Hydroblasting is a technique for cleaning internal and external surfaces, which relies entirely on the sheer force of water from a pressurized source to achieve the desired cleaning effect on the intended surface. Abrasives, toxic and potentially harmful chemicals are not used in hydroblasting systems.

A highly pressurized and focused stream of water, generally above 10,000 psi, comes from a hydro blasting machine, which includes a pressure pump and the right nozzles. This cleaning method may also require enclosures to protect the adjacent areas or structures from unwanted water spray as well as a collector or catcher of the blasted-off waste or contamination.

Hydroblasting is also called “water blasting”. It is being used in a growing number of applications previously dominated by abrasive blasting techniques.

Hydroblasting or water blasting can effectively remove a wide variety of tough dirt in difficult-to-reach points or locations in a safe and efficient manner. In fact, the results are comparable to those of cleaning techniques that use abrasives and cleaning agents, but without the dust and other health hazards, which allows the workers to focus on their daily tasks in a health-friendly workplace environment.

Hydroblasting operations are commonly categorized as high-pressure and ultra-high pressure hydroblasting based on the following operating pressures:

  • High-pressure hydroblasting – pressures from 690 bar (10,000 psi) to 1,700 bar (25,000 psi)
  • Ultra high-pressure hydroblasting – pressures of more than 1,700 bar (25,000 psi)

Warning: It is important that hydroblasting is done correctly. The very high-pressure water stream can injure a person or animal that it hits. Also, there are coatings, residues and other dirt buildups that will be resistant to hydroblasting.

In addition to its effectiveness as an industrial, commercial and domestic cleaning method, hydroblasting offers the following advantages:

  • The water stream can be focused even on small areas so that it can selectively remove coatings without damaging the nearby surfaces.
  • Water is the least corrosive and harmful compared to other cleaning agents.
  • After blasting, there is less clean-up work because water will just flow or dry up; there is no risk of clogging the blasting machine and other equipment.