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supplied air from an air compressor which will then supply air to the blast nozzle. The abrasive blast
stream through the blast nozzle is used for removing rust, paint, or other unwanted surface defects. After
abrasive blasting, the surface is ready for new paint or coating.
The AirPrep System is one of a group of components used in an abrasive blasting job. The typical
components are an air compressor, moisture removal device, an abrasive blaster, blast hose, a blast
nozzle, operator personal protective equipment, and blast abrasive. See Figure 4.1.
The condensation of moisture in the air flow of a blast operation creates problems with the abrasive flow
from the blast vessel; therefore it is common for the compressed air to be fed through a moisture
removal device, such as a Schmidt Air Prep System. The moisture condensation occurs when the
compressed air is cooled. The typical occurrences of cooling are inside the blaster when the air expands,
and on the surface of the object that is being blasted. An Airprep System greatly reduces the moisture
content in the blast air and air supplied to other equipment such as breathing air filters used in the blast
operation. The abrasive blast stream and the dust it creates are harmful, therefore all blast operators and
other personnel in the blast vicinity must use personal protective equipment during the blast operation.
All the components required for the blast operation (except for the air compressor) are available from
Axxiom Manufacturing, Inc. Call Axxiom to locate a distributor.
Figure 4.1 – Typical Abrasive Blast System
See Figure 5.1 below to help understand the general operation of an AirPrep System. Do not attempt to
operate the AirPrep System before reading all sections of this manual and following all setup
procedures. See Sections 5.1 through 5.14 and Section 6.0.
An AirPrep System is designed to cool, clean and dry compressed air for use in abrasive blasting
5.0 AirPrep System General Operation