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FAQ

Designed to help you with some of the most common FAQ we receive here at Hodge Clemco.

What is Blasting?

Abrasive blasting, or commonly known as “Sandblasting”, is the operation of forcibly propelling a stream of abrasive material against a surface under high pressure to smooth a rough surface, roughen a smooth surface, shape a surface, or remove surface contaminants.

Despite the common use of the term “sandblasting”, it is illegal in the UK to use most common forms of sand for abrasive blasting, as the fine dust particles which are created when the sand is projected at high speed, can cause silicosis.

How much compressed air do I need?

The amount of compressed air does not relate to the size of your blast machine. It is based on the nozzle size – the smallest orifice. Please refer to our Air Consumption Chart

No air or abrasive passes through the nozzle.

Probable Cause
Action Required

Compressor not turned on.

Turn on compressor

Rubber insert on Deadman handle

Check insert & replace if necessary
Pressure Regulator (when fitted).
Check settings

Water Separator blocked

Check and clean - See Owner’s Manual

No abrasive passes through the nozzle

Probable Cause
Action Required
Abrasive metering valve closed.
Open valve

Damp abrasive, dusty abrasive or large object restricting the flow of abrasive at base of cone/above the metering valve.

Quickly close and open the choke valve.
Remove inspection door assembly and clean out.

Slide valve not in the ‘on’ position (when fitted).

Pull slide valve into ‘on' position. Check for leaks on control lines.

Pop-up valve (plunger) not sealing up in the middle of the pot

Pop-up valve will not drop after depressurisation.

Probable Cause
Action Required
Worn pop-up valve and/or sealing ring.
Remove and replace both valve and sealing ring.

Abrasive trapped in vertical pipe work.

Remove inspection door assembly and pop-up valve then clean out.

Machine will not depressurise

Probable Cause
Action Required
Blockage in deadman handle and/or remote-control hoses.
Remove and clean out

Faulty remote-control Valve

Remove and repair

Excessive abrasive coming out of the nozzle

Intermittent flow of abrasive.

Probable Cause
Action Required
Abrasive metering valve not adjusted correctly
Check setting

Blockage

Operate choke valve and clean out.

Abrasive surges from the nozzle.

Probable Cause
Action Required
Abrasive metering valve opened too much.
Check setting

Choke valve not fully open

Check and open

Possible split in abrasive metering valve sleeve
Strip abrasive metering valve and replace the sleeve

Air will not stop coming out of the nozzle, machine will only switch off if we turn the compressed air off

Air will not stop coming out of the nozzle. The machine will only switch off if we turn the compressed air off. The machine pressurises as soon as we turn the air on to the machine.

Probable Cause
Action Required
Inlet piston stuck or fallen out
Strip down RMS remote control valve and fit a service kit. 

Adjusting the grit valve does not change how much grit comes out

Grit valve setting makes no difference to how much abrasive comes out of nozzle

Probable Cause
Action Required
Possible split in abrasive metering valve sleeve
Strip abrasive metering valve and replace the sleeve

Grit valve setting makes no difference to how much abrasive comes out. (Thompson Valve).

Probable Cause
Action Required
Worn tungsten plunger or seat
Strip abrasive metering valve and replace worn items. We would advise to fit a service kit at the same time.

How long can I blast for with my blast machine?

“I have created the attached ‘Use per hour’ docs. In short, it shows how much abrasive will be used per hour depending on pressure & nozzle size. Each one also has how much of that type of abrasive each standard machine will hold.”

Machine keeps switching off when I have the deadman handle pressed

Probable Cause
Action Required
Loose fitting on the end of the control lines
Check all fittings and tighten up to seal

Hole or split in the control lines

Replace control lines

Deadman’s handle rubber button worn.
Replace deadman handle rubber button.

System keeps tripping out

This problem tends to indicate that there is something stopping a motor from turning or a more serious fault with a motor. Please contact our Service Department to arrange for an engineer to come and have a look at your equipment.

How do I strip down the grit valve?

Please refer to the owner’s manual section of your grit valve on our website.

How do I strip down the RMS valve?

Please refer to the video on our RMS valve page.

What pressure should I blast at?

All applications are different and the pressure to blast at can vary depending on a variety of factors. Please contact your local Sales Representative/Technical department at Hodge Clemco Ltd.

How long should my blast hose last?

