Blast Air Quality - Cold Jet i3 MICROCLEAN Operator's Manual

BLAST AIR QUALITY

The Cold Jet i³ MicroClean works best when the supply air is free of any debris
and has a dew point of -40°F (-40°C).
USING PLANT AIR
(CENTRAL COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM)
Manufacturing plants, with central compressed air systems, should have an after
Cooler and a 2-stage coalescing filter assembly downstream of the receiver tank.
Hot metal pipes are an indication this is needed.
To verify that the plant air system is adequate for the i³ MicroClean the air
compressor needs to produce an air volume 10% greater than the i³ MicroClean's
maximum air volume...in addition to the air volume consumed by normal plant
operation.
To determine adequate air volume, blast while watching the pressure gauge.
• If the gauge drops slowly the compressor is insufficient.
• If the gauge drops quickly there is a restriction or the pipe is too small.
• If the gauge stays steady then the compressor and piping are adequate.
To maintain adequate pressure to the i³ MicroClean:
• From the air compressor to 50 ft (15 m) use a flexible .5 in (12 mm) air hose
(preferably the hose supplied with the machine).
• From the air compressor to beyond 50 ft (15 m) make sure the pipe is .5 in (12
mm) in diameter before attaching the air hose.
If an air drop isn't used much, water and rust will collect in the line. Before
plugging into the air supply, purge the line, to prevent contamination of the i³
MicroClean.
USING PORTABLE AIR
(85 - 500 HP / 64 - 373 KW)
Portable air compressors are mainly used for shop tools, not dry ice blasting units
and are therefore not able to cool or remove air moisture.
An after cooler with a 15°F (-9°C) approach is required to reduce the discharge
air temperature 180°F (82°C) to within 15°F (-9°C) of ambient air temperature.
Without the after cooler, the following will occur:
1. Incoming air moisture will rapidly cool and freeze at the i³MicroClean's feeder.
2. Water ice will accumulate in the feeder, distorting the air flow and seal.
(UP TO 140 PSIG /9 .7BAR)
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