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What
is Sodablast
Sodablast
is a process where a surface is cleaned, rust is removed, or coatings
(of any kind) are stripped from a substrate (the surface beneath the
material you are trying to remove). The Sodablast compressor propels
a bicarbonate-of-soda based media via compressed air onto the surface
to be cleaned. This process gently removes the material without harming
the substrate and can be done wet or dry.
How
was Sodablast developed?
Back in 1972, when New York State engineers were looking for ways to
clean the Statue of Liberty, they had many concerns involving issues
of the environment, waste disposal, and protection of the statues surface
itself. Any use of any abrasive material to clean the surface would
have been very harmful to the soft copper plates, let alone the waste
in the water surrounding the statue. Sodablast was invented because
it would not only do the job while having a negligible impact on the
waterways and harbour, but it was also non-abrasive. Just like the surface
of the Statue of Liberty, this non abrasive action allows Sodablast
to be used on surfaces that currently popular abrasive media would damage.
i.e.: aluminium, stainless steel, brick, stone, glass, fibreglass, wood,
some plastics, seals, bearings, splines, radiator cores, transmission
cases, and hydraulic cylinders. In some cases, using dry blasting, shutdown
of electric motors and pumps is not necessary.
How
does Sodablast work?
The sodium bicarbonate used in the blasting process is a larger particle
than the baking soda used in the food industry, although it is the same
purity. The particles are propelled by compressed air through specialised
blasting machines. Sodablast particles remove surface contaminant by
the energy released as the particles explode when pressure-driven into
contact with the contaminant surface. The resulting energy release disrupts
the contaminant surface and blows it away thus leaving the substrate
completely unaffected. Air pressures and hence, Sodablast particle velocity,
can be varied from as low as 20 psi (pounds per square inch) on soft
bases to 150 psi or more on hard surfaces. The operator sets the air
pressure depending on the nature of the substrate and the type of contaminant
to be removed.
Is
water used as part of the Sodablast process?
Water is often not used as part of the cleaning process. Water is sometimes
used as a dust suppressant. It is sometimes used to activate the baking
soda to allow its cleaning qualities to be realised as well as its
virtues as a blast media. For softer substrates such as wood, water
reduces any cutting action by as much as 20 to 30 percent thus preventing
substrate damage. When water is used with the Sodablast process it is
not used to propel the blast media. It is used to provide a moist surface
to prevent dust, activate baking soda and reduce cutting action of soda.
The result of this is that only a tiny amount of water is used in comparison
to water blasting/ pressure washing. When it is appropriate to use water
in the Sodablast process, the water literally trickles out the end of
the Sodablast hose. Examples of where water would and would not be used
follow:
- Boat hull cleaning
and preparation no dust and paint / antifoul are contained
in a purpose built plastic tent and disposed of in environmentally
safe way. Not using water near public waterways is a major advantage
of cleaning boats with Sodablast
- Food preparation
equipment cleaning - sometimes activating the cleaning quality
of baking soda is generally advantageous. Water is also used after
blasting to wash soda and contaminant remnants away
- Graffiti cleaning
generally no - may be used as a dust suppressant in confined areas
- Vehicle paint stripping
no other than to wash away soda remnants
- Monuments generally
no unless required as a dust suppressant
- Masonary generally
no unless required as a dust suppressant
- Machinery generally
no - other than to wash away soda remnants
Is
Sodablast better than sand and garnet blasting?
Sand and garnet blasting remove contaminants by wearing away the contaminant.
It is unavoidable that whilst doing this, the underlying substrate is
also worn away to some degree. Depending on the substrate material and
what it is being used for, it is often the case that the substrate is
damaged. By contrast, Sodablast particles remove contaminants by the
energy released when the particles explode as they come in contact with
the surface to be cleaned. This results in no damage to underlying substrates.
Sodablast
does not activate metal. By contrast, sand and garnet blasting do.
Activating metal causes it to react to its surroundings. In the case
of ferrous metals, they rust. The result is that ferrous metals that
have been sand blasted will require immediate coating to prevent rusting.
By contrast, metal that has been cleaned using Sodablast will rust
at a much reduced rate and can be coated days after blasting rather
than hours.
In the manufacturing
of a metal object, sometimes an engineer will specify that metal should
be sand blasted using a specific grade of blast media. The reason
for sand blasting is to create a specific surface profile. Except
in cases of heavy rusting, sand blasting is generally not specified
because it is the best method of cleaning the metal but rather for
its ability to profile. Sodablast will not create a surface profile
as the metal will not be affected by the Sodablast process. In this
case, it is appropriate to sand blast the metal rather than Sodablast.
Is
there any heat build-up as there is in sand blasting?
There is no heat build up when blasting with sodium bicarbonate. Since
there is no heat build up, warping is eliminated.
Is
there any risk of fire with Sodablast?
Its non-flammable properties allow sodium bicarbonate to be used for
cleaning in the petroleum industry where other methods could not be
used. Static electricity is an unavoidable by product of using high
pressure air to propel blast media. Whilst Sodablast reduces the amount
of static produced, there is still a need to properly ground a metal
object. However, sodium bicarbonate does not produce electrical sparks
the same way that sand striking metal does. This is an obvious advantage
where flammable gases and liquids might be present.
Is
Sodablast good at cleaning engines and greasy deposits?
Sodium bicarbonate breaks down hydrocarbons, which makes it an excellent
method of cleaning engines and engine parts, or other areas where oil
and grease are present.
