8 Tips to Extend the Life of Your Wheel Blast System

Purchasing a Gibson wheel blast cleaning system can be significant investment, which is why regularly maintaining your system is a good idea. Regular maintenance will not only help the daily performance of the system but it will also prolong the life giving you many years of blast cleaning. To acheive optimal lifespan and productivity on Gibson Wheel Blast Systems, follow the instructions below, provided by our partner, Gibson Abrasive Equipment:

Break the system down into (8) main components for maintenance purposes and follow the action steps to ensure your wheel blast equipment functions at high productivity levels.

1) Blast Wheels

The wheels propels or throws the chosen abrasive media.

Action Steps:

Check major components for wear. (Blades, Impeller, Control Cage, & Liners)
Check and adjust the blast pattern.

Pro Tip: When doing a blast wheel tune-up mark the control cage location on the housing. This will make checking and adjusting the blast pattern much easier.

2) Work Handling system

Depending on the design type of machine this might be rubber belt, fixture(s), rotary table(s), rollers, or a manganese belt conveyor.

Action Steps:

Check for wear and replace as necessary.

3) Blast Chamber

This is the main cabinet or chamber that contains the blast operation.

Action Steps:

Check cabinet and liners for wear.
Check and replace door seals and cabinet slots as necessary.

Pro Tip: Many liners used in Gibson blast systems are universal. Some areas might show more wear than others. This can depend on the blast pattern and parts being blasted. Swap worn liners with liners that are showing little to no wear. This will save you time and money!

4) Electrical System

The wiring, controls, and motors to power and safely operate the system.

Action Steps:

Verify all safety switches and light curtains are working properly.
Verify the control cabinet is dust tight and clean as necessary.
Check all motor amps during operation.

Pro Tip: When replacing the elevator belt, it is good to consider replacing the bearings, pulleys, and shafts.

5) Reclaim System

Used to transfer the abrasive mix back to the storage hopper.

Action Steps:

Check augers and bearings for wear.
Check elevator belt and buckets for wear.
Check elevator belt tension.

6) Separation System

The method that the machine has to remove contaminate waste, broken down abrasive, or dust from the reusable abrasive.

7) Abrasive Storage System

The storage hopper effectively provides consistent media to the blast wheel(s).

Action Steps:

Check the hopper for leaks and wear spots.
Check for obstructions to the abrasive flow.

Pro Tip: In humid climates abrasive can begin to oxidize causing issues with abrasive flow.

8) Ventilation System

The dust collection system provides negative pressure to the blast system to ensure dust free operation as well as performs the pneumatic separation of the abrasive mix.

Action Steps: