My Account
COMPANY PROFILE
Weir Minerals is a global leader in the provision of mill circuit technology and services, as well as the market leader in slurry handling equipment and associated aftermarket support for abrasive high wear applications. Specifically, suppling or the service and repair of Warman Pumps and equipment out of their Kalgoorlie complex.
A MANUFACTURER’S NIGHTMARE
In Weir’s manufacturing space in Kalgoorlie, WA, a team blasts new and used components in a blastroom within proximity of 5-6 fabricators and welders. After a recent OH&S Study on noise pollution, the abrasive blasting in their blastroom facility was classified as being above the maximum allowed safety limits.
Weir had effectively been forced to decommission their blast facility due to the noise. This left Weir with only two options, either relocate the blast facility to another location at an estimated cost of $500,000 or sub-contract out all their blasting to a third-party blasting company, which would be more costly, incurring additional transport times and costs.
RESULTS
After BlastOne presented the Snakebite XQ, Weir Minerals conducted a third party, independent study to determine whether the Snakebite would reduce the blasting noise enough to allow the blastroom to stay inside the production facility.
Jack Hart was on-site to conduct the trial for BlastOne and these observations were from a third party OH&S contractor brought in to be an impartial observer.
| Operating Conditions | Measurement Location | Blasting w/o Snakebite Silencer | Blasting w/ Snakebite Silencer | Peak Noise Levels |
| Bay Door Open | Outside sandblast Bay | 113.7 | 92.7 | 139.5 → 108.5 |
| Bay Door Closed | Outside sandblast Bay | 105.7 | 85.1 | 120.2 → 101.1 |
| Bay Door Closed | Main rear access door | 102.3 | 77.4 | 120.1 → 93.1 |
| Bay Door Closed | Paint booth | 96.1 | 84.3 | 112.5 → 100.8 |
| Bay Door Closed | Operator ear | 125.8 | 105.2 | 149.8 → 127.9 |
Weir Minerals was able to recommence in-house blasting, saving money on third-party blasting and transport costs. They were no longer required to relocate their blastroom and they can continue operations normally.
Thanks to Snakebite XQ, Weir Minerals saved $500,000!
- Choose your nozzle to trial (Flex, XQ or Strike)
- Use on your project for 21 days If you decide to keep it, we’ll invoice you. If not, simply return it. No fees at all.
Or call us @ 1-800-999-1881 for trial details.
CONCLUSION
The impact of implementing the new OH&S Study meant that Weir Minerals either had to relocate its blast facility or subcontract out blasting to a third party.
Either option would negatively impact profit margins, estimating over $500,000 in costs.
SnakeBite XQ is the world’s safest and quietest blast nozzle. Equivalent to up to 75% quieter than standard nozzles, SnakeBite XQ reduces noise by up to 16 dBA.
Experience the BENEFITS
UP TO 75% NOISE REDUCTION
UP TO 45% LESS OPERATOR FATIGUE
UP TO 4X LONGER BLAST LIFE
THAN TUNGSTEN CARBIDE NOZZLES
THAN TUNGSTEN CARBIDE NOZZLES
THE SNAKEBITE DIFFERENCE
An entirely new operator experience. It feels different, it sounds different – and let’s face it, it looks fantastic! There is no other nozzle like it. The ultimate production tool that delivers contractors and asset owners lower noise, lower operator fatigue and improved project outcomes, ticking the box on the key challenges faced by the blasting industry today.
The SnakeBite XQ (Extra Quiet) Blast Nozzle
SnakeBite XQ – The World’s Quietest Blast Nozzle
A SNAKEBITE NOZZLE FOR EVERY APPLICATION
LOW PRESSURE SILENCER
BlastOne’s NEW Low Pressure Silencer (LPS) give contractors with limited pressure (70-90 psi) the same benefits as our revolutionary high pressure Snakebite nozzles!
SNAKEBITE FLEX
Best for blasting in tight spaces and around obstacles like pipe, brackets and general structural steel
SNAKEBITE XQ
Best when you need a higher productivity quiet nozzle but don’t have the air to use a SnakeBite Strike
SNAKEBITE STRIKE
Best hen you need the highest productivity hand-held blast nozzle on the market and have acres of steel to blast
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the reduced thrust compromise productivity compared to standard nozzles?
Productivity of the Flex is comparable with standard nozzles (same size, pressure, media) and the XQ is up to 25% more productive than standard nozzles of the same size. The reduced nozzle kick-back thrust – up to 45% – can actually increase productivity by reducing operator fatigue and enabling a high rate of productivity to continue throughout the shift…. and the #10 Strike (due to the larger orifice size) can increase hand-held blasting productivity up to 54%.
Is 1.25`` hose with a 750cfm compressor sufficient when using the SnakeBite Strike?
It depends on hose length. It is not recommended to use the Strike with a 1.25″ hose longer than 25 feet.Do I need any special equipment to get the SnakeBite noise and thrust reduction?
No, just screw the SnakeBite with the Silencer fitted into a contractor thread nozzle holder, set the pressure to 100psi and start blasting. Blasting noise will automatically be reduced by up to 16 dB and and you will immediately feel around 45% less nozzle thrust – there is nothing else you have to do.What if my nozzle isn't achieving a reduction of 16 dB?
Factors contributing to the optimal reduction in sound pollution include.- Nozzle pressure needs to be between 80-115 psi
- Blasting with lean abrasive flow increases noise
Adjusting these factors will have an effect on dB reduction.
How long will the nozzle last?
Expected wear-life for the SnakeBite is over 800 hours. This is 4x the life of a standard tungsten carbide nozzle.
CASE STUDIES
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