When to replace the blasting nozzles?
14.11.2017
The efficiency of the blasting operation is directly influenced by the depreciation’s level of the nozzles you use. It is a common misconception that if you overuse the nozzles you will save financial resources. In fact, the price of this element is so low in comparison with the overall cost of the operation and how you use it will influence the final results of the application.
In principle, the nozzles get write off in the first 4 hours of activity.
How do the blasting nozzles work?
The air and the abrasive are pushed through the nozzle where they get compacted. The propulsion speed gets faster when getting them out through the exit orifice.
From the exit orifice the air and the abrasive enter the venturi area. While the air approaches its exit, the speed with which it is pushed out increases.
As long as the air speed becomes faster, the speed with which the abrasive is also moved increases as well.
As a consequence, if a nozzle is overused, the abrasive will never get pushed out through it at an optimum speed and the productivity of the operation will decrease. Replacing the nozzle at the right moment increases the propulsion speed twice in comparison with the situation in which you continue to use the old one.
The depreciation level can be measured simply using the appropriate equipment. This will allow you to know exactly when to replace the nozzle without affecting the final results of the blasting operation. It is recommended to weekly check this, but of course this will depend on the production plan you might have in mind. As a general rule, a nozzle is to be replaced when the level of depreciation is half of the optimum one.
