Shipyard shot blasting machine

Types of Shipyard Shot Blasting Machines

In the shipyard and other industries, several shipyard shot blasting machines have been designed and made to suit the needs of different industries and applications. Here's a list of some of the most common types:

• Roller conveyor shot blasting machine: This machine is the most commonly used machine in shipyards. It is designed with a conveyor system that helps in conveying the products or workpieces that need to be blasted. The machine works in a way that the workpieces pass through the blasting area, and here, the surface is prepared by the shot material that is propelled by blasting wheels. Usually, the blasting wheels are mounted overhead, at the sides, or on the floor of the blasting chamber. The roller conveyor can be powered or unpowered, depending on the process being carried out.
• Hanger shot blasting machine: This is also a common type of shot blasting machine that is often used in shipyards and other industrial facilities. It is designed to blast the surfaces of workpieces that are suspended or hung from a hanger. The blasting machine has a blast cabinet or chamber where the workpieces are hung for surface preparation. Sometimes, the shots are propelled to the workpieces by a high-powered blasting wheel. The great thing about the hanger shot blasting machine is that it can handle workpieces of different shapes and sizes. Also, it offers an effective and efficient method of surface preparation.
• Suspension rail shot blasting machine: This machine uses a suspension rail conveyor to carry the workpieces through the blasting area. The suspension rail is made with sturdy metal, so it can support heavy workpieces and also maintain precise positioning during the blasting process. The shot material is blasted at high speed to the workpieces by blasting turbines or wheels.
• Drag chain shot blasting machine: This machine is also known as drag chain conveyor. It is use to convey workpieces in an horizontal or inclined manner through the blasting area. The blasting area is where the shot material is blasted to prepare the surface of the workpiece.
• Table shot blasting machine: This machine is a specialized shot blasting machine equipped with a blasted table. The blasted table has the job of holding the workpieces in place while they are blasted. The machine carries out surface preparation for various types of metal and non metal workpieces, including parts with multiple cavities and those with intricate geometries. Also, the blasting process carried out by the table shot blasting machine is usually fully automated, which allows for consistent and uniform surface preparation of all the workpieces.

Specifications & Maintenance

Specifications of the shipyard shot blasting machine vary based on the type and model. Here are some common shipyard shot blasting machine specifications:

• Machine Size and Weight

  The dimensions and weight of the shot blasting machine. For example, the length, width, and height could be 6000X2500X3100mm, and the weight could be 9000kg.

• Blast Wheel

  The number of blast wheels equipped in the machine, which directly influences the intensity and efficiency of the blasting process. It also comes with different power ratings, e.g., 15kW/20kW.

• Control System

  The parameters of the control system may vary depending on the specific functions and requirements of the machine. For example, a machine may have a PLC model of (Programmable Logic Controller) Siemens S7-1200, a touch screen with an s7-1200 4.0\" built-in HMI, a Siemens inverter of 1.5-4Kw, and a Siemens PLC for data storage.

• Dust Removal System

  The capacity and model of the dust removal system. For instance, it may have an 8000m3/h exhaust volume and a Jet Dust Collector model SDF-1450.

• Feeding and Discharging System

  The specification of the feeding and discharging system. For example, the conveyor belt width is 1000mm, the conveying speed is 0.5-1.5m/min, and the conveying capacity is 2-3 tons/h.

• Production Capacity

  The amount of the blasted workpieces per hour, e.g., 2-3 pieces/hour or 3-5 hours/day.

Maintenance

The shipyard shot blasting machine maintenance is essential to ensure good and effective operation. The machine maintenance avoids production interruptions and repairs, thus increasing the service life of the machine. Here are some shipyard shot blasting machine maintenance tips:

• Develop a regular inspection schedule. It is good to define the frequency of inspections based on the machine's usage.
• Use a representative sample from the population to do the inspections. It will help to cut down the time and cost of the inspection.
• Pay close attention to the condition of critical components, such as blast wheels, drive motors, bearings, and separator screens, and inspect the cleaning brushes and belts.
• Ensure proper lubrication of moving parts to reduce component wear and the risk of malfunction.
• Have a maintenance log to document maintenance, repairs, and replacements performed on the machine.

Applications of Shipyard Blasting Machines

Applications of the shipyard blasting machine include the vessel hull, internal tank, structural plate, and pipe, as well as the deck and other parts like barge, tug, ferry, cargo, and shipmaking industry. The use of this machine is increasing as it helps to remove all sorts of rusty layers like algae or oxide and scale from the surface of different kinds of substrates. Not only does this ensure looks, but also excellent adhesion of primers and coatings, thereby increasing the life of the ship.

Its uses are many, from preparing the substrates of steel for painting to descaling metallurgical to non-marine industries ranging from vessel tanks, structural plates, and pipes, blast furnaces, and steel molds, etc., to removing the welding slag, rust, oxides, and loose scale.

This kind of surface preparatory process ensures a better, environmentally friendly, and more functional coating of all kinds of ships, vessels, and barges. Not only does it make them look aesthetically pleasing, but it also protects them from the ravages of nature. Thus, blasting in shipyards is an important preparatory task that lays the foundation of the vessel for years to come by.

How to Choose a shipyard shot blasting machine

When purchasing a shipyard shot blasting machine, it is essential to ensure all aspects are considered. Focus more on the machine's capacity and efficiency when buying it for industrial use. The type of surface that will be treated with the shipyard shot blasting machine should also be considered if the desired results will be achieved.

Consider the surface preparation requirement, and ensure the shipyard shot blasting machine chosen can perform the necessary tasks of removing rust, scale, contaminants, etc. Select an equipment capacity that matches production needs. Assess the volume of items to be blasted, their sizes, and the desired blasting intensity.

The maintenance and operating cost of the shipyard shot blasting machine should also be considered. Some machines may have lower initial costs but higher maintenance. It is better to choose the machine with optimal energy requirements and efficient media recovery systems to minimize consumption and costs.

Consider the machine's ease of use and maintenance to ensure employees can operate it. The shipyard machine chosen should also meet the required safety standards. Choose machines with shields, robust construction housing, and proper dust containment systems.

Since space constraints may be a concern, consider the dimensions and footprint of the shipyard shot blasting machine. Try as much as possible to ensure it will fit in the allocated space. Identify potential suppliers and manufacturers of the shipyard blasting machine, and ensure they have a reputation that offers a secure warranty on the product.

FAQ

Q1: How does the shipyard shot blasting machine work?

A1: The shipyard shot blasting machine works by propelling shots onto the surface of ship components using a high-velocity stream of air. The shots used for shipyard shot blasting machines are usually made of steel, ceramic, or plastic in different sizes and shapes.

Q2: What are the benefits of using shipyard shot blasting machines?

A2: The benefits of shipyard shot blasting machines are surface cleaning, uniform matte finish, preparation for coating or painting, removal of rust and corrosion, descaling, increasing the lifespan of ship parts, and reduction of manual labor.

Q3: Are shipyard shot blasting machines safe to use?

A3: Yes, shipyard shot blasting machines are safe when the following industry standards are observed. Using the right protective equipment( PPE) is also important. Before using the machine, ensure it is functional, and inspect any vital parts that could affect its operation.

Q4: Can shipyard shot blasting machines be used on all materials?

A4: No, shipyard shot blasting machines cannot be used on all materials. They are typically used on metallic materials.