Glass in grit blasting

“Glass grit” is a totally inert material that will match, or perform better, than existing abrasive performance at far less risk to the environment.

Grit blast abrasives are used to clean and prepare substrates prior to painting/coating or repair. Extensive testing has shown that “glass grit” (recycled glass particles) is capable of performing as well as, or better than, traditional abrasives.

Available in a variety of grades, glass grit is quickly gaining acceptance and approval. It offers an excellent way for contractors, specifiers and clients alike to show their commitment to environmentally responsible working practices.

Main benefits:

Non-toxic, inert material avoids respiratory and environmental problems.
Chloride and salt-free, leads to less corrosion on prepared surfaces.
Ability to cut and/or clean many different surfaces efficiently.
Lower disposal costs.

Fact Sheet: Recycled glass - the abrasive facts
An overview of the properties and uses of recycled glass grits. Read now (66 kb)
Information Brochure: Recycled glass grit
Glass grit – made from recycled bottle glass – is increasingly being recognised as a safe, environmentally responsible and cost effective alternative to the traditional abrasives used by the shot blast industry. Grit blast abrasives are used to clean and prepare a wide range of materials. This is achieved by firing the granular or powdered abrasive at the material using high-pressure air or water. Extensive tests have shown that glass grit can remove paint and corrosion from steelwork, clean masonry, renovate equipment and restore woodwork as effectively, or in some cases more successfully, than traditional abrasives such as copper slag, olivene, garnet or sand, many of which are imported. Full Brochure (205 kb)
Glass Case Study: Challenger 72ft round the world race yachts
Case study profiling the use of recycled glass abrasive to remove old anti-biofouling products from yachts. Full Case Study (329 kb)
Glass Case Study: Caen Hills locks, Kennet and Avon canal
Case study profiling the use of recycled glass shot abrasive in the restoration of canalside features. Full Case Study (73 kb)
Glass Case Study: Recycled glass gives aqueduct a smooth finish
Case study profiling the use of recycled glass blast abrasive in bridge building project. Full Case Study (91 kb)
Glass Case Study: Recycled glass proves a hit with US army
An overview of the use of recycled glass grit abrasive in shot blasting by the US army Full Case study (393 kb)
Final Report: Full scale operational trials involving the use of recycled glass as a blasting medium in the marine sector.
This report summarises research, findings and analysis of the field testing of recycled glass media as an alternative to blasting opertations in the marine operation in the United Kingdom. The project attempts to address some of the underlying barriers to opening significant markets for crushed recycled glass. The testing programme has involved undertaking trials on various marine structures such as pipes, ship hulls, h-beams and steel plates. Final Report (3175 kb)