Creative fabrications cleans julie penrose fountain with ecoquip 2 blasting equipment

Creative Fabrications was recently hired to clean the exterior of the stainless steel Julie Penrose Fountain, located inside America the Beautiful State Park in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In the past, city restrictions kept the company from adding blasting to their capabilities due to regulations around dust, noise and debris. After searching for an environmentally friendly option, Creative Fabrications discovered Graco’s EcoQuip 2 vapour abrasive blasting equipment. Not only does the equipment suppress dust by up to 92 per cent less than dry blasting, but EcoQuip 2 uses less than one quart of water per minute.

Creative Fabrications presented the EcoQuip 2 EQm to the city council and the product passed their city codes. In the end, the company was selected for the job based on their background, availability and knowledge of treating and protecting stainless products.

Video: EcoQuip 2 EQm Blast Cleaning the Julie Penrose Fountain

Leaving the orginal surface intact

Creative Fabrications originally started blasting with walnut shells, but quickly realised the media was too soft. From there, they went up in hardness and tried different media types, ultimately deciding to use glass bead (MOHS of 5.5-6) with the EcoQuip 2 EQm because it removed the tarnish and rust from the stainless steel monument while leaving very little profile. Glass beads are used for general cleaning, peening and cosmetic finishing of sensitive metal surfaces. Because the media is "soft" and does not cause harm to the original surface, they are ideal for restoration work. In addition, the media is typically made from recycled material and safe for the environment.

The company started off using a 1.25-inch hose with a no. 6 nozzle but switched to a no. 8 nozzle to increase production and get more volume. To achieve the desired production, Creative Fabrications also rented a second 5,2 cubic meter per minute compressor for additional air flow. By creating a manifold, the team attached the two compressors to the EQm. To finish off the project, they added a stainless steel treatment to the monument to prolong any future oxidation.

Done with worrying about containment

Creative Fabrications was highly satisfied with the EcoQuip 2 and the results they were able to achieve. Specifically, the team found they could produce a high standard of work while not having to worry about any dust or containment issues. This was Creative Fabrication’s first project using the EcoQuip 2 EQm vapour abrasive blasting machine and they were thrilled with the end results.