Dustless Wet Blasting for Sensitive Environments
When dry blasting generates unacceptable respirable dust — whether due to HSE regulations, contamination risk, or environmental restrictions — wet abrasive systems provide the solution. BLAST APEX vapor and slurry systems inject a controlled water flow into the abrasive stream, suppressing dust at source while maintaining industrial-grade surface preparation quality.
Both systems achieve Sa2.5 (Near-White Metal) surface profile per ISO 8501-1 without the silica exposure and dust migration associated with conventional dry blasting. Water consumption is minimal — typically 2-5 L/min — and slurry systems recover and filter 85% of process water for reuse.
90–95%
Dust Suppression
Sa2.5
Surface Profile
2–5 L/min
Water Usage
85%
Water Recovery (Slurry)
Vapor vs Slurry — Which System?
Vapor Abrasive Blasting
Water mist + abrasive. Best for: refinery tanks, heritage restoration, marine hull in-water, bridge structures, food-processing environments. Simple system, minimal water treatment needed.
Industrial Slurry Blasting
Abrasive + water suspension in pressure vessel. Best for: stainless steel, turbine blades, aerospace, pharmaceutical tanks, nuclear decon. Produces ultra-smooth Ra 0.1-0.8µm finish.
Both systems require blast-resistant PPE for the operator (helmet, gloves, apron) despite reduced dust levels. Residual slurry must be contained and disposed per local environmental regulations.
Wet Abrasive Systems
Vapor Abrasive Blasting System
High-performance wet blasting system that suppresses 92% of dust. Ideal for urban, marine, and spark-safe refinery maintenance.
Best Environments:
Urban/restricted zones, heritage sites, marine in-water, refinery confined spaces, food-processing
Dustless blasting for sensitive environments — no silica migration.
Industrial Slurry Blaster
Precision wet slurry system for ultra-low profile cleaning of stainless steel, turbines, and aerospace metallurgy.
Best For:
SS tanks (food/pharma), turbine blades, aerospace, nuclear heat exchangers, precision optics
Surgical metallurgical cleaning — Ra 0.1–0.8µm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the advantage of vapor abrasive over dry blast?
Vapor abrasive (slurry) blast eliminates 95% of airborne dust by mixing water with abrasive before impact. This enables: operation in occupied buildings, reduced health hazard (less silica inhalation), visibility at the work surface, and better surface finish quality. Profile is 25-50µm — acceptable for most maintenance repaints. Downside: surface must be dry before coating, and rust-preventive measures are needed post-blast.
What water pressure is needed for vapor blast?
Vapor blast systems require 40-80 PSI water pressure at the inlet. Low water pressure (<30 PSI) reduces slurry formation and cleaning efficiency. Use a dedicated water line — never share with other equipment. Water quality should be potable or treated. A 500-1,000 L water tank is recommended for field work where water supply is unreliable.
Can vapor blast be used on rusty steel?
Yes — vapor blast handles light-to-moderate rust effectively. For heavy mill scale or thick rust, dry blast (Sa2.5) is more effective. After vapor blast, the surface must be dry (below 5°C above dew point) and free from soluble salts before coating. Vapor blast on rusted steel: remove loose rust with pressurized water first, then slurry blast to remove tight rust and create profile.