Water blasting

What is water blasting?

Water blasting may refer to one of two things, hydrocleaning or hydrodemolition. In this article, we’ll explain what the difference is between them, their similarities, and the benefits of using high-pressure water blasters for cleaning and demolition.

What’s the difference between hydrocleaning and hydrodemolition?

Hydrocleaning

Hydrocleaning, also known as pressure or power washing, is the use of high-pressure water blasting to clean a surface from such things as dirt, old paint, rust, chemicals, and other heavy build-ups without damaging the surface below it. The results are comparable to using abrasives and cleaning agents but without the dust and other health hazards.

Water blasting operations are commonly categorized into high-pressure and ultra-high pressure hydrocleaning based on the following pressures:

  • High-pressure water blasting – 690 bar (10,000 psi) to 1,700 bar (25,000 psi).
  • Ultra-high pressure water blasting – more than 1,700 bar (25,000 psi).

Hydrodemolition

Hydrodemolition refers to the process of using high-pressure jetting to remove concrete. Similarly to hydrocleaning, it’s usually separated into two categories:

  • Selective removal, the preferred method when only the deteriorated concrete needs to be removed – Up to 1,500 bar (22,000 psi).
  • Non-selective removal, the preferred method when concrete needs to be removed to a predetermined depth, independent of the concrete quality – Above 1,500 bar (22,000 psi).

Hydrocleaning can be said to be included in hydrodemolition as surface preparation is an important part of concrete removal, to create a rough surface and allow for bonding with new concrete.

Supervised Robotic concrete removal with hydrodemolition technology

ACR™ – Automated Concrete Removal robots

Bridges. Parking decks. Dams. Tunnels. Piers. If a concrete structure needs repair, we have the optimal concrete removal solution for the task. For over 35 years we’ve led the development of robotic hydrodemolition technology, a technology with a proven track record as the most sustainable and effective method for concrete removal and other types of surface preparation projects.

Contact us to learn more.

Benefits of using hydrodemolition robots for different concrete repairing methods

Supervised Robotic concrete removal with hydrodemolition technology

Precise

The water stream can easily be focused on very small areas to selectively remove coatings or concrete without damaging nearby surfaces.

Hydrodemolition work with Conjet robot

Sustainable

Water is the least corrosive and harmful compared to other cleaning agents, and reduces both noise and dust pollution when demolishing concrete.

Conjet hydrodemolition robot performing demolition work

Less clean-up

As water will just flow or dry up the clean-up work is reduced, and there’s no risk of clogging the blasting machine or other equipment.

Supervised Robotic concrete removal with hydrodemolition technology

Optimal Bond

Prepares an ideal surface for bonding with new concrete, coatings, etc.

Conjet robot performing hydrodemolition work on-site

Efficient

Dramatically improve efficiency where it’s many times faster than traditional means of cleaning or demolishing.

Why Conjet?

We lead the development of automated concrete removal technology and surface preparation solutions using hydrodemolition technology. If you’re working for or own a concrete repair company, there’s no better or safe way than hydrodemolition.

Contact us today for more information and to learn about the many benefits of utilizing hydrodemolition robots for your next concrete repair project.

Find the right solution for your structure

Fill out the form and we will get back to you with a tailor-made offer to your specific needs.