Closed-Loop UHP Water Blasting and Reuse System
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Main Circular Economy Strategy:
KEYWORDS
Summary
S.A.K.Z. developed CoBlast, a closed-loop robotic ultra-high-pressure blasting system that captures, filters, and recycles water while safely separating paint and rust particles. This circular process eliminates emissions and spills, ensuring zero environmental impact even in sensitive shipyard operations.
Description:
S.A.K.Z. implemented a comprehensive closed-loop system for water reuse and pollution prevention in its high-pressure blasting operations, branded as “CoBlast.” This circular solution integrates robotics, filtration, and process redesign:
◼ Robotic UHP Blasting with Vacuum Capture: Using a Derc Salotech robotic system operating at 3000 bar, the company performs ultra-high-pressure water blasting. The unit simultaneously vacuums up water, paint chips, and rust, preventing surface runoff and contamination.
◼ Onboard and Offboard Filtration: Collected wastewater passes through multistage filtration systems. Solids (paint, corrosion particles) are safely separated for disposal, while filtered water is recirculated into the blasting pump, creating a closed-loop water circuit.
◼ Efficient Pumping and Process Stability: A high-efficiency Kamat pump ensures consistent pressure, even with recycled water. This is crucial for performance and helps reduce energy usage per cleaning job.
◼ Emissions and Spill Elimination: The system captures all waste and prevents releases to the environment. Unlike traditional open blasting, no chemicals, particles, or water are emitted into soil, sea, or air—even during shipyard operations near the Adriatic Sea.
Environmental Perspective
The closed-loop water reuse system substantially improves S.A.K.Z.'s environmental footprint:
◼ Zero Pollution Discharge: All blasting waste is collected and treated. No hazardous residues reach the marine or terrestrial environment, which is critical in ecologically sensitive coastal zones.
◼ Water Conservation: Water consumption is reduced by over 90%. Instead of using thousands of liters of fresh water per project, the system relies on a recirculated supply with only minor top-ups, saving millions of liters annually.
◼ Regulatory Alignment: The solution exceeds EU environmental compliance requirements, particularly for maritime industries. It supports Croatia’s water protection goals and aligns with ISO 14001 standards.
◼ Worker Safety and Pollution Control: Eliminating airborne dust, toxic paint particles, and splashes also contributes to better occupational hygiene and lower environmental health risks.
Economic Perspective
S.A.K.Z.’s investment in circular blasting technology offers measurable business benefits:
◼ Operational Cost Reduction: The closed-loop reduces cleanup costs, water procurement, and waste management expenditures. It also minimizes downtime from environmental non-compliance or incident handling.
◼ Market Expansion: The green credentials of the system allow S.A.K.Z. to win contracts from environmentally conscious clients, including naval facilities and international shipyards.
◼ Innovation Funding Support: The €280,000 system was 60% co-funded by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism via Innovation Norway. Additional funds were sourced through HBOR (Croatian Development Bank), highlighting how public financing can catalyze SME-led circular innovation.
◼ Competitive Differentiation: By offering an emission-free service, S.A.K.Z. positions itself as a premium, sustainable service provider—gaining a competitive edge in a traditionally polluting sector.
