Sandblasting alternatives 2

[JoeBaseplate]

This is a follow up on my last post about corroding steel beams at a stair. It was suggested that sandblasting be performed to get an idea of the extent of rust. The problem is that the stair is in a functioning existing structure @ the basement level. So the owner wants alternatives for sandblasting. What are some reasonable alternatives for sandblasting for paint removal from existing steel?

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Maybe carbon dioxide - dry ice??

 

[Ron]

Agree with Mike. Works great, no residue except the rust which can be vacuumed.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Make sure you have good ventilation. While CO2 is NOT poisonous - if the air mixture gets too heavy - you can pass out. It can lower the O2 to dangerous levels.

Ask the Apollo 13 astronauts. They fought that problem the last day or two of their adventure back to earth,

 

[hokie66]

You could also do it mechanically. Based on your photos, I think a bit of grinding will show that the corrosion is mostly from inside the tubes.