Power is Everything

In the movie Apollo 13, John Aaron the EECOM Electrical Engineer told Flight Director Gene Kranz that “Power is Everything”.  The Apollo 13 space capsule & Lunar Module needed to power down immediately to save the flight crew.

Well the same can be said for Blast Shop systems.  While not a matter of life or death, sufficient power is the single most important component of an efficient Abrasive Blast Shop – “Power is Everything.”

Without adequate power (i.e, compressed air CFM – Cubic Feet per Minute), Blast shops will consume inordinate amounts of Abrasive (regardless of chosen Abrasive) – and will end up preparing less surface area – in a longer period of time.  In general, Overhead costs rise as the CFM falls below optimum levels – while profits fall.

So what determines the appropriate level of CFM for an Abrasive Blast Operation?  The following parameters help determine optimum CFM (and subsequently the Compressor size and cost):

1. Nozzle Size. For example, a new # 6 Nozzle will require a minimum of around 350 CFM to run  Stepping up to a # 7 Nozzle will require a 900 CFM compressor!  The Air Respirator alone (Class D Fresh Air for the Blaster) requires around 20 CFM.
2. Largest available hose ID’s should be utilized. Smaller ID hoses – either Air Supply or Blast Hoses – will create more friction and more quickly attenuate CFM & psi (pounds per sq.in. air pressure).  In general, one should use the largest ID available for any given Blast Operation – minimum 1” ID Blast Hose (better yet 1-1/2” ID) – and minimum 2” Air Supply Hose.
3. Keep the hose lengths to the minimum given the jobsite logistics. Long runs also reduce CFM and psi – both of which further lower Blast Efficiencies.
4. Minimize connections – to the extent possible, use single hoses without connections.
5. Utilize large connectors whose ID matches the hose ID – less restriction translates to lower CFM & psi loss.
6. Hoses should be set up in straight lines – not zig-zag or coiled!
7. Use the most efficient Valves (size and design) to minimize air loss.

The single largest cost of a Blast Operation is the compressor.  A new diesel-fired compressor in the 375 to 450 CFM range will be in the $40,000 to $50,000 range – so the Blast system design should be focused on efficiently utilizing the CFM capacity available (see 1 thru 7 above).  The compressor cost will typically be 2 to 4 times the cost of all the other equipment needed in the Blast Operation combined – even including the Air Dryers.

In addition, the operation costs of diesel-fired compressors are High!  For example, a 375 CFM compressor will consume around 5 to 6 gallons of diesel fuel per hour.  Therefore, in a single 8 hour shift, fuel costs alone will run around $ 130 per day (assuming $3 per gal for diesel fuel).  900 CFM compressor will consume around 8 to 10 gals per hour – or roughly $ 215 per day.

Rental costs of compressors will run anywhere from $400 per week and up.  Monthly rates can be $1500 to $2500/mo. or more.  In addition, scheduled maintenance is approximately $400 to $500 per month.

Did I mention that diesel compressors do not run reliably in cold weather?

In addition, unscheduled maintenance can be very expensive for diesel compressors (if for example the compressor is breathing in airborne abrasive dust over time).  Total rebuilds are common with heavily used diesel compressors.

Electric compressors are definitely more costly than the same sized diesel compressor – but offer overwhelming advantages in stationary Blast Shops.  Fuel costs savings – even after factoring the added electric costs – will more than make up the difference in purchase price within in the first year.  However, electric compressors’ lack of mobility can be the key factor in choosing one or the other.

So in the design of a Blast Operation, the foremost focus needs to be on the power plant itself – that which generates the CFM.  John Aaron’s declaration to Gene Kranz “Power is Everything” is central to the design of efficient Blast Operations.  Appropriate compressor size will not necessarily save lives, but it will determine successful Blast Operations and sustainable profitability.

If you would like to discuss Blast Systems, please call 314-241-5333 or email [email protected].