Rust removal

Why Waterjet Rust Removal Is Superior to Other Methods

Compared with traditional rust removal methods such as dry sandblasting, chemical cleaning, manual grinding, and shot blasting, waterjet rust removal offers comprehensive advantages. Its core strength lies in using water as the primary medium (with little or no abrasive) to achieve efficient, controlled, and environmentally responsible surface preparation.

  1. Environmental Advantages (Most Significant Benefit)

  • Dust-free operation: Eliminates airborne dust and the risk of silicosis associated with traditional sandblasting, fully complying with modern environmental and occupational health regulations.
  • No chemical residues: Uses only water throughout the process, generating no hazardous chemical waste. When combined with vacuum recovery systems, wastewater can be collected, treated, and recycled.
  • Low noise and low vibration: Compared with mechanical rust removal, waterjetting creates a more worker-friendly environment and minimizes disturbance to surrounding areas.

  1. Outstanding Safety Performance

  • Spark-free process: Ideal for flammable and explosive environments such as oil and gas facilities and coal mines, completely eliminating fire and explosion risks.
  • Non-contact operation: Rust layers are removed by high-pressure water jets, reducing direct worker exposure to hazardous surfaces and operating zones.
  • Zero damage to base material: Precisely controlled pressures (typically 150–400 MPa) remove only corrosion layers without damaging the metal substrate, preventing deformation, fatigue, or loss of structural integrity.

  1. Superior Cleaning Quality and Efficiency

  • High cleanliness levels: Achieves surface preparation grades of Sa 2.5 to Sa 3 (“white metal” standard), thoroughly removing rust, salts, mill scale, and old coatings.
  • Excellent surface profile: Produces a uniform surface roughness that significantly improves coating adhesion and extends corrosion protection service life.
  • High productivity: Robotic waterjet systems can reach 50–100 m² per hour, approximately 10–12 times faster than manual methods, dramatically shortening project timelines.
  • Clean-and-dry process: Integrated vacuum recovery systems remove wastewater instantly, minimizing flash rust and reducing the need for additional drying steps.

  1. Cost Efficiency and Sustainability

  • Low operating costs: Water is the primary consumable, eliminating the need for expensive abrasives or chemical agents.
  • Extended asset life: Minimal impact on the substrate reduces maintenance frequency and replacement costs.
  • Resource recycling: Treated wastewater can be reused, aligning with green manufacturing and sustainability objectives.

  1. Flexibility and Adaptability

  • Adjustable pressure control: Pressure can be precisely matched to corrosion severity—light (<0.1 mm), medium (0.1–0.3 mm), or heavy (>0.3 mm).
  • Multiple nozzle options: Rotary nozzles, fan nozzles, and specialized tools adapt to complex geometries and diverse surface conditions.
  • Remote and automated operation: Robotic and automated systems enable safe operation in hazardous or confined environments while maximizing personnel safety.

Contact us