Pressure Blasters & Media Storage Hopper

Storage Hopper

In most installations, we are able to fit a storage hopper between the media separator and the blast pot to provide long hours of blasting autonomy. Storage hoppers are available in 6.4, 10, 30, 50, and 100 cu. ft., according to the abrasive media recovery system configuration and desired sandblasting autonomy. Blasting facilities can be designed to allow up to four (4) operators to blast simultaneously.

Overfilling Protection

Our media storage hoppers can be equipped with an optional high-level sensor to prevent overfilling during the abrasive media recycling process.

In addition, all Kresco abrasive media recovery systems are controlled by an automated sequence that ensures smooth operation and protects the system from overloading.

Mechanical Recovery Systems

Mechanical recovery systems feature a high-level sensor in the bucket elevator to detect when the storage hopper reaches its maximum capacity. When the hopper is full, the bucket elevator automatically stops, and the screw conveyor immediately stops feeding abrasive media into the elevator, preventing system overload.

Pneumatic and Hybrid Recovery Systems

Pneumatic and hybrid recovery systems use the same protection principle. When the storage hopper reaches its maximum capacity, the PARS2000 automatically stops conveying abrasive media from the recovery pit. Once sufficient capacity becomes available in the storage hopper, the system automatically resumes normal operation.

What Size of Media Storage Should I Use?

A full-floor recovery system only requires a 6.4 cu. ft. storage hopper to run uninterrupted blasting operations. This system continuously collects abrasive media after contact with the workpiece and unceasingly feeds the recovery system. Therefore, by the time the 6.4 cu. ft. blast pot runs empty, the 6.4 cu. ft. storage hopper is full and ready to refill the pot. Not only does the full-floor recovery system maximize the blaster’s productivity and reduce the effort by eliminating the need to load the floor hopper manually, it also allows for a more compact system and a significantly reduced amount of circulating abrasive media into the system – usually, 2.5 times the blast pot, so approximately 16 cu. ft. of media. On the other hand, partial floor coverage requires a much bigger storage hopper since that the operator must shovel residual abrasive media down the hopper to feed the recovery system, and eventually the storage hopper. Therefore, the size of the storage hopper must be oversized to at least 10-to-30 cubic feet if the operator wants to refill the blast pot without cleaning the floor each time it runs empty. A mechanical loading recovery system has the advantage of using a powerful mechanical loader to clean the floor. Then, the amount of residual abrasive media left on the floor is not a concern as it is with traditional systems where the operator must manually shovel the blast media into the hoppers. However, to ensure uninterrupted blasting operations, the storage hopper must be able to hold enough abrasive media to last a day or two. So, a very large 50-to-100 cubic feet storage hopper is advised in this system. Oversizing the storage hopper results in elevating the bucket elevator accordingly and feeding the system with more abrasive media. On the other hand, it allows the operator to clean the booth floor less frequently. In summary, the desired size of the storage hopper – in other words, the number of refilling cycles desired without the need to clean the floor – sets the minimum ceiling clearance for the bucket elevator, which is the highest component of the mechanical recovery system, as well as the required quantity of media in circulation.

Presurized Sandblaster Unit

Kresco offers a wide range of Pressure Blast Pots for new and existing blast booth installations. Available with tank capacities ranging from 3.5 cu. ft. to 10 cu. ft., they can accommodate one or two operators at the same time.

Pressure Hold or Pressure Release System for Pressure Blast Pots?

In the field, most pressure blasters are Pressure Hold System to increase the blaster’s productivity by maintaining the pressure inside the blast pot when the Deadman control is released. Otherwise, each time the remote control is released and re-engaged, it would take the system 10-15 seconds to build back its pressure for producing an effective blast media stream. This results in downtimes, loss of productivity, and inefficient compressed air consumption. On the other hand, the blast pot has a certain blasting autonomy and must release its pressure in order to let the plunger fall down and refill the tank with abrasive media. In the Pressure Release System, that occurs every time the Deadman control is released. But really how frequent do you need to refill the pot during a job?

So, Which System Is Better For A Sandblast Room?

The answer is BOTH! The Double Control System has all the advantages of both systems. It maintains the pressure when the Deadman control is released to facilitate frequent start/stop operations, but allows the operator to release the pressure and refill the pot from a switch located inside the sandblasting booth, without the need to remove safety equipment and reach the depressurization valve manually on the blasting machine. For more information on the different pressurizartion control systems available for a blast pot and their advantages, visit: Choosing The Right Pressurized Sandblaster Control System?