Abrasive Blast Cleaning - Allowable Sand Type 1

[Elbus]

Are there any ASME Code specifications which preclude the use of Silica Sand in the Abrasive Blast Cleaning of Carbon Steel Pressure Vessels?

Our fabricator specifies that "quartz sand" shall be used for the cleaning process, while or client has specified the "Silica Sand shall not be used". Are these two statements mutually exclusive?

Thanks in advance

 

[swall]

Quartz IS silica. To get away from silica materials, use steel grit, alumina, silicon carbide or one of the crushed slag materials.

 

[CoryPad]

I don't think the ASME code precludes use of silica. The reason it is avoided by some is the health problems associated with breathing silica dust - here is a link to more information:

http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/silicacrystalline/index.html

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[Elbus]

Thanks guys.. that helped a lot!