Corrosion is a problem everywhere, not just in open, easy to reach places. Sometimes other variables come into play and affect contractors and facility owners ability to remove corrosion and prep surfaces for new coatings.
YES, Sponge Blasting can be done in flammable environments.
There are several resources including tests by Shell Research Ltd and references from API that indicate that blasting can be done within flammable environments. Sponge-Jet is not an expert in this field; blasting in any inflammable environment should be discussed with and monitored by your safety professional(s) so work can be performed safely. It is our understanding that the sparks generated by the abrasive hitting the surface is not a significant concern but the static spark generation caused by flowing air is a great concern and must be managed along with other risks or ignition whenever you have workers or other processes in a location.
Sponge-Jet has been used for years with our standard equipment inside potentially flammable applications. We do manufacture ATEX equipment that has additional grounding capabilities to further improve safety for these applications.
Sponge-Jet’s 170-EX Feed Unit conforms to ATEX Directive 94/9/EC for work in Zone 2 and 22 environments, by meeting ATEX Equipment Category 3. ATEX Zone 2 is defined as “A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor or mist is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only.”
The 170-EX includes all of the features from Sponge-Jet’s most popular sponge blasting unit, the 170-SJ, but with several new and improved safety features and component upgrades. Some of which include several ATEX-certified components like extreme-environment grounding cables, non-sparking couplings, and a stainless steel frame. The Sponge-Jet 170-EX unit is a portable, efficient, and powerful alternative to wet blasting or bristle blasting in ATEX environments.