Demonstration Testing of Plastic Media Blasting (PMB) at LetterKenny Army Depot.
Abstract
The U.S. Army has recognized the potential of plastic media blasting (PMB) as an innovative waste minimization alternative to conventional paint removal techniques. However, little information was available on the use, effectiveness and potential cost savings of PMB for the various types of materiel processed through the U.S. Army Depot System Command (DESCOM). Consequently, the following demonstration test program was performed at Letterkenny Army Depot (LEAD) under production-scale conditions to evaluate PMB and determine it's suitability for use in DESCOM. Fifty-five tests were performed in a blast cabinet to evaluate several commercially available plastic medias, as well as walnut shells and glass beads, and to determine the optimum operational blast parameters for PMB. Seventy tests were performed in a full- scale blast room, which was specifically purchased for this test program, to evaluate plastic media, walnut shells and a combination 80% plastic media/20% glass beads under production scale conditions. PMB was also tested on Chemical Agent Resistant Coatings (CARC). PMB effectively removed conventional paint coatings on all shapes, sizes and materials of construction tested. Keywords: Abrasive blasting, Chemical stripping, Hazardous waste minimization.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 10, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA206203
Entities
People
- Armand A. Balasco
- C. C. Scholl
- C. G. D'agincourt
- R. S. Lindstrom
Organizations
- Arthur D. Little