Low Cost Wet Abrasive Blast Process for Lead Paint Removal
Abstract
TRIDENT Refit Facility (TRF) has worked closely with vendors and local regulators to develop a wet abrasive blast paint removal process. This work was initiated when dry abrasive blast operations in their drydock were shut down due to the associated air emission requirements. This action directly affected the command's ability to accomplish its fundamental mission to refit ballistic missile submarines. TRF identified two vendors to help resolve the problem. The first vendor had developed a new system for wet abrasive blast. Introduced in the European market in 1984, the TORBO blast system was brought to the United States in 1992 when it was presented at a national conference of the Steel Structures Painting Council. It is used by Departments of Transportation in many states in the process of preserving bridges. The second vendor had developed an abrasive additive, Blastox, which reacts with the lead paint chips to create a waste product that can be designated as nonhazardous. The wet abrasive blast process developed was first used on the USS MICHIGAN (SSBN 727) hull. It is now routinely used whenever exterior hull paint removal is required. The most important outcome of this process development is that it will permit TRF to pursue work packages involving hull paint removal into the indefinite future.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADP017700
Entities
People
- Kent W. Kettell
- Phillip K. Parson
- William D. Kenagy