How is steel shot consumption calculated for shot blasting?

Calculating steel shot consumption during the shot blasting process is based primarily on the actual abrasive feed rate, recovery efficiency, and process parameters. According to publicly available information, the following method can be used for calculations:

**Steel Shot Consumption Calculation Method**

**Basic Formula:**

Steel shot consumption (kg/h) = Feed rate (kg/h) × (1 – Recovery efficiency)

Note that **recovery efficiency** typically exceeds **95%** (provided the equipment is equipped with an automatic abrasive collection and return system).

**Factors Affecting Consumption:**

**Shot Blasting Productivity:** Processing efficiency for structural steel shot blasting machines generally ranges from **30 to 150 m²/h**, depending on the specific equipment model and the required surface cleanliness class.

**Shot Flow Rate:** Professional equipment typically provides a flow rate ranging from **200 to 400 kg/min** (i.e., 12,000 to 24,000 kg/h).

**Sources of Loss:** These include shot breakdown (fragmentation), dust generation, incomplete recovery, etc.; the actual loss rate is approximately **5% to 10%**.

**Calculation Example** (based on typical operating conditions):

If the feed rate is **200 kg/min** (12,000 kg/h) and recovery efficiency is **95%**, then:

Consumption ≈ 12,000 × (1 – 0.95) = **600 kg/h**.

Note: The figures above are theoretical estimates. Actual consumption rates must be adjusted based on the specific equipment model, the characteristics of the shot used, the geometry of the parts being processed, and surface roughness requirements.