Abstract: This invention is related to the cleaning of surfaces using the hydroblasting technique, where the surface to be cleaned is exposed to a cleaning fluid mixture of liquid and abrasives which is ejected under high pressure. More particularly, this invention is related to hydroblasting apparatus and methods for providing abrasive hydroblasting cleaning fluid which do not require the direct pumping of the abrasive component of the mixture thereby greatly increasing the operating life of the high pressure hydroblasting pump. A single reactor technique is disclosed for making, and delivering under pressure, abrasive hydroblasting cleaning fluid made by nucleation of hydrolyzed solution. A multiple tube embodiment of the invention is also disclosed, as well as supplemental nucleation means and means for controlling the temperature of the nucleation process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and devices for hydroblasting wherein a hydrolyzed solution of a silica compound and water, the hydrolyzed solution containing solid particles of the silica compound, is ejected at the surface to be cleaned.