Structural Steel FAQ, Part 4 – Evaluating the Presence of Dust

As an expert in the surface finishing industry, Rosler Metal Finishing knows that all the expertise in the world won’t do any good if the surface of the work piece is not properly prepared. When it comes to structural steel, we receive many frequently asked questions about preparation. This installment of our Structural Steel FAQ series will answer How is the presence of dust on shot blasted structural steel components evaluated?

The Dangers of Dust

Blast-cleaned structural steel surfaces must be completely free of dust to ensure proper coating and painting.

Residual dust will reduce the adhesion of subsequently applied coatings and, by absorbing moisture, may promote the corrosion of the blast‐cleaned steel surfaces. The potential accumulation of dust is especially critical on horizontal surfaces, the interior of pipes, and in structural cavities.

Special inspections must be carried out to ensure that such areas are adequately cleaned and free from dust before painting.

Standards of Assessment

The most common standard of assessment for dust is ISO 8502–3:2017. Also known as the pressure‐sensitive tape method, this ISO standard describes a procedure to test shot blasted steel surfaces for dust and provides a reference description and photo with six dust ratings for comparison.

On a scale of 0 to 5, the observation of dust particles and diameter are rated as follows:

• 0 – No particles visible under 10x magnification
• 1 – Particles are visible under 10x magnification but not with normal or corrected vision, usually particles less than 50 μm in diameter
• 2 – Particles are just visible with normal or corrected vision, usually particles between 50 and 100 μm in diameter
• 3 – Particles are clearly visible with normal or corrected vision, particles up to 0.5 mm in diameter
• 4 – Particles are clearly visible, between 0.5 and 2.5 mm in diameter
• 5 – Particles are clearly visible, larger than 2.5 mm in diameter

Testing for Dust

Special ISO 8502These kits include a 10x magnifier, adhesive tape to ISO 8502‐3 specification, comparator display board/operating instructions, a dust assessment plate, and 25 test record sheets.

Proper procedure is required to accurately test for ISO 8502-3 using the kit.

1. Remove a piece of tape about 200 mm (8”) long.
2. Place the sticky side of the tape onto the test surface; rub along the length of the tape using constant pressure several times.
3. Pull the tape away from the test surface, compare the dust on the tape with the comparator display board and record the estimated dust rating number.
4. Repeat the test at least three times on the surface being investigated.

Minimum Requirements

The dust test per ISO 8502‐3 is subjective and does not allow the precise determination of dust on a blast cleaned surface, but the rating can be a very useful approximation when carried out by experienced operators.

Painting schedules usually call for shot blasted surfaces prior to painting to be free of dust. A generally accepted rule stipulates that the particle quantity and particle size do not exceed rating 2 of ISO 8502‐3.

[caption id="attachment_4925" align="alignright" width="290"] Blow-off station[/caption]

Removing Residual Dust

To remove residual blast media and dust from the work pieces shot blasted steel components are usually passed through a blow‐off station. These stations are frequently combined with a brush‐off system.

The Rosler Way

Whatever your structural steel needs are, you can count on Rosler Metal Finishing to help you find a better way. Contact us today to discuss your unique challenges.

The complete Structural Steel Series includes:

• Part 1 – Why Surface Preparation is Necessary.
• Part 2 – Methods of Surface Preparation.
• Part 3 – Evaluating Rust and Mill Scale Pre- and Post-Blast.
• Part 4 – Evaluating the Presence of Dust.
• Part 5 – Assessing Surface Profile.
• Part 6 – Blast Media’s Influence on Surface Profile.
• Part 7 – Comparing Commonly Used Blast Machines.
• Part 8 – Are All Turbines Created Equal?
• Part 9 – Removing Residual Blast Media and Dust.
• Part 10 – Blast Rooms for Touch-Ups.
• Part 11 – Preservation Lines.
• Part 12 – Material Handling Options.

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