The choice of the suitable blasting nozzle
Choosing the right blasting nozzle is just as important as choosing the right blasting media and has a direct influence on economical working. The Clemco product portfolio includes various types of nozzles, which all fulfill specific purposes.
The following aspects should be considered for choosing the right nozzle:
Nozzle size (Ø): In addition to the area to be blasted, the choice of nozzle size must also be based on the compressed air available. Depending on the available air, the largest possible nozzle should be used, as this achieves the greatest possible area coverage. This is crucial for economical work in terms of personnel costs, blasting media costs, compressor costs and set-up time costs.
However, it should also be taken into account that nozzles wash out over time due to wear and this increases the nozzle diameter. At the same time, more compressed air is required. The user should therefore regularly check the nozzle diameter (e.g. with a drill attachment with the appropriate diameter) and replace the blast nozzle if necessary.
Nozzle length: The length of the blast nozzle is influenced by the type of surface to be cleaned - the degree of contamination and workpiece geometry play an important role - as well as the available space, for example in case of angled constructions. A longer nozzle should be selected for surfaces that are difficult to clean, e.g. heavy or stubborn soiling. The Venturi effect can be achieved by increasing the nozzle length and the blast nozzle can therefore provide more power. The Venturi effect is created by a constriction in the nozzle, which increases the speed of the abrasive-air mixture. Small nozzles can only produce this effect to a limited extent or not at all due to their shorter design. These are better suited for cleaning structures that require spot blasting.
Nozzle material: Clemco blast nozzles are generally made from several different materials to provide a high quality nozzle. We offer nozzles with an aluminum jacket as well as nozzles with a rubber jacket. The question here is where the nozzle will be used. The more robust variant is the one with an aluminum jacket, but the one with a rubber jacket is more impact-resistant, e.g. in the event of frequent falls or bumping in constructions.
However, the most important factor when choosing the right nozzle is definitely the choice of the right nozzle liner. Clemco basically differentiates between three different blast nozzle liners:
- Tungsten carbide: This material is very robust and abrasion-resistant and is also the most impact-resistant. It is therefore particularly suitable for use on construction sites, for example, where the nozzle is subject to additional stress due to frequent impact.
- Silicon carbide: Silicon carbide achieves a good mix of impact resistance and abrasion resistance. This material is more abrasion-resistant than tungsten carbide, but also somewhat more impact-sensitive. Blast nozzles with silicon carbide liners are excellent all-round nozzles for daily use in different locations and with different blasting media.
- Boron carbide: This material is extremely abrasion-resistant and therefore extremely durable. It is therefore particularly suitable for blasting aggressive and/or sharp-edged abrasives such as corundum and garnet as well as for multi-shift operation and daily use. However, it is somewhat more impact-sensitive and therefore suitable for stationary use.
In general, these are only rough guidelines and each user must find the most suitable liner and the right price-performance ratio for his work. Apart from the design of the nozzle, the handling of the nozzle also plays a significant role in the service life and therefore the economic success of the blast operation.
More information
The following information on the subject of sandblasting/abrasive blasting may also be of interest to you: