How does Sodablast work?
The sodium bicarbonate used in the blasting process is a larger particle than the baking soda used in the food industry, although it is the same purity. The particles are propelled by compressed air through specialised blasting machines. Sodablast particles remove surface contaminant by the energy released as the particles explode when pressure-driven into contact with the contaminant surface. The resulting energy release disrupts the contaminant surface and blows it away – thus leaving the substrate completely unaffected. Air pressures and hence, Sodablast particle velocity, can be varied from as low as 20 psi (pounds per square inch) on soft bases to 150 psi or more on hard surfaces. The operator sets the air pressure depending on the nature of the substrate and the type of contaminant to be removed.
