Currently, an array of processes and equipment are used for removing corrosion from metallic surfaces, such as grit blasting, needle guns, and a variety of non-woven and coated abrasive tools.
     This technical paper describes a recently developed surface treatment method termed the bristle blasting process. The process uses a specially designed rotary bristle tool, which is attached to a power tool spindle that operates at approximately 2,500 rpm.  Together, the bristle tool and power tool are precisely tuned in order to provide an impact and immediate retraction of bristle tips from the corroded surface.  Key issues that are examined in this paper concerning the design and performance of bristle blasting processes include:
►the kinetic energy equivalence between rotary bristles and grit blast media,
►the texture/profile of surfaces that are generated by bristle blasting processes, and
►the corrosion removal performance of bristle blasting and the cleanliness of surfaces that are generated by the bristle blasting process.
    Surfaces generated by the bristle blast process are shown to mimic the visual cleanliness and anchor profile that is characteristic of grit blasting processes. Case studies are reported that involve the removal of corrosion from API 5L steel, which is commonly used in the petroleum industry for onshore/offshore applications. The results reported in this paper also examine the efficiency and corrosion removal capability of the process, as well as the life expectancy of bristle blasting tools. Finally, the bristle blasting process is observed to be eco-friendly, thereby providing a “green” approach to corrosion removal and surface preparation of steel components.