Wet Shot Blasting for Roads
Digital Edition Editorial Extra
With two linked vehicles combining for a total working unit of just over 118 feet, the Macrotex shotblasting plant pioneers the use of “wet” steel shot over traditional “dry” shot blasting methods.
‘Wet’ Steel Shot Blasting for Road Surface Retexturing
he Dutch retexturing plant specialist, bv Klaruw Tilburg, has developed a prototype machine for “wet application” shot blasting believed to be the first of its kind for use on roads and other pavements. The Macrotex (MAT) shot-blasting plant is designed to improve the surface macro-texture and microtexture of highways, airport runways and racetracks to safe levels.*
Once Klaruw has completed sufficient testing and necessary modifications to the prototype on as many different surface materials as possible, the company will then submit the machine for certification to EU norms and offer the process on a contract service basis. Klaruw executives hope this will happen by the end of the year. The machine will be available in Europe first, but global sales and rentals are planned to respond to demand. Company executive are also considering an American sales plan. Fully computer-controlled, the machine offers advantages in process control, treatment flexibility and rate of coverage over conventional shot blasting plant. Most significantly, it pioneers the use of “wet” steel shot, allowing retexturing to be carried out in wet weather, even in heavy rain, unlike traditional “dry” shot blasting methods.
25a August 2010 Better Roads