Transforming Surfaces with Captive Shot Blasting
Services: Captive Shot Blasting
What is captive shot blasting?
Captive shot blasting is a process of firing steel beads “shot” at a surface at high velocity, blasting off stains and debris from the surface. This process is extremely sustainable and leaves minimal dust on site, due to the rebounding shot being collected and separated from the debris to be reused.
The advantages of captive shot blasting:
- Environmentally friendly: Unlike chemical-based surface preparation methods, captive shot blasting does not involve the use of harsh chemicals or solvents. The machine collects all the dust and contaminants from the surface and the steel shots are recycled and re-used.
- Lower operational costs: Shot blasting requires less labour than other surface preparation methods.
- Improved safety for workers: The enclosed blasting, means dust and debris exposure is minimised safeguarding workers and general public in the area.
Where is it used?
Captive shot blasting is one of the most common surface preparation methods for removing light coatings. Its versatility means it’s used across a myriad of industries including construction and marine.
Marine Vessels
Captive shot blasting is a vital part of routine maintenance, repair and refurbishment in the marine industry. From Naval vessels to cruise liners, ship hulls and decks are exposed to harsh marine environments therefore they require an effective barrier against corrosion, algae and rust. Prior to the application of specialist marine surface coatings, captive blasting is typically implemented to thoroughly clean and prepare the ship’s surface removing any corrosion, old coatings or contaminants, and prepare the surface for anti-skid surface coatings or painting.
Captive shot blasting allows for precise control over the marine surface. This is done by adjusting the blasting pressure, nozzle distance and abrasive media size. Varying desired outcomes can be achieved depending on the surface coating. Specialist surface preparation contractors such as WJ Industrial, understand the tight turnaround times required on ships and can undertake captive shot blasting and surface coating treatments while the ship is dry docked.
Road Construction and Maintenance
Roads are another area where captive shot blasting is commonly used. This surface preparation method is typically required ahead of surface dressing or as a stand-alone service in the form of retexturing to increase skid resistance. surface
Due to wear and weathering, it is pivotal that road surfaces are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure road safety. Shot blasting fires small steel shot into the road surface. The shot will reprofile the aggregate surface. This improves the micro texture of the aggregate and thereby enhances skid resistance. The shot also will clear detritus from the road and so improves the macro texture of the surface as well.
Industrial Flooring
In manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and commercial spaces, captive shot blasting is indispensable for preparing concrete or asphalt floors for new coatings. Removing old coatings, adhesives, and contaminants, it provides a fresh surface layer that new coatings, such as epoxy flooring and safety markings adhere to.
Shot blasting is used across industries and has a myriad of uses. At WJ Industrial we’ve worked across the highways, marine and manufacturing sectors and have a fleet of ride on, lorry mounted and smaller pedestrian shot blasting equipment. So, no matter the area that needs shot blasting we can help.