To properly remove rust, coatings and contaminants from surfaces in challenging operating conditions, such as those found in shipyards, oil fields and other harsh environments, abrasive blasting systems must be rugged enough to withstand the extreme conditions and demanding production schedules.
Fortunately, Clemco Industries’ blasting cabinet systems are tough enough to do the job right. This blog will showcase several extreme applications and how Clemco blast cabinets were designed to stand up to heavy-duty use in demanding environments.
What is a Sand Blast Cabinet and Where are They Used?
Abrasive blasting, also called sandblasting, is a process in which an abrasive medium is propelled against a surface at high pressure using specialized abrasive blasting equipment and compressed air to remove dirt, debris, coatings, rust and contaminants without damaging the material or substrate.
In the blasting process, the surface to be cleaned is placed inside a sand blast cabinet. A technician, donned in protective gear such as gloves, ear protection and a respirator, adds an abrasive blasting media to the blasting machine and uses a specialized nozzle to “blast” the surface until the specified level of cleanliness is achieved.
While abrasive blasting is used across a wide range of industries, it has a vital role in sectors such as ship building, oil and gas and power generation where abrasive blasting systems ensure that surfaces are properly prepared and maintained to withstand the harsh environmental conditions present in extreme locations.
In these heavy-duty applications, Clemco sandblasters and blast cabinets are used to:
- Remove rust and prevent further corrosion and degradation to protect the integrity of equipment and structures.
- Enhance the bonding of coatings that will be applied to extend the life of equipment and assets.
- Improve surface durability to reduce long-term maintenance and replacement costs.
- Ensure proper preparation of components used in mission-critical applications.
Demands on Sand Blast Cabinets in Harsh Conditions
To perform these essential functions in demanding applications, abrasive blast cabinets and equipment must be able to withstand abuse that may include:
| Harsh environments | Saltwater, moisture and humidity pose significant problems for abrasive blasting equipment, including corrosion and interference with the blasting process. |
| Limited space | Many challenging applications take place in confined areas, necessitating compact and efficient blasting systems. |
| Remote locations | Shipyards and refineries may be located in remote areas, which can increase risks and make maintenance or replacement of equipment difficult, so blasting systems must be robust, reliable and safe for operators. |
| Regulatory compliance | Since many operations are subject to environmental regulations, blasting operations must minimize their environmental impact and offer containment and recovery solutions, such as dust collection. |
| Intense production schedules | Many heavy-industry sectors face intense production schedules, deal with large-scale, mission-critical workpieces and demanding deadlines, so sand blasting equipment must be reliable and offer continuous performance. |
Clemco Industries Blast Cabinets: Designed for Extreme Conditions
Here’s a look at the features that make Clemco blast cabinets the right equipment for demanding jobs:
| Optimized for Efficiency and Reliability | Clemco equipment is engineered for continuous operation, high reliability and adaptability, making these solutions ideal for demanding environments. |
| Flexible, Space-Saving Design | Blast cabinets are available in compact models to accommodate various part sizes and workspace limitations, with a detached power module for added layout flexibility. |
| Operator-Focused Ergonomics | Ergonomic enhancements, such as height-adjustable lift legs, quick-change glove ports, LED lighting and centralized controls for ease of use, are included. |
| Low Maintenance and High ROI | Clemco blast cabinets and equipment are built for consistent results, simple operation and reduced maintenance to provide a low cost of ownership and fast return on investment. |
| Advanced Dust and Maintenance Systems | Clemco equipment offers reverse-pulse dust collectors, auto-pulse cleaning and differential pressure gauges to minimize downtime and streamline upkeep. |
Clemco Blast Cabinets: A Rugged Solution for Harsh Applications
Below is a sampling of applications where Clemco blast cabinets have provided a solid solution in extreme conditions.
Shipyards
The U.S. Navy required high-capacity bulk blast machines to support the removal of corrosion, coatings and marine growth from steel hulls, decks and structural components across its fleet. The objective was to restore bare metal surfaces and create an optimal profile for repainting and recoating, which are critical steps in maintaining ship integrity, ensuring combat readiness and preventing future corrosion. The blasting systems had to operate reliably under intense shipyard workloads, support multiple operators and comply with military safety and performance standards.
Clemco delivered a fleet of application-specific bulk blast machines purpose-built for the Navy’s corrosion-control needs. Equipment included 160-cu.-ft. pressure-hold blast pots capable of supporting multiple simultaneous operators for continuous blasting. Skid-mounted and towable units were designed for easy transport and deployment across shipyards and dry docks.
Precision abrasive metering systems and moisture separators for consistent media performance in all weather conditions were included, as were high-durability components, including hardened valves, blast hoses and nozzles specially engineered for long service life. And, full operator training, technical documentation and support ensured safe usage and maintenance by technicians.
Oil and Gas
A major U.S.-based oil and gas company required a robust, field-capable blasting solution to refurbish aging pump jacks used in onshore production fields. These mechanical lifting systems had accumulated decades of corrosion, coating buildup and environmental wear, requiring complete surface restoration before repainting and mechanical re-assembly. The job demanded high-powered, portable blast machines capable of handling large structural steel surfaces in remote, rugged field environments, with minimal downtime and maximum abrasive efficiency.
Clemco’s solution was a fleet of rugged, application-specific blast machines purpose-built for pump jack refurbishment. The equipment included portable blast pots with pressure-hold capability for extended blasting cycles and heavy-duty, trailer- or skid-mounted designs for mobility across off-road oilfield sites.
Precision abrasive metering systems for efficient media use and consistent surface finish quality and integrated safety features such as remote deadman controls, pressure relief valves and durable blast hoses were also features. Technical training, startup support and best-practice blasting guides tailored to oil and gas field operations were provided to ensure proper usage.
The result was a field-proven blasting solution that allowed the customer to extend the life of critical production infrastructure, reduce maintenance cycles and restore pump jacks to safe, operational condition while minimizing equipment downtime and labor costs.
Power Generation
A global power transformer manufacturer needed a large-scale, automated blast room to support maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of main transformer tanks and radiator assemblies. These components, which are exposed to years of weathering, oil contamination and corrosion, required complete removal of coatings, rust and debris to prepare them for repainting, relining or requalification. The solution had to support heavy steel structures, enable precise and consistent surface prep and ensure full compliance with electrical utility and environmental standards.
Clemco designed a massive, turnkey automated blast room system optimized for transformer tank and radiator MRO. It featured a reinforced steel blast enclosure with high-lumen lighting, noise suppression and safety interlocks and automated blast nozzle gantries with programmable controls to ensure repeatable surface profiles across complex geometries.
Also included were a rugged abrasive recovery system with classifiers and media recyclers to maintain blast efficiency and reduce operating costs and integrated dust collection and air quality control to maintain visibility and OSHA compliance. Full training, documentation and support ensured smooth commissioning, long-term reliability and minimal downtime.
The result was a high-capacity, precision-engineered blasting solution that allowed the transformer manufacturer to restore core components to OEM-quality standards, extend equipment life and support critical grid infrastructures.
Whether it’s extreme temperatures, salt water or large-scale, mission-critical components, you can rely on Clemco Industries blast cabinets and systems to provide proven performance and rugged durability in challenging applications. Contact HTE, a Clemco distributor, to learn how robust abrasive blasting solutions from Clemco will perform in and survive extreme conditions.
