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Jul 1, 2024|Dry Ice Blasting

What Is Dry Ice Blasting?

Cleaning dust

Dry ice blasting is a modern cleaning technology used in various industries to remove residues from equipment without causing damage. This method has gained popularity due to its effectiveness and efficiency in maintaining machinery, particularly in environments where cleanliness is essential, such as food plants, and clean industries. In this article, we’ll discuss the science behind dry ice blasting, explaining the principles and concepts that make it a preferred cleaning method.

What Is Dry Ice Blasting?

Dry ice blasting involves propelling dry ice pellets at high speeds to clean surfaces. Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2)which sublimates directly from a solid to a gas at -78.5°C (-109.3°F) without passing through a liquid phase. This unique property makes dry ice an excellent cleaning agent, as it leaves no residue behind.

The Science of Sublimation

The key principle behind dry ice blasting is sublimation. When the dry ice pellets hit a surface, they absorb heat and instantly turn from solid CO2 into CO2 gas. This rapid change creates a powerful cleaning action through three main effects: thermal shock, kinetic energy, and gas expansion.

  • Thermal Shock – The temperature difference between the dry ice pellets and the surface being cleaned causes thermal shock. This sudden change in temperature makes the surface contaminants brittle, loosening their bond and making them easier to remove. For example, in food processing plants, dry ice blasting can effectively remove stubborn residues like grease and baked-on grime, without damaging the underlying surfaces.
  • Kinetic Energy – The high-speed impact of the dry ice pellets provides kinetic energy that helps to dislodge contaminants. This physical force is gentle enough not to damage delicate machinery but strong enough to remove tough residues. The pellets’ momentum transfers to the contaminants, lifting them off the surface. This makes dry ice blasting suitable for cleaning sensitive equipment, such as hydraulic systems and steam turbines, where traditional methods might cause damage.
  • Gas Expansion – As the dry ice pellets sublimate, they expand approximately 800 times their original volume, turning into CO2 gas. This rapid expansion helps to lift and carry away the dislodged contaminants. The gas flow created by this expansion further aids in cleaning by blowing away loosened debris, leaving the surface clean and residue-free. This characteristic is particularly beneficial in environments where maintaining cleanliness is critical, such as in clean rooms or food processing facilities.

Advantages of Dry Ice Blasting

Dry ice blasting offers several advantages over traditional cleaning methods:

  • Non-Abrasive Cleaning – Unlike sandblasting or chemical cleaning, dry ice blasting doesn’t wear down or damage surfaces. This makes it ideal for maintaining the integrity of sensitive machinery or equipment.
  • No Secondary Waste – Since dry ice sublimates into CO2 gas, it leaves no secondary waste to clean up. This reduces the overall cleaning time and effort, making the process more efficient.
  • Environmentally Friendly – Dry ice blasting is a green cleaning technology. It uses recycled CO2, which doesn’t contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. It also eliminates the need for harmful chemicals, making it a safer option for both workers and the environment.
  • Effective in Difficult To Reach Areas – The high-pressure stream of dry ice pellets can penetrate tight spaces and complex geometries, making it possible to clean areas that are otherwise difficult to reach with conventional methods.

Industrial Applications

Dry ice blasting is used across various industries for its ability to clean equipment effectively without causing damage. Some applications include:

  • Food and Beverage Industry – In food processing plants, maintaining hygiene is critical. Dry ice blasting can remove built-up grease, carbonized residues, and other contaminants from machinery and surfaces without leaving any chemical traces. This helps to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, ensuring the safety and quality of food products.
  • Manufacturing and Maintenance – Dry ice blasting is widely used in manufacturing to clean molds, tools, and equipment. It helps to remove residues like paint, adhesives, and oils