Is
rusting a problem with Sodablast as it is with sand blasting?
A major advantage of Sodablast is the fact sodium bicarbonate does not
break the surface tension of metals, thus the problem of flash rusting
is eliminated. Bicarbonate of soda is also a rust inhibitor which leaves
a protective coating on the surface being blasted. This allows for time
to pass before the surface has to be repainted. This is unlike a sand
blasted surface that must be repainted immediately.
Would
soda-blasting work on graffiti removal?
Absolutely! The removal of graffiti is a difficult and costly operation
using just about any conventional method. Sodablast provides a very
viable alternative to these methods. Since it uses a non-abrasive media
it can be used to remove graffiti from painted surfaces, in some cases
without damage to the base paint. On wood, brick, sandstone, marble
and other sensitive surfaces, it will remove the graffiti without leaving
any evidence of its use behind. With the use of a wet blasting system,
you would be providing a dust free method of cleaning. Naturally, care
must still be taken when setting the pressure, airflow, and media flow
as damage can still occur from improper application. Testing in a non-visual
area is still a good idea.
What
about preparation, clean up and waste disposal?
Preparation is usually minimal as the soda causes no damage to the surrounding
environment and leaves very little residue as it disintegrates on impact.
Masking or tenting is always advised if there is sensitive equipment
nearby. Sodium bicarbonate has a pH of 8.6 and can be disposed of in
most wastewater treatment systems. Disposal regulations should always
be followed, as this will vary depending on the contaminant being removed.
Paint chips and other material removed can be separated by dissolving
the spent media and using a filtration system. Normally only the hazardous
material removed needs to be disposed of in special areas. Sodium bicarbonate
can be further neutralized by either a vinegar/water solution, citric
acid solution (less then 3 % acid to water) or just water dilution.
The Sodablast method is endorsed by the USDA (United States Dept of
Agriculture) and the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) and is Kosher
approved.
Do
I have to wear protective clothing and breathing apparatus like sand
blasters have to?
A protective mask is not usually necessary unless working in a confined
space or tented area. As to protective clothing, not in the usual sense
as that which sand blasters wear. Sodablast operates at pressures of
up to 150 pounds. It would be a good idea to count on long sleeves and
full length trousers/pants to protect against blow back or possibly
an error in aim. Ear protection and safety glasses or goggles must be
worn at all times while blasting is taking place. Ear and eye protection
should also be provided to people working in the immediate vicinity.
Do
I have to mask off areas like glass or chrome trim like sand blasting
requires?
Hardly ever. In fact, unlike the abrasive property of sand, bicarbonate
of soda does not harm window glass or the rubber seals around the glass.
However, it may be harmful to certain types of plastic trim, because
you are using 150+ pounds of pressure in some instances. For this reason,
you may want to remove or protect those possible areas. Other areas
that may need protection; are wood, soft plastic, membranes and electric
components
Is
Bicarbonate Soda environmentally safe?
Yes, otherwise known as baking soda and used in everyday cooking; this
product is also used to settle an upset stomach. Its alkaline properties
could harm plants and vegetation if not rinsed properly and all areas
should be washed down with water during the clean up process. All remnants
of the paint or other contaminates may need to be collected or filtered.
But the soda itself has no impact on the environment and is completely
safe. The Sodablast method is endorsed by the USDA (United States Dept
of Agriculture) and the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) and is Kosher
approved.
How
do I remove the left over paint? (Or grease, waste, etc)
Clean up is easy. The soda dissolves in water when you spay the area
down. What is left behind will be the waste product. Usually this waste
is in such small particles that when it dries, the dust can be vacuumed
up. Or, by using filter cloth or an old sheet under a small project,
the waste will stay on the sheet. Disposal of waste may fall under hazardous
material classification, especially when dealing with old lead based
paints or oil, grease, etc. For this reason, clients will need to check
with local regulations in order to make sure that any disposal will
comply with local regulation regarding these materials. Most local councils
have hazardous disposal sites open to the general public, specifically
designed to handle waste oil, paint, and other materials that would
fail under the hazardous waste classification.
What
about noise?
The Sodablast process is noisy as a large compressor is forcing air
and media out of a relatively small exit. Sodablast operators are required
to wear ear protection at all times while blasting and anyone else in
the immediate vicinity should do the same.
How
much does it cost?
Sodablast is usually charged at an hourly rate. Any job that takes less
than one hour is still subject to a one hour charge as travel and preparation
will likely be included. Marine vessels are often charged by the size
and may include some preparation and cleanup time as all blast material
is contained. The many benefits of Sodablast including but not limited
to the quality of surface finish, make the operation cost effective
in pretty much all cases. Call 619 286-3300 for up-to-date pricing.
How
long does it take?
It is hard to estimate the length of time required to Sodablast without
any details of the job. However, Sodablast, in most applications, reduces
the normal cleaning time significantly in some cases in 1/10th of
the time. Preparation and clean up are minimal thus reducing the completion
time.
Can
Sodablast cause damage?
If used correctly by a trained operator, the likelihood of the Sodablast
causing damage is highly unlikely. As part of their training, operators
are taught to evaluate the surface to be cleaned, as well as surrounding
surfaces carefully, and to blast a test patch if required. Sodablast
has been operating in the U.S for several years and there are excellent
resources available for reference. Using Sodablast on a surface that
is softer than the soda, i.e. some plastics, soft wood, leather, vinyl
etc will cause scratching and surface removal. Sodablast operators
will always make enquiries to establish whether certain surfaces are
suitable for the process.
