SSPC-SP 15 is characterized by what type of cleaning?

The correct answer is identified as commercial power tool cleaning, which aligns with the standards set by SSPC-SP 15. This specification outlines a cleaning method that involves using power tools to remove corrosion, contaminants, and old coatings from surfaces. The term "commercial" in this context indicates a level of cleanliness that is appropriate for industrial and commercial environments, where a substantial reduction of contaminants is required to prepare surfaces for new coating applications.

Commercial power tool cleaning typically results in a surface that has a substantial amount of rust, paint, and other contaminants removed, but might still contain some residues that are acceptable under certain conditions. This method is contrasted with other cleaning processes that may suggest different levels of cleanliness or techniques.

Other methods, such as power tool cleaning and brush-off blast cleaning, involve different degrees of preparation and cleanliness. Power tool cleaning refers more generally to the use of power tools without specifying the required cleanliness level, while brush-off blast cleaning involves a technique using abrasives to lightly clean the surface, often resulting in a higher level of cleanliness than what is required under SSPC-SP 15. Thus, the specific designation of commercial power tool cleaning accurately reflects the balance of effectiveness and allowable surface condition as dictated by standards.