Blast nozzle containing water atomizer

Abstract

A blast nozzle assembly for wet blasting is provided comprising a blast nozzle for accelerating a blast stream of abrasive particles in compressed air toward a targeted surface and in combination therewith, a water atomizer means which is releasibly secured to the exterior of the blast nozzle. The water atomizer means is formed of two parts, a manifold body which includes a water supply means and an outlet assembly which includes a mixing chamber for receiving the blast stream leaving the blast nozzle, a plurality of spaced water nozzles for directing a stream of water into the mixing chamber and an outlet for directing the mixture of blast stream and water to the targeted surface. The outlet assembly further includes a deflecting surface in the mixing chamber so as to deflect the water stream directed into the mixing chamber backwards into the oncoming blast stream and air passages for directing ambient air into the deflected water stream for further atomizing the water stream and providing a shroud of atomized water around the abrasive blast stream as the mixture leaves the outlet assembly. The atomized water shroud surrounding the blast stream controls dust and does not penetrate into the center of the blast stream so as to maintain high productivity for removing contaminants from the targeted surface.