Overview
This patented rust-inhibiting process and slurry-blasting system describes an integrated method for removing tarnished surface layers while simultaneously cleaning and protecting underlying metal. Filed in January 2020 and granted in March 2022, the application—prosecuted for an applicant based in Houston, TX—claims a tank-based slurry reservoir that mixes an abrasive, a fluid (such as water), and a rust inhibitor into a single slurry. The system uses controlled air injection through a center tube and selectively actuated blast nozzles to draw and spray portions of the slurry, enabling the slurry stream to separate and strip the tarnished top layer and immediately treat the exposed parent metal. Multi-tank and blister-assembly embodiments, vibration-assisted settling, pinch valves, and venting structures are claimed to support reliable flow control and continuous operation. The claims are drafted to protect both process steps and the mechanical components that deliver a combined cleaning-and-passivation function.
Key Features
- Simultaneous abrasive removal and rust-inhibitor application directly from a slurry reservoir
- Center-tube/air-injection flow control with pinch valve and blast nozzle actuation
- Multi-tank/blister assemblies for continuous or scalable blasting operations
- Designed to prevent re-impregnation of contaminants while depositing a protective inhibitor layer
This carefully claimed invention addresses corrosion control in industrial surface preparation and offers practical value across marine, oil & gas, and heavy manufacturing applications where efficient cleaning and immediate protection are essential.
Granted: 2022-03-29
