Closed-Circuit" system adopted for localised PMB paint removal from aircraft

Citation

(2003), "Closed-Circuit" system adopted for localised PMB paint removal from aircraft", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 75 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2003.12775dab.006

"Closed-Circuit" system adopted for localised PMB paint removal from aircraft

"Closed-Circuit" system adopted for localised PMB paint removal from aircraft

Keywords: Aircraft, Paints, Blasting

Following development trials at USF Vacu-Blast International's Slough Surface Preparation Centre, the company's "Closed-Circuit" self-contained, mobile abrasive blasting system has been specified by a number of leading aerospace companies for the specialised task of progressively removing multi-layers of paint from localised areas of aircraft structural components, using the technique of plastic media blasting (PMB).

According to USF the use of PMB in conjunction with the Vacu-Blast "Closed Circuit" system has become a recognised method of selectively removing paint from wings, fuselages and structural components, without damaging the aluminium or titanium substrate or underlying surface treatments such as anodising. This precision surface preparation task has been adopted as an integral part of standard inspection procedures of critical surface areas undertaken on many civil and military aircraft during repair and overhaul operations.

PMB enables layers of paint to be progressively removed by a skilled operator and also "blended" where necessary, to provide a smooth surface for subsequent repainting. As well as its use in aerospace, the technique is also said to be ideal for other paint removal situations that require a "delicate" approach (Plate 5).

Because the operating end of the Closed-Circuit blasting process is contained within a specially designed brush-sealed gun, there is claimed to be no health and safety risk to the operator and no escape of blast media into the immediate environment. Nearby operations are said to be unaffected by Closed-Circuit blasting and can carry on as normal.

Plate 5 Plastic media blasting enables layers of paint to be progressively removed by a skilled operator and also "blended" where necessary, to provide a smooth surface for subsequent repainting

Another major advantage claimed of using a Closed-Circuit machine is its mobility, enabling it to be moved easily to any required location within a production or factory area.

With the Closed-Circuit system, the blast gun both delivers the abrasive blast media and recovers it simultaneously by vacuum, together with resultant dust and debris. The machine's mobile power-pack then automatically separates out reusable media and recycles it to the gun.

Degraded media, dust and debris are directed into a dust collector for safe disposal. This integral, continuous re-grading and recycling process ensures a consistent, high quality surface finish and minimises running costs.

USF Vacu-Blast Closed-Circuit machines come in high-throughput pressure-fed and less intensive suction-fed versions, in a range of sizes to suit low and high capacity applications. They can be used with all types of abrasive blast media. Special blast guns are available for processing angular and profiled surfaces, edges and large flat areas of floor or decking. A special phosphor-bronze brush is also offered for cleaning hot welds.

Details available from: USF Vacu-Blast International. Tel: +44 (0)1753 526511; Fax: +44 (0)1753 538093; E-mail: info@vacu-blast.co.uk; Web site: www.surfacepreparation.com