There is no set time as to how long your blast hose should last. Keeping your blast hose as straight as possible will help in maximising the life of the hose. Any bends/kinks in the hose will increase wear at these points and reduce the working life of your blast hose. The blast hose should be inspected periodically for wear and tear to ensure it is in safe working order and replaced if necessary.

How long should my nozzle last?

There is no set time as to how long your nozzle should last. There are a few factors that have an impact on this, i.e. the type of abrasive being used, the blasting pressure, how much blasting you do etc. To maximise the life of your nozzle, take care not to drop it on the floor & check regularly the nozzle gasket for wear.

What is the frequency that I should have my machine pressure tested?

Your insurance company will have an exact frequency that they will expect you to have your machine tested. At Hodge Clemco, we advise that it is good practice to have it tested every 12 months. We have an in-house service that we offer to carry out testing and all servicing requirements.

Do I have to have a pressure relief valve fitted?

Your insurance company will advise you if you need to have a pressure relief valve. We can either supply you a kit to fit yourselves or you can send your machine in to our service department to carry out the work. All we will need is what pressure you need the relief valve to be set to.

I have water coming out of my blast machine, can I have a new filter?

Unfortunately, you will have to sort the moisture problem at the source. The company that you use for servicing your compressor should be able to advise on any additional filters/dryers for your compressor that will eliminate the problem.

Abrasive is not being recovered from bottom of cabinet hopper

Probable Cause
Action Required
Blockage in the abrasive chute
Remove abrasive and check for blockage.
Recovery hose blocked
Check hose and remove any blockages.
Check abrasive chute for wear.
Auto pulse cleaning system not working.
Check compressed air supply & power to dust collector
Dust cartridges blocked with dust.
Replace the dust cartridges in the dust collector

Cannot get blast cabinet to work, nothing happens when I press the green ‘On’ button?

Probable Cause

Action Required

Isolator not switched on.

Check the isolator is switched on.

No power to the control panel

Check power supply from fuse board.

Overload tripped

Reset overload in the control panel. If the problem persists, call our Service Department to arrange an engineer visit.

Abrasive is not getting recovered from floor hopper in blast room

Probable Cause

Action Required

Blockage in the bottom of the floor hopper

Remove blockage and any excess abrasive in the inner pipe.

Recovery hose/internal pipe blocked

Check hose and remove any blockages.

Auto pulse cleaning system not working.

Check compressed air & power to IND200P vacuum unit.

Dust cartridge blocked with dust.

Replace the dust cartridge in the IND200P vacuum unit.

Insufficient air into helmet

Please refer to the Air Supply section of the

Grit seems to be entering the blast helmet

Please refer to the

There is an odour inside the helmet

Please refer to the

I become too hot wearing PPE

Please refer to the

Also, consider using our APH4411 Climate Control Tube

I get static shocks from my machine

What causes static electricity during abrasive blasting?

Static can be generated whenever two dissimilar materials are in relative motion to each other.

Abrasive blasting equipment has materials flowing through pipes or hoses, the activity and conditions surrounding blasting can generate static electricity. Though overlooked by many people, the type of shoes worn by the operator, the floor that they are standing on, rubber matting, wooden pallets etc can all contribute to the generation of static electricity.

The movement of blast media particles through hoses to the nozzle / gun, over the part being blasted, and in the recovery hose generates static electricity. Regrader/cyclone-type separators and media classifiers, where media and dust swirl over large surface area, normally generate a static charge.

What risk does it pose?

When static electricity is left unchecked the static can cause media flow and separation problems. Static electricity can give an electric shock to the operator & workers nearby to the machine.

How can it be controlled?

Earthing/grounding is the key to reducing the risk of static shock and avoiding static build up throughout the blast system. A means for the discharge of static electrical charge from the blast nozzle and the object being blasted should be used. Hoses should be constructed with anti-static rubber linings or fitted with an earth wire or similar mechanism to prevent static shock. For temporary or portable installations, check the static ground at start up and again each time the equipment is moved. This charge must be continuously dissipated to prevent an accumulation of an electrostatic charge. Blasting machines occasionally cause shocks from static electricity. If the operator stands on a mat grounded to the machine and the gun is grounded to the cabinet, this will be eliminated. The cabinet can also be grounded to an extraneous earth point or similar.

In addition to the above, an anti-static wristband can be purchased from our sales department.

General Blasting

What is Blasting?

Abrasive blasting, or commonly known as “Sandblasting”, is the operation of forcibly propelling a stream of abrasive material against a surface under high pressure to smooth a rough surface, roughen a smooth surface, shape a surface, or remove surface contaminants.

Despite the common use of the term “sandblasting”, it is illegal in the UK to use most common forms of sand for abrasive blasting, as the fine dust particles which are created when the sand is projected at high speed, can cause silicosis.

Blast Machines

How much compressed air do I need?

The amount of compressed air does not relate to the size of your blast machine. It is based on the nozzle size – the smallest orifice. Please refer to our Air Consumption Chart

No air or abrasive passes through the nozzle.

Probable Cause
Action Required

Compressor not turned on.

Turn on compressor

Rubber insert on Deadman handle

Check insert & replace if necessary
Pressure Regulator (when fitted).
Check settings

Water Separator blocked

Check and clean - See Owner’s Manual

No abrasive passes through the nozzle

Probable Cause
Action Required
Abrasive metering valve closed.
Open valve

Damp abrasive, dusty abrasive or large object restricting the flow of abrasive at base of cone/above the metering valve.

Quickly close and open the choke valve.
Remove inspection door assembly and clean out.

Slide valve not in the ‘on’ position (when fitted).

Pull slide valve into ‘on' position. Check for leaks on control lines.

Pop-up valve (plunger) not sealing up in the middle of the pot

Pop-up valve will not drop after depressurisation.

Probable Cause
Action Required
Worn pop-up valve and/or sealing ring.
Remove and replace both valve and sealing ring.

Abrasive trapped in vertical pipe work.

Remove inspection door assembly and pop-up valve then clean out.

Machine will not depressurise

Probable Cause
Action Required
Blockage in deadman handle and/or remote-control hoses.
Remove and clean out

Faulty remote-control Valve

Remove and repair

Excessive abrasive coming out of the nozzle

Intermittent flow of abrasive.

Probable Cause
Action Required
Abrasive metering valve not adjusted correctly
Check setting

Blockage

Operate choke valve and clean out.

Abrasive surges from the nozzle.

Probable Cause
Action Required
Abrasive metering valve opened too much.
Check setting

Choke valve not fully open

Check and open

Possible split in abrasive metering valve sleeve
Strip abrasive metering valve and replace the sleeve

Air will not stop coming out of the nozzle, machine will only switch off if we turn the compressed air off

Air will not stop coming out of the nozzle. The machine will only switch off if we turn the compressed air off. The machine pressurises as soon as we turn the air on to the machine.

Probable Cause
Action Required
Inlet piston stuck or fallen out
Strip down RMS remote control valve and fit a service kit. 

Adjusting the grit valve does not change how much grit comes out

Grit valve setting makes no difference to how much abrasive comes out of nozzle

Probable Cause
Action Required
Possible split in abrasive metering valve sleeve
Strip abrasive metering valve and replace the sleeve

Grit valve setting makes no difference to how much abrasive comes out. (Thompson Valve).

Probable Cause
Action Required
Worn tungsten plunger or seat
Strip abrasive metering valve and replace worn items. We would advise to fit a service kit at the same time.

How long can I blast for with my blast machine?

“I have created the attached ‘Use per hour’ docs. In short, it shows how much abrasive will be used per hour depending on pressure & nozzle size. Each one also has how much of that type of abrasive each standard machine will hold.”

Machine keeps switching off when I have the deadman handle pressed

Probable Cause
Action Required
Loose fitting on the end of the control lines
Check all fittings and tighten up to seal

Hole or split in the control lines

Replace control lines

Deadman’s handle rubber button worn.
Replace deadman handle rubber button.

System keeps tripping out

This problem tends to indicate that there is something stopping a motor from turning or a more serious fault with a motor. Please contact our Service Department to arrange for an engineer to come and have a look at your equipment.

How do I strip down the grit valve?

Please refer to the owner’s manual section of your grit valve on our website.

How do I strip down the RMS valve?

Please refer to the video on our RMS valve page.

What pressure should I blast at?

All applications are different and the pressure to blast at can vary depending on a variety of factors. Please contact your local Sales Representative/Technical department at Hodge Clemco Ltd.

How long should my blast hose last?

There is no set time as to how long your blast hose should last. Keeping your blast hose as straight as possible will help in maximising the life of the hose. Any bends/kinks in the hose will increase wear at these points and reduce the working life of your blast hose. The blast hose should be inspected periodically for wear and tear to ensure it is in safe working order and replaced if necessary.

How long should my nozzle last?

