Industrial Minerals NZ Ltd Stocks three main types of Abrasive Blast Nozzle:

Clemco CTXG - Tungsten Carbide with Shock Proof Sleeve

Günther Düsen (Grunter) - Tungsten Carbide with aluminium Sleeve

RED DEVIL- Silicone Nitride with Polyurethane Sleeve.

All three nozzles are venturi type nozzles with 50mm contractor threads.

Also available are a range of Angle Nozzles, AT Nozzles, and wet Blast Nozzles.

Nozzle Shape

Most abrasive blasting is done with a Venturi shaped nozzle.  The venturi ‘s length, angles of entry and exit, and orifice size are precisely calculated to provide maximum acceleration of the abrasive and air.  At 100psi the velocity at the end of the nozzle reaches 200 meters per second (720 kph), nearly the speed of sound.  As the nozzle wears beyond 1 /16” of it’s original size, it loses its venturi shape and needs to be replaced.

The venturi blast nozzle is designed to accelerate the air and abrasive mixture as it exits the end of the blast hose.  The taper and length of the nozzle’s inlet and outlet determine the pattern and velocity of the abrasive exiting the nozzle.  The liner material determines the nozzles wear resistance.

Nozzle Material & Life Expectancy

Common nozzle materials include cast iron, ceramic, tungsten carbide, silicone carbide, and boron carbide.

Cast iron nozzles are now very rare as they wear out after just 6 to 8 hours.

Ceramic nozzles are used only with non aggressive abrasive in light duty equipment and blast cabinets.

Carbide nozzles - Tungsten, Silicon, and Boron - are the most popular for the majority of blasting applications due to their long life.  The nozzle wear comparisons below are based on expendable abrasive.  The actual type of abrasive used and the pressure used will effect nozzle life.

Tungsten Carbide is a hard, heavy material used in many industries for its wear resistance.  Tungsten carbide is sintered, a process that uses extreme heat and pressure to produce on piece liners in a mould.  However, sintering contributes to nozzles brittleness.  Tungsten Carbide nozzles, used with an expandable abrasive, will last about 300 hours.  Industrial Minerals markets a range of European Tungsten Carbide Nozzles under the Günther Düsen Brand name.  They are available in sizes #4 through to #9

Silicon Carbide grew from research on lightweight and durable materials for the aerospace industry.  A Silicon Carbide nozzle weighs 42% less than a comparable Tungsten Carbide nozzle, making it easier to hold for a longer period.  A Silicon Carbide nozzle, used with expendable abrasive will last 500 hours.  Industrial Minerals market a Silicon Nitride range of American Blast Nozzles under the brand Name RED DEVILS. They are available from size #3 to #8

Boron Carbide is the longest wearing nozzle liner material.  When used with expendable abrasive a Boron Carbide nozzle will last 1000 hours.  However, the cost of a Boron Carbide nozzle can be 2 to 3 times that of the Silicon Carbide nozzle.

Compressed Air and Abrasive Consumption

*Consumption rates are based on abrasives that weigh 100 pounds per cubic foot.

The information provided is, to the best of our knowledge, representative of the product.  Natural products do vary, so these figures are approximations for guidance only.  As conditions of use are beyond our control, no liability is accepted for any loss or damage sustained arising from the use of this information or any products.  Because of ongoing development the product parameters may be changed without notice.

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