In 2008, A.W. Bell developed a joy stick controlled semi automated water blast unit for use in its foundry for the removal of ceramic shell from both ferrous and non ferrous castings.
A.W. Bell is located in a region that at the time was in a severe 10 year drought. The cost of water and sewerage disposal had risen significantly. From this environment developed the idea to design, build and install a semi automated joystick controlled water blast unit that recycled the water for repeated use and improved productivity.
Secondary benefits included the elimination of safety risks associated with using safety risks associated with use of knock out hammers and exposed water blast nozzles.
When the water quality becomes contaminated it becomes extremely erosive and can cause costly damage to the internal components of the system, potentially stopping production. A.W. Bell has pioneered a closed loop filtration system as part of the water blast unit that overcomes these problems.