Abrasive & Shot Blast Dust Collection

Abrasive blasting includes shot blasting, sandblasting, and other processes that require dust collection. Abrasive blasting dust collection may be needed to collect the blasting material. It may also need to collect dust and debris that is blasted off the items being abraded.

Surfaces may be treated with abrasive blasting to clean them, remove extra material, prepare them for paint application, or create a desired texture. Because the material used in this process can be damaging to equipment, abrasive blasting dust collection requires special design.

Materials that may be used for abrasive blasting include:

  • Sand (silica)
  • Metal shot
  • Garnet
  • Glass beads
  • Plastic bead media
  • Baking soda
  • Ground walnut shell or corn cob
  • Ice
  • Dry ice (carbon dioxide)
  • Steel grit
  • Coal slag

Workers are exposed to harmful materials from the blasting media and the material being blasted. Not all systems are designed for abrasive and shot blasting dust collection. Dust control systems that are not designed for this application can be damaged by the abrasive material.

CMAXX dust and fume collection systems designed for abrasive and shot blasting have special features. An abrasive resistant inlet prevents incoming blasting material from causing damage as it enters. Other features include an optional rubber lining to prevent abrasion of the metal inside the dust collector. CMAXX cartridge collectors are recommended by several major manufacturers of blasting equipment.

Possible Equipment

Depending on the abrasive or shot blasting process, either the blasting media or the dust produced might be combustible. Dust testing can be performed if necessary to determine the fire and explosion risk. The process may also produce dust that could be harmful to workers’ health.

Because blasting applications are unique, abrasive blasting dust collection systems need to be adaptable. The CMAXX dust and fume collector can be designed for each facility’s particular needs and the materials used in the process.