Ventus 92S" easily upgraded

Citation

(2000), "Ventus 92S" easily upgraded", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 47 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2000.12847fad.010

"Ventus 92S" easily upgraded

"Ventus 92S" easily upgraded

Keywords USF Vacu-Blast, Blasting, Cleaning, Surface preparation

USF Vacu-Blast International reports that its versatile "Ventus® 92S" mid-range suction-fed cabinet blasting machine (Plate 6) can now be readily upgraded to a more powerful pressure-fed unit, using a special add-on conversion kit. The realistically priced kit can be fitted and removed in line with varying production requirements.

Plate 6 The Ventus 92S cabinet blasting machine

The conversion kit is said to enable the machine to be used for the higher through-put surface preparation and cleaning tasks, such as derusting and descaling, that need the more powerful pressure-fed abrasive action, as well as for applications like mould cleaning and surface texturing, which are best suited to the gentler suction-fed system.

In the smaller production or subcontract facility, in particular, using the kit will eliminate the need and expense of installing separate blasting cabinets with different operating systems for different applications.

The Ventus 92 blasting cabinet provides a 920mm x 800mm x 800mm high blast enclosure and is quality-engineered to the high standards synonymous with the traditional Vacu-Blast® name, to ensure reliability in production situations and a low long-term cost of ownership.

Design features include a full-width, gauze-protected viewing window, high internal illumination to maximise visibility, easily accessible blast pressure adjustment, heavy-duty full length operator gauntlets, and an integral blow-off gun to air wash components in the enclosure. All types of blast media can reportedly be used in the machine.

The in-cycle media recovery system automatically returns reusable blast media to the blast nozzle during operation of the machine, and directs degraded media, dust and debris to a dust collector. The latter is stated to be of a COSHH-compliant reverse-jet design, with a quick-release filter cartridge.

The large 640mm x 740mm access door has been designed to eliminate dust spillage and is safety-interlocked. The blast enclosure features a raised workplate which avoids potential damage to the door seal when loading and unloading the machine.

A range of standard Ventus suction- and pressure-fed cabinet blasting machines is available from USF Vacu-Blast, with enclosure sizes up to 2,000mm x 2,000mm x 2,000mm.

It is also reported that USF Abrasive Developments, part of the USF Surface Preparation Group, has launched a brand new stainless steel high performance wet blast machine – the "Vaqua® 92" – designed for optimum durability and process dependability in demanding manufacturing and maintenance situations.

The Vaqua 92 (Plate 7) is the first model in a new range of standard stainless steel wet blast machines to be introduced by the company over the next year, produced on a modular basis to streamline manufacture and reduce lead times.

Plate 7 The Vaqua 92

Said to be suitable for a wide variety of component cleaning, degreasing, surface preparation and finishing applications, the Vaqua 92 has a generous 890mm x 900mm x 730mm high processing enclosure and utilises a single process gun which can be hand-held or bracket-mounted. An integral 50kg capacity turntable assists component handling and orientation. The cabinet is manufactured in heavy-duty grade 304 stainless steel and all other internal parts are of non-ferrous materials. As well as increasing operating life, this is thought to help minimise the risk of component contamination and maintain the highest standards of cleanliness.

A new feature of the Vaqua 92 is a high efficiency submersible pump of a quick-release design to facilitate maintenance. The pump is said to eliminate the need to drain the machine of media during pump maintenance or replacement, thus saving downtime.

A wide toughened-glass safety window with a water spray and wiper, plus high level halogen internal lighting, ensures excellent operator visibility. Pump and process gun operation is by foot pedal, leaving the operator's hands free for manipulating the gun and component within the process enclosure. Access to the enclosure is via a safety interlocked right-hand door.

The Vaqua 92 can reportedly be used with a wide range of abrasives, glass beads or soft-blast media. Optional extras include a closed-loop media recirculation system to control effluent discharge, and a sump heater for applications where high temperature control is required.

Further details are available from USF Vacu-Blast International or USF Abrasive Developments. Tel: +44 (0)1753 526511; Fax: +44 (0)1753 538093; E-mail: info@vacu-blast.co.uk