Flash rust is a risk with water blasting. What is it?
Water blasting, otherwise known as industrial power washing, is a popular and effective way to remove all kinds of contaminants from metal, concrete, and other surfaces. When it comes to cleaning metal surfaces on a commercial or industrial scale, the cleaning method can actually lead to more damage if one is not careful, namely in the form of flash rust. What is flash rust, and is it preventable?
What Is Flash Rust?
Flash rust is the formation of an even layer of rust on metal within minutes or hours of cleaning it. In a flash, this thin rust layer can form as if by magic on the newly-cleaned surface, requiring even further treatment to remediate.
What Causes Flash Rust?
There are three factors that influence the likelihood of flash rust forming.
One is the quality of the water used for water blasting. Water that contains chloride, salt, or other chemicals is more likely to corrode the metal surface. It is best to use water that is as pure as possible for the job.
Another factor is the cleanliness of the metal. Salt and bits of existing rust on the metal will only damage it further when met with water blasting.
The third factor is the humidity level. Even if the area is dry, high humidity can also affect the job. A professional in this industry, such as Jet Blast Inc., will be able to avoid working in unfavorable conditions.
Dry Blasting Can Also Cause Rust
You might think that metal, water, and rust just go together, but the truth is that dry abrasive blasting can also cause rust. Instead of producing flash rust, it can produce a variant called rust bloom. There is a potential for flash rust or rust bloom if you are located in an area with high humidity or salty air. Dry blasting and the metal surface can already have contaminants that only exacerbate the problem.
Water Blasting and Preventing Flash Rust
Water blasting leaves metal surfaces free from rust, dirt, and stains better than dry blasting does. If the team manages the factors that lead to flash rust, then flash rust preventive chemicals are not even necessary.
Contact Jet Blast Inc. Today!
Jet Blast® Industrial Services strives every day in an effort to provide our customers with the best service and equipment possible. Providing a safe and stable workplace has allowed us to keep a team of quality people, with most having a tenure of 15 – 25 years with Jet Blast®. With all that experience under one roof, we have been able to provide reliable 24-hour service since 1979. I believe this helps to set us apart from the competition.
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