ABRASIVE SELECTION
The kind of sand you choose will greatly influence the amount of time needed to clean a
given surface area. Sandblasting materials include silicon carbide, alumina, silica sand,
bank sand and beach sand. However, bank sand and beach sand even if washed, will still
contain shell, coral and organic materials. These absorb moisture much more readily than
the other material. As a result, the moisture in bank sand and beach sands frequently
causes plugging of the sand meter valve.
If you select to reuse sand, remember it does wear out. The sharp edges become rounder
and are less effective. It’s at that point you should replace the batch of sand that you are
using.
LOADING ABRASIVES
1. Check abrasive to be sure it’s dry and won’t clog the meter valve (#18), sand outlet pipe
(#19), sand hose (#25) or other components.
2. Put on protective clothing.
3. Turn the air supply valve (#14) to the off (horizontal) position.
4. Watch the pressure gauge (#05) and make sure it reads zero.
5. Be sure to get enough abrasive into the tank to do the job at hand. But if this is a big job,
only fill the tank 3/4 full and reload as needed to finish the work.
Tips: If the humidity is 90-100%, the water trap (#12) won’t be able to trap all of the
moisture in a 3/4 filled tank. You’d be better to reduce the amount of abrasive, load more
frequently and empty the water trap more often. This will reduce the possibility of
clogging the bottom of the tank or the line.
6. With the correct amount of abrasive in the tank, close the gasket (#01) then open the air
supply valve (#14).
7. Check for air leaks at the filer cap as you begin to pressurize the tank from the
compressor.
