Which pressure level is used in the water wash process to remove chlorides and contaminants?

In the water wash process for removing chlorides and contaminants from surfaces, pressures in the range of 3000-5000 psi are typically used. This level of pressure is effective in dislodging and removing unwanted materials from substrates, particularly when preparing surfaces for painting or coating application. The pressure must be sufficiently high to ensure that not only loose contaminants are removed but also to help mitigate any potential issue caused by embedded debris.

Using this pressure range helps achieve a thorough cleaning while being cautious not to damage the substrate itself, which could happen if significantly higher pressures are applied. Lower pressure settings may not effectively remove all contaminants, while excessively high pressures could cause surface degradation, especially in sensitive materials. Therefore, the range of 3000-5000 psi strikes a balance between effectiveness in cleaning and safety for the material being prepared.