Dry ice blasting is a relatively new cleaning process using solid CO2 pellets. It is a process in which dry ice particles are accelerated by compressed air through a blast nozzle to impact and clean a surface.
The micro-thermal shock (caused by the dry ice temperature of -79oC), the kinetic energy of dry ice pellets and the air pressure break
the bond between the coating and the substrate thus cleaning the surface.
Click an icon below for the video demonstration:
Cleaning with dry ice
Cleaning of food production machinery using dry ice
There are many major benefits to this cleaning process.
It is:-
USnique because the cleaning medium ‘disappears’ with no mess.
Environmentally-friendly and cost-saving because there is no secondary hazardous waste stream for disposal.
The clean alternative to high pressure water, abrasive or solvent cleaning methods.
Adjustable for safe use on delicate electrical equipment hence reducing downtime as there is no need for break down of production lines.
Dry ice blasting does not erode, wear or scratch the surface being cleaned, it is even safe to use on surfaces such as glass, plastic and printed circuit boards.
Comparison With Other Methods
Blasting Cleaning Technique
Waste for Disposal
Abrasive
Toxic
Electrically Conductive
Dry Ice
No
No
No
No
Sand
Yes
Yes
No*
No
Glass Beads
Yes
Yes
No*
No
Walnut Shells
Yes
Yes
No*
No
Steam
No
No
No
Yes
Solvents
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
* Each of these blast cleaning materials becomes contaminated upon contact if used to clean hazardous objects. When that happens, these materials are then classified as toxic waste requiring safe disposal.