There is no set time as to how long your nozzle should last. There are a few factors that have an impact on this, i.e. the type of abrasive being used, the blasting pressure, how much blasting you do etc. To maximise the life of your nozzle, take care not to drop it on the floor & check regularly the nozzle gasket for wear.

What is the frequency that I should have my machine pressure tested?

Your insurance company will have an exact frequency that they will expect you to have your machine tested. At Hodge Clemco, we advise that it is good practice to have it tested every 12 months. We have an in-house service that we offer to carry out testing and all servicing requirements.

Do I have to have a pressure relief valve fitted?

Your insurance company will advise you if you need to have a pressure relief valve. We can either supply you a kit to fit yourselves or you can send your machine in to our service department to carry out the work. All we will need is what pressure you need the relief valve to be set to.

I have water coming out of my blast machine, can I have a new filter?

Unfortunately, you will have to sort the moisture problem at the source. The company that you use for servicing your compressor should be able to advise on any additional filters/dryers for your compressor that will eliminate the problem.

Abrasive is not being recovered from bottom of cabinet hopper

Probable Cause
Action Required
Blockage in the abrasive chute
Remove abrasive and check for blockage.
Recovery hose blocked
Check hose and remove any blockages.
Check abrasive chute for wear.
Auto pulse cleaning system not working.
Check compressed air supply & power to dust collector
Dust cartridges blocked with dust.
Replace the dust cartridges in the dust collector
Blast Cabinets

Cannot get blast cabinet to work, nothing happens when I press the green ‘On’ button?

Probable Cause

Action Required

Isolator not switched on.

Check the isolator is switched on.

No power to the control panel

Check power supply from fuse board.

Overload tripped

Reset overload in the control panel. If the problem persists, call our Service Department to arrange an engineer visit.

Blast Rooms

Abrasive is not getting recovered from floor hopper in blast room

Probable Cause

Action Required

Blockage in the bottom of the floor hopper

Remove blockage and any excess abrasive in the inner pipe.

Recovery hose/internal pipe blocked

Check hose and remove any blockages.

Auto pulse cleaning system not working.

Check compressed air & power to IND200P vacuum unit.

Dust cartridge blocked with dust.

Replace the dust cartridge in the IND200P vacuum unit.

PPE

Insufficient air into helmet

Please refer to the Air Supply section of the

Grit seems to be entering the blast helmet

Please refer to the

There is an odour inside the helmet

Please refer to the

I become too hot wearing PPE

Please refer to the

Also, consider using our APH4411 Climate Control Tube

I get static shocks from my machine

What causes static electricity during abrasive blasting?

Static can be generated whenever two dissimilar materials are in relative motion to each other.

Abrasive blasting equipment has materials flowing through pipes or hoses, the activity and conditions surrounding blasting can generate static electricity. Though overlooked by many people, the type of shoes worn by the operator, the floor that they are standing on, rubber matting, wooden pallets etc can all contribute to the generation of static electricity.

The movement of blast media particles through hoses to the nozzle / gun, over the part being blasted, and in the recovery hose generates static electricity. Regrader/cyclone-type separators and media classifiers, where media and dust swirl over large surface area, normally generate a static charge.

What risk does it pose?

When static electricity is left unchecked the static can cause media flow and separation problems. Static electricity can give an electric shock to the operator & workers nearby to the machine.

How can it be controlled?

Earthing/grounding is the key to reducing the risk of static shock and avoiding static build up throughout the blast system. A means for the discharge of static electrical charge from the blast nozzle and the object being blasted should be used. Hoses should be constructed with anti-static rubber linings or fitted with an earth wire or similar mechanism to prevent static shock. For temporary or portable installations, check the static ground at start up and again each time the equipment is moved. This charge must be continuously dissipated to prevent an accumulation of an electrostatic charge. Blasting machines occasionally cause shocks from static electricity. If the operator stands on a mat grounded to the machine and the gun is grounded to the cabinet, this will be eliminated. The cabinet can also be grounded to an extraneous earth point or similar.

In addition to the above, an anti-static wristband can be purchased from our sales department.

We also have special offers running on our website. So it’s a good idea to have a look and see if anything might be useful.

These do change regularly so it’s a good idea to bookmark the page or sign up to our mailing list to make sure you don’t miss anything.

 

For more information on our range of products view our product catalogue.

See the full selection of our abrasive materials in our abrasives brochure.

Watch our product videos on our YouTube channel.