machine must be used. Do not connect slings to other parts of the machine always disconnect ancillary hoses etc from the machine and ensure the machine is empty of abrasive prior to it being moved.
1. Locate the blast machine in a stable position on firm level ground.
2. Ensure that the machine is adequately earthed by connecting a suitably earthed earthing strap to the strap locating bolt on the machine leg
3. CLOSE the abrasive metering valve
4. OPEN the choke valve by positioning the handle in line with the valve body. This valve should remain in the open position for all normal operating conditions
5. OPEN the safety petcock on the remote control valve by positioning the handle in line with the petcock body
6. Securely connect the Remote control air hoses to their respective couplings. Yellow hose connects between the upper 1/4" port (RM23Y) on the remote control valve and 'Y' or '2' on the deadman handle. The red hose connects between the lower 1/4" port (RM 23R) on the remote control valve and 'R' or 'I' on the deadman handle
N.B. On blast machines fitted with a pressure regulator connect the red hose prior to the regulator
WARNING: It is important that the control hoses are connected correctly and securely. Do not over-tighten as this may split the brass nut.
7. Check that the sealing ring in the abrasive filling orifice of the machine is in good condition and securely and correctly positioned.
8. Check that the pop-up valve is in position and in good condition
9. Check that the inspection door assembly is securely bolted in correct position and that the gasket is in good condition and in place
WARNING: If the inspection door assembly is not securely located correctly in position to ensure a good seal it can be dangerous
10. Check that the coupling gasket in the CF quick coupling at the base of the blast machine is in good condition and correctly seated in the coupling
11. Check the blast hose to be used is in good condition along its entire length/s
Warning: Internal hose couplings or nozzles designed to locate inside the blast hose must not be used as they can be dangerous
12. Check that the appropriate hose coupling gasket is in good condition and correctly seated in the coupling and securely connect this coupling to the CF coupling at the base of the blast machine. Ensure that the couplings are securely locked and that each latching wire is located through the appropriate hole in the marrying coupling. If no integral means of wire latching is provided, use split pins through the corresponding holes to ensure no accidental parting of the coupling can occur
13. Lay out the blast hose from the machine to the work surface area ensuring that no tight curves or kinks occur and ensure that the hose is protected from possible damage by passing traffic
14. Lay out the Remote control air hoses along the length of the blast hose and secure the deadman handle to blast hose adjacent to the rear of the nozzle holder ensuring that the rubber insert is in position and that the blade opens freely by the action of the spring and closes freely
15. Secure the Remote control air hoses to the blast hose at short, regular intervals using hose ties. Take care not to compress the hoses by over tightening
16. Select a suitable nozzle and check that it is in good condition and undamaged and that there is no internal blockage. Insert a new nozzle gasket into the seat of the holder until it is fully hand tight down onto the gasket
17. Ensure that the deadman blade is left in the open position by the spring action
18. Check that the safety sieve is securely fastened in position on top of the blast machine
19. Refer to the compressor manufacturer's operating instructions and start the compressor
20. Ensure that the compressed air outlet valve is CLOSED and connect a suitable length of approved compressed air supply hose to the air outlet valve, first ensuring that the required couplings and gaskets are in good condition and in position
21. Ensure that the connection is tightly secured
Warning: Escaping air is dangerous. It is essential that all air hose connections are secure and that any sealing gaskets required are in good condition and in position
22. Take secure hold of the free end of the air supply hose, direct it into a safe area and CAREFULLY SLIGHTLY OPEN the outlet valve to expel any dirt and/or moisture from the hose
23. Turn OFF the compressor outlet valve
24. Connect the coupling at the free end of the compressed air supply hose to the blast machine air inlet fitting ensuring that any gaskets required are in good condition, positioned correctly and that the connection is tightly secured.
Use safety hose restraints wherever possible
25. Refer to the air fed helmet manufacturer's Owners Manual and connect the helmet, breathing air supply hose and breathing air filter as instructed in the Manual. (NB Should the Manual instruct that a 1/4" supply of compressed air be required for the helmet/filter system there is a connection available on the blast machine
26. Close the drain cock on the underside of the remote control valve
27. Refer to the water separator manual and check that it is correctly assembled and that the bowl is securely located in position.