TECHNICAL STANDARD
SSPC-AB 2-2016
Cleanliness of Recycled Ferrous Metallic Abrasives
AMPP / SSPC
2016
Current
WHAT DOES THIS STANDARD COVER?
Addresses cleanliness considerations for recycled ferrous metallic abrasive used in blast-cleaning operations.
WHY IS IT RELEVANT?
Relevant to inspection and quality control where metallic abrasive is recovered and reused and its condition can influence surface preparation. Do not reproduce proprietary test procedures or acceptance criteria.
KEY INSPECTION CONSIDERATIONS
The standard addresses cleanliness requirements for recycled ferrous metallic abrasives used for blast cleaning. Abrasive that is recovered and reused can accumulate contaminants, debris and other unwanted material during service. The condition of recycled abrasive should therefore be considered separately from the original condition of new abrasive and in relation to the recycling and cleaning system being used.
WHAT THE STANDARD SHOULD NOT BE USED TO ASSUME
Acceptable condition of a new abrasive does not demonstrate that the abrasive remains suitable after repeated use. Recycled abrasive can change through wear, breakdown and contamination. Compliance of the recycled abrasive also does not independently demonstrate that the prepared surface has achieved the specified visual cleanliness, surface profile or contamination condition.
PRACTICAL INSPECTION APPLICATION
Where ferrous metallic abrasive is recovered and reused, inspectors can consider the condition and cleanliness of the working abrasive mix and the effectiveness of the recycling system. Sampling or testing can be considered where required by the project. The resulting prepared surface should still be inspected separately against the applicable surface preparation requirements.
RELATED TECHNICAL STANDARDS
RELATED TECHNICAL TOPICS
Abrasives; Recycled abrasive; Surface preparation
RELATED PIL GUIDANCE
Practical guidance on assessing abrasive blast-cleaned steel surface profile before protective coating application.
RELATED EXPERTISE
Coating Inspection; Testing & Analysis; Technical Consultancy
ABOUT THIS TECHNICAL SUMMARY
Paint Inspection Ltd provides this information to help inspectors, engineers, asset owners and contractors understand the practical relevance of commonly referenced protective coatings standards. This page is PIL technical guidance and does not reproduce or replace the published standard. Users should refer to the current published standard, project specification, coating manufacturer requirements and other applicable contract documents when establishing project requirements or acceptance criteria.
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OFFICIAL STANDARD
PIL technical summaries are intended to explain the inspection relevance of industry standards and do not replace the published document.
STATUS AND SOURCE VERIFICATION
Current edition identified as SSPC-AB 2-2016. Verified September 2026.