Media blast paint removal system
OwnerLawrence S. Carrinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method is described for blast cleaning paint and other adhesive coatings from composite surfaces formed of a reinforced matrix material. A special soft media is used at a relatively low pressure to prevent damage to the soft composite material. The preferred method calls for the use of a media having a Mohs scale hardness number of 3.0 or less. The media is pressurized to approximately 40 p.s.i. and directed at the composite surface to be cleaned. A method of optimizing the cleaning action is also described.
Claims13
A method of removing paint from the surface of composite structural material which is formed of bonded layers of a fiber reinforced matrix, in which the matrix is a type of material selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyurethane and epoxy and the reinforcing fibers are strands selected from the group consisting of glass, graphite and Kevlar, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a granular plastic media consisting of particles of plastic material having a Mohs scale hardness number in the range of 2.5 to 3.5, accelerating said media using media propelling means to produce a substantially continuous media flow for blast cleaning paint from a target composite surface without damaging the underlying composite surface, including producing said substantially continuous media flow at a pressure of 40 pounds per square inch or less at a media outlet, and directing said media flow at the target composite surface whereby paint is removed by the action of said media flow.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.