Two products derive from this process: the granules (heavy part) derived from the crown of the cob and the flours (light part) deriving from the external parts and the pith.
The main applications of the granules are polishing and smoothing metal objects and sandblasting wood.
Pan Blast allows completely ecological shot blasting that does not cause health problems for the operator.
Given their elasticity, the granules do not shatter on impact. This characteristic makes them not only reusable (with suitable recovery sheets placed on the ground), but also indispensable where traditional sandblasting would cause irreparable damage, such as the woolly effect on wood caused by inert silica granules.
The equipment normally used for sandblasting is perfectly suitable for this product, also because there is no issue related to inert silica granules that can cause silicosis.
Use
- To clean planks and beams from rubble.
- To remove paints and varnishes.
- To remove the patina accumulated on wood over the years.
- To evenly smooth and enhance the grain on newly cut timber.
- To strip and clean the external parts of wooden and fiberglass boats.
- It can also be used for delicate metals such as aluminium.
Consumption
Sandblasting can be carried out with different levels of intensity; therefore, product consumption depends on the desired result.
With 20 kg of product it is possible to clean from 5 to 10 square metres of surface, depending on the amount of dirt to be removed.
Using a 6 mm nozzle, approximately 160 kg per hour are consumed, while a 9 mm nozzle consumes approximately 300 kg per hour at a pressure of 6–7 atm.
Cleaning a painted wooden ceiling requires approximately 4 kg of product per square metre.
Advantages
Hardness and Elasticity
It is a fairly hard material (4.5 on the Mohs scale) while remaining soft and elastic.
Biodegradable Granules
The granules are clean, dust-free and completely biodegradable.
No Sparks
They do not generate sparks during use.
Equipment Protection
They do not damage the mechanical components of sandblasting equipment.
Easy Disposal
Being a plant-based product, it can be recycled as urban waste.
High Absorption Capacity
The special alveolar structure allows rapid absorption of polluting substances.
Reusable
The granules can be recovered and reused multiple times.
Grain Sizes
The grain sizes of the corn cob granules, identified as AB, range from AB04 (very coarse granules) up to AB200 (an almost impalpable flour).
The most commonly used grade is AB30, with a grain size between 0.4 and 0.7 mm.
For aged-effect sandblasting, pronounced scratch effects and hard woods, AB20 is generally used, with a grain size between 0.7 and 1 mm.
For special finishing applications, AB80 is recommended, featuring grain sizes between 0.2 and 0.5 mm.
| TYPE | SIZE (MICRONS) | SPECIFIC WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|
| AB04 | 6000 / 4500 | 350 / 450 |
| AB06 | 4500 / 3200 | 400 / 500 |
| AB08 | 3200 / 2000 | 450 / 580 |
| AB12 | 2000 / 1500 | 450 / 600 |
| AB16 | 1500 / 1000 | 480 / 580 |
| AB20 | 1000 / 750 | 450 / 550 |
| AB30 | 750 / 350 | 400 / 500 |
| AB80 | 350 / 180 | 350 / 480 |
| AB200 | 250 / 0 | 250 / 350 |
