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Frequently Asked Questions

Dry blasting is a surface treatment process that uses compressed air to propel abrasive media at high velocity to clean, prepare, or finish a surface. Unlike wet blasting, it does not use water, which makes it ideal for working with materials that cannot get wet. This technique is used for aggressive surface cleaning, rust removal, and etching. Dry blasting is also known as dry abrasive blasting, sandblasting, grit blasting and abrasive blasting.
Wet abrasive blasting is a surface cleaning and preparation technique that uses a slurry of water and abrasive media, propelled by compressed air, to treat a surface. It is a gentler, cleaner, more precise, and safer alternative to traditional dry sandblasting, as the water suppresses airborne dust and reduces friction. This makes it a popular choice for both industrial and delicate restoration projects. Wet blasting is also known as wet abrasive blasting, slurry blasting, liquid honing and vapour blasting.
The Quill Falcon Cyclone is a wet abrasive blasting system which combines water, abrasive media and compressed air in a unique patented method that prevents any sparks being created and ensures the best, most efficient use of the air, water and blast media possible. The Quill Falcon Cyclone allows operatives to increase or decrease the amount of water, abrasive media and compressed air which gives greater control and precision over the entire blast process. Unlike standard wet abrasive blasting, the patented Quill Falcon System rapidly removes coatings, corrosion and residues leaving surfaces profiled, contaminant free and cleaned to SA 2 ½ , HB 2 ½, SB 2 ½, NACE VIS 9, WAB 6/10 in seconds thereby allowing future applied coatings to stick better for longer.
  1. Blast media coated in a water jacket by surface tension, increases speed and mass, enhancing the force of impact upon the blast surface. Water presence lubricates and eliminates hose and nozzle wear.
  2. Blast media hits the surface, the water jacket continues moving but continues to hold on to the blast media due to the surface tension. The water jacket hits the surface and prevents any grit bounce.
  3. The water jacket snaps round the blast media into the crack under the blast surface and hydrostatically blasts a larger amount of surface coating away.
  4. End result is a profiled surface, feathered edges and the most efficient use of the least amount of blast media and water.
  • Produces a clean, profiled and contaminant free surface finish
  • Prevents abrasive embedment in blasted surfaces
  • Eliminates airborne dust
  • Prevents sparking making it safer for use in environments with flammable materials
  • Profiles and cleans surfaces to SA 2½ , HB 2½, SB 2½, NACE VIS 9, WAB 6/10 meaning newly applied coatings stick better for longer
  • Uses a fraction of the blast media compared to dry blasting 
  • Removes soluble salts and chlorides
  • Feathers edges for quality repairs
  • Up to 21dB less noise and less gingering than with a dry blaster
  • Ex-rated, Zone 1 approved, Baseefa accredited, TuV, ATEX and NORSOK compliant

All conventional blast media can be used from baking soda, copper slag and olivine to walnut shell, glass and garnet. There are only two types of blast media you cannot use in a Quill Falcon Cyclone:

  • Any blast media containing steel or ferrous material
  • Blast media which is all the same size. We recommend a mix of grit particle size from 0.2 – 1.6mm

This varies due to a number of factors including type and thickness of surface coating to be removed, type of blast media employed, nozzle type used, dosing dial setting, quality of compressor and operatives’ experience. To give an estimate however, the Quill Falcon Cyclone can typically blast between 9 to 20m² per hour. This figure can, however, rise to 40m² per hour or fall as low as 1m² per hour, depending on the variables mentioned above.

The use of water can cause steel surfaces to rust quickly after blasting. Flash rust preventing solutions (such as HoldTight 102) can be auto dosed through the Quill Falcon Cyclone during the blast process. Alternatively, the Quill Falcon has the capability to allow operatives to blast, wash and then air dry the surface providing the optimum clean, contaminant free and profiled surface for new coatings to be applied.

A hard helmet, ear protection, including ear plugs and ear defenders, full face visor, work overalls, leather industrial work gloves, toe protected boots and a respiration mask, or, for confined spaces and toxic coating removal, full breathing apparatus must be employed before operating the Quill Falcon Cyclone System. An HSE risk assessment that adheres to Government legislation must be completed before using the Quill Falcon Cyclone.

Your choice will depend on the type and size of job(s) you want to tackle. From small projects to huge industrial scale work we have a range of systems built to accommodate customer’s requirements. From single freestanding blast pots to self-contained trailer mounts to complete systems for customers who need combined blasting equipment and air-fed breathing apparatus in a single, space-saving unit. Please visit our products page for more information or to discuss your project requirements please call us on +44 (0) 1332 864664 or email us at sales@quillinternational.com