METgrain’s® unique mix of spherical and irregular-shaped steel particles was developed specifically for steel surface preparation, with an eye toward compliance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). METgrain® Steel Abrasive is especially effective when critical profile tolerance is needed, and it offers a number of benefits for those seeking to comply with RCRA regulations.

METgrain® steel grit enhances blast cleaning efficiency by combining impact with scouring action, producing a cleaner surface with a superior anchor pattern at a lower cost. Steel structures such as bridges, water towers, ships, and storage tanks require painting maintenance to extend the life of the structure, but due to improper maintenance, many of these valuable structures owned by federal, state, and local governments have their protective coating of paint peeling, flaking, and rusting away; contaminating the environment and reducing the useful economic life of our valuable infrastructure.

The EPA mandates the minimization of waste to reduce dust and waste, protect rivers and streams, and preserve landfills. Use of recyclable Metgrain® and METgrit® minimizes the generation of hazardous waste and is an essential step in meeting RCRA requirements.

Blast cleaning and repainting protective coatings is necessary to extend the economic life of these valuable structures. Proper blast cleaning with steel grit and painting typically provides at least twenty to thirty years of protection. Failure by facility owners to repaint these valuable structures can cost millions in lost economic life of the structure. Open abrasive blasting of structures containing lead-based paint with one-use mineral slag or sand violates RCRA mandates to minimize the generation of hazardous waste and exposes workers and surrounding neighborhoods to tons of potentially hazardous waste and silica dust with proven health hazards.

Using reusable metallic abrasive (steel grit) solves all these problems and does so at less total cost. While most enlightened state authorities mandate the use of recyclable abrasives in their bid documents, too many state, local governmental agencies, and private facility owners fail to do so, leading to environmental and economic costs. It is important to understand the benefits of using recyclable abrasives in meeting RCRA regulations, and to work toward a more sustainable and cost-effective approach to steel surface preparation.