Soda Blasting Media

What is 'soda blasting'?

Soda blasting is an environmentally friendlier way of removing paint, dirt, coatings and other surface contaminants that does not cause damage to the surfaces being cleaned. The action of the sodium bicarbonate used does not cause heat build-up, sparks, or abrasion to substrata. Sodium bicarbonate is also water soluble and in most cases it can be disposed of through conventional drainage systems. The only material that needs to be disposed of is the contaminant removed which can be separated by dissolving the blast media in water and the use of a filter or centrifuge to separate the contaminant from the solution.
Soda Specs

How Soda Blasting works and It's Advantages?

The sodium bicarbonate used in the blasting process is a larger particle than the baking soda used in the food industry, although it has the same purity. The particles are propelled by compressed air through specialized blasting machines. Air pressures can be varied from as low as 20 psi on soft bases to 120 psi or more on hard surfaces. Water can be used as either a dust suppresser or the propellant for some decontamination and depainting. Unlike abrasive blast media, sodium bicarbonate particles remove contaminants by the energy released when the particles explode as they contact the surface to be cleaned.

This non-abrasive action allows it to be used on surfaces that currently popular abrasive media would damage i.e.: aluminum, stainless steel, brick, stone, glass, fibreglass, wood, plastic, seals, bearings, radiator cores, hydraulic cylinders and in some cases shutdown of electric motors and pumps is not necessary. Since there is no heat build-up warpage is eliminated and its non-flammable properties allow sodium bicarbonate to be used for cleaning in the petroleum industry where other methods could not be used. Sodium bicarbonate breaks down hydrocarbons which makes it an excellent method of cleaning engines and engine parts or other areas where oil and grease are present. Another major advantage is the fact sodium bicarbonate does not break the surface tension of metals, thus the problem of flash rusting is eliminated.

Clean up and Contamination Disposal

Sodium bicarbonate has a pH of 8.4 and can be disposed of in most waste water treatment systems. Disposal regulations should always be followed as this will vary depending on the contaminant being removed. Paint chips and other material removed that are not water soluble, can be separated by dissolving the spent media and using a filtration system. Normally only the hazardous material removed needs to be disposed of in special areas. Sodium bicarbonate can be neutralized by either a vinegar/water solution or just water dilution.

Disadvantages

Like every thing else sodium bicarbonate has some disadvantages. Dry blasting creates dust that may have to be contained. Other than the material being removed, this dust is not hazardous as sodium bicarbonate is not toxic. When blasting in an area where vegetation is growing, sodium bicarbonate must be neutralized, usually with water dilution or a mild vinegar/water solution, as it can raise the alkalinity of the soil. The fact that it breaks down hydrocarbons means that extreme care must be taken when used on or near asphalt. Sodium bicarbonate will leave a residue and thorough rinsing must be done to ensure a clean surface is left.