Waterjet cleaning
How does water jet stripping, or waterjet coating removal, work?
Can the water jet stripping process remove HVOF applied coatings?
Can the waterjet cleaning process be used to just remove the top coat of a thermal spray coating?
Can you mask a part during waterjet removal?
Can you strip coatings off an aluminum part?
What is an intensifier pump vs. a positive displacement (PD) pump?
How often do you need to replace pump seals?
How much pressure and flow are required for water jet cleaning?
How does water jet stripping, or waterjet coating removal, work?
Water jet stripping works by two different mechanisms. If a hard coating is being removed, then the water jet stream erodes the coating from the substrate. If it is a soft coating, then the waterjet stream pierces the coating, hits the harder substrate and spalls off the coating.
Can the water jet stripping process remove HVOF applied coatings?
The ultra high pressure water jet process can be used to remove HVOF coatings. It is difficult, but can be removed. Newer water jet stripping processes are being developed that utilize abrasive media, or higher water pressure, or pulsed waterjets to more effectively remove these hard coatings.
Can the waterjet cleaning process be used to just remove the top coat of a thermal spray coating?
Yes, the process parameters as well as the nozzle and part manipulators can be controlled to remove just the top thermal spray coating leaving the bond coat intact.
Can you mask a part during waterjet removal?
Yes, some applications require the removal of coatings in close proximity to other coatings or surfaces that need to be protected. In these circumstances, a hard masking material (usually carbide or stainless steel) can be utilized to mask the area needing protection.
How long does a fan jet last?
The life of any waterjet nozzle is very dependant on the operating pressure as well as the water quality. Typically fan jet nozzles will last between 100 and 200 hrs.
Can you strip coatings off an aluminum part?
Absolutely, with control of the process parameters as well as the part and nozzle manipulation, coatings can be easily removed from aluminum substrate.
What is an intensifier pump vs. a positive displacement (PD) pump?
There are two different pump technologies used in water jet cleaning. The most popular due to it's higher pressure capability (up to 60,000 psi) is an intensifier pump. The theory of operation is an electric motor which drives a hydraulic pump creating oil pressure which drives the intensifier cylinders. The other pump type is positive displacement (PD). These pumps typically operate at lower pressures but have much higher water flow rates. These pumps work by an electric or diesel motor directly coupled to the reciprocating water pump pistons.
How often do you need to replace pump seals?
Pump seal life is directly related to the water quality as well as the operating pressure. Typical conditions result seal life of 300 to 500 hrs.
How much pressure and flow are required for water jet cleaning?
The water pressure and flow rate used in water jet stripping depends on the coating being removed as well as the base part material. Typically pressures from 20,000 psi to 55,000 psi with flows of 2gpm to 4gpm are used.
Do you offer portable units?
No, Progressive Surface does not offer portable waterjet cleaning systems. All of our systems have automatic nozzle and part movement and high levels of process control for key process parameters.
