Spotlight: Industrial Abrasive Delivery Systems

Media Blast® presents a comprehensive analysis of industrial abrasive delivery systems for both Wet and Dry Blasting Applications. Understanding all distinct delivery model differences is essential for selecting equipment that precisely matches your operational requirements and also has the least cost to operate. 

Wet Blasting Cabinet Options

Wet blasting cabinets comprise two primary delivery categories, each serving specific operational demands:

Industrial Wet Blasting Cabinets, Media Blast® (Hurricane Model):

• High-volume production utilizing maximum cfm gun sizes for optimal speed and profitability
• External slurry pump configuration creates easy maintenance access
• Negative pressure cabinet design ensuring superior visibility
• Industry-leading, up to 23% abrasive-to-water concentration ratio
• Seal-less slurry pump technology for reliable operation
• Larger abrasive mesh use capabilities 

Light-Duty HydroSlurry® Models:

• Engineered for operations using 20 CFM air supply limitations
• Less Costly Submersible pump technology delivering controlled slurry percentages
• Standard 120V single-phase power compatibility
• Effective separation of physical coatings from chemical substrates
• Registered trademark system optimized for specific applications

HydroSlurry® Advantages

• Compatible with standard single-phase power infrastructure, air compressor and blasting cabinet
• Ideal for precision restoration using smaller abrasive mesh sizing
• Cost-effective entry point for wet blasting requirements
• All stainless-steel cabinet construction available from $3,000 depending on cabinet dimensions
• Negative cabinet pressure design maintaining visibility standards

Dry Industrial Abrasive Delivery Systems

Industrial dry blasting systems incorporate multiple delivery methodologies including siphon, gravity feed, and direct pressure configurations long ago created by Military Specifications. The critical differentiation lies in the abrasive separator reclaimer systems employed. Not all Industrial Manufacturers offer all the different delivery types and gravitate to Modular Construction.

Internal Separator Reclaimer Systems

Internal storage designs offer significant operational advantages:

• Eliminates costly pneumatic conveyor components
• Efficient cabinet air exchange without abrasive loss
• Reduced wear component requirements compared to pneumatic modular systems
• Standard hopper geometries providing consistent abrasive supply
• Lower acquisition costs and lifetime maintenance costs
• Modular external pneumatic designs can be costly mistakes when not required

External Separator Reclaimer Systems

Certain applications specifically require external separator technology such as:

• Ultra-fine abrasive handling requires pneumatic conveyance using external separator design
• Advanced abrasive aeration capabilities for consistent flow
• High-efficiency cyclone separators operating at high separator velocities
• Superior recycling rates for fine materials down to 25 microns using high-efficiency cyclones manufactured by Media Blast®
• Compatible with specialized applications typically reserved for wet ultra-fine abrasive containment

The Modular Design Consideration

While modular cabinet designs offer manufacturing flexibility, this approach presents specific trade-offs: 

• Potential floor space requirements double those of integrated systems
• Increased high-wear component exposure with standard abrasive media creates high operating expense when not required
• Higher acquisition costs without corresponding performance benefits for many applications
• Additional maintenance requirements for pneumatic conveyance components, better using Internal Separator Recycling

Selection Criteria for Optimal Performance

A comprehensive delivery model range is essential for matching equipment to application requirements. When evaluating industrial abrasive delivery systems and blasting cabinet solutions, consider: 

• Material characteristics and abrasive size requirements
• Production volume and DDC duty cycle expectations
• Facility infrastructure limitations (power, air supply, floor space)
• Maintenance capabilities and operational economics
• Application-specific requirements that may dictate delivery methodology

To Sum It Up

Industrial blasting cabinet selection should prioritize application-specific requirements over standardized modular configurations. Media Blast® has pioneered comprehensive delivery systems for five decades by offering both WET and DRY technologies using siphon, gravity feed, and direct pressure abrasive delivery. All dry models are available with both internal and external abrasive storage designs. This application-focused approach ensures optimal equipment selection, operational efficiency, smallest machine footprint, and lifetime value. By concentrating on standard cabinet models, designing all cabinet abrasive deliveries include MICRO Industrial, concentrating on new manual cabinet markets, and using the internet sales for marketing, Media Blast® has been able to keep the cost of manufacturing Industrial Blasting Cabinets lower than the competition. 

For additional information about industrial abrasive delivery systems, or to help identify the best machine for your needs, please contact our team.