The jet should release the layer, not uncontrollably damage the base material
In cleaning and coating removal, the local jet effect is set so that the contamination or coating to be removed is reliably released. Depending on the material pairing, the same process parameter can merely clean the substrate, roughen it, or already begin removing it. Trials on representative surfaces are therefore an important part of process specification.
Pressure, flow rate, and traverse speed jointly determine area throughput
Operating pressure affects jet velocity; flow rate and the number of orifices affect the available hydraulic power. Stand-off distance, impingement angle, and traverse speed further determine how much energy is delivered per unit area. A higher pressure is therefore not automatically the most economical setting.
Tooling and mechanisation follow area and accessibility
Manual work typically uses guns and lances. Larger or recurring areas can be processed with rotating tools, surface cleaners, or mechanically or remotely guided systems. For stationary parts, an enclosed cleaning cell is also an option.
Released material has to be managed
Water, coating residue, corrosion products, or other contaminants do not simply disappear after the process. Collection, filtration, extraction, sludge treatment, and disposal must be planned according to the actual load of contaminants.
Key data for process specification
- Type and adhesion of the layer to be removed
- Substrate material and its permitted condition
- Area, geometry, and accessibility
- Required area throughput and surface quality
- Manual or mechanised tool guidance
- Handling of process water and removed material