How Does The Water Quality Affect The Water-Jet Cutting?

Though water jet cutting method is regarded as a very economic and time effective process, the desired output can only be achieved if the water used in the method is compatible with the equipment and the materials to be cut.

Dissolved solids

The first thing that has to be done is to filter out all types of dissolved solids before it can reach the cutting head or pressure line of the equipment. The contaminants which comprise of dissolved and suspended solid particles are measured in ppm or parts per million. 

The grade of the water provided to the intensifier pump can affect the service longevity of the water jet equipment. A high concentration of total dissolved solids or TDS can accelerate the wearing away of the parts that come in close contacts with the water because of the high level of abrasiveness caused due to TDS content.

Suspended solids

In addition to the total dissolved solids, water should also be filtered for suspended solids which can easily be trapped by a filter. These contaminants contain a variety of different materials that includes decaying plant and animal matter, industrial wastes, silt etc.

If water is not properly filtered, these components can also lessen the lifespan of the equipment as also affect the workability of the nozzles and seals. They can also act as an abrasive if they get an access to the high-pressure stream and in turn, damage the pressure controlling equipment.

PH level

Though listed in the third row, this aspect is as important as the previous ones. If the water used has a low pH content, then the acidic properties can wear out the high-pressure tubing needing it to be replaced more often by water jet cutting services St Louis than required. Likewise, if the water content at a higher pH level, it can cause accumulation of calcium carbonate in the inner surface of the pressure tubing. This accumulation can eventually damage the water-jet aperture. So the water used should have an optimum pH level of 7 which is an intermediary of the two extremes. Sometimes water softener is also added by water jet cutting services to regulate the pH level of the water, which is an easy solution and advised by most water-jet technicians.