Revolutionizing bridge maintenance with closed-loop vacuum blasting

Challenge: Maintaining railway bridges is a complex task. Traditional open blasting methods, while effective for rust and paint removal, come with significant drawbacks—noise, dust, and hazardous waste generation. For BaneNor, the Norwegian National Rail Administration, these challenges were amplified by concerns over lead contamination in aging paint systems and the proximity of residential areas to their railway bridges.

Solution: In a collaborative pilot project with Pinovo AS, BaneNor tested Pinovo’s innovative closed-loop vacuum blasting system on the historic railway bridge at Arna Station, Bergen. The project aimed to demonstrate how this ATEX-certified, environmentally conscious technology could replace traditional methods, reducing noise, waste, and overall environmental impact.

Key advantages of Pinovo’s technology

Time efficiency:
Vacuum blasting required only 14.5 hours to complete the task, compared to 115 hours with traditional open blasting. The method’s precision and reduced need for extensive scaffolding and cleanup resulted in significant time savings.

Environmental benefits:

• Reduced lead contamination: SINTEF analysis showed minimal emissions, thanks to Pinovo’s integrated HEPA filtration system.
• Waste reduction: Blast media consumption was slashed by 94%, with just 75 kg used compared to 1,200 kg in traditional methods.

Noise reduction

• Noise levels were kept at 48 dBA at 20 meters and 84.6 dBA at the tool, making it suitable for operations near residential areas.

Enhanced precision:
The vacuum blasting unit allows for targeted spot repairs without the need to blast undamaged surfaces, preserving the integrity of the structure while minimizing disruption.

Cost-effectiveness:
Reduced hazardous waste handling and blast media consumption translated into lower overall project costs, aligning with BaneNor’s sustainability goals.

The pilot project scope

The project was conducted on the Arna Station bridge, a 1903 structure with challenging geometries like riveted joints and angles. Despite weather delays and tight time constraints, the vacuum blasting system efficiently tackled corrosion on both easily accessible and hard-to-reach areas.

The outcome: a safer, cleaner, and faster future for surface treatment

The results validated vacuum blasting as a superior alternative to traditional open blasting, particularly for maintenance projects in sensitive or high-traffic areas. In addition to minimizing environmental risks, the technology also supports uninterrupted train operations, as it eliminates the need for extensive sheeting that typically slows down trains.

Experience the Pinovo difference

Are you looking for innovative, efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions for your surface treatment needs? Pinovo’s closed-loop vacuum blasting systems are designed to handle even the most challenging maintenance projects, delivering unmatched performance while safeguarding the environment. Contact us today to learn more about our systems or schedule a demo to see the technology in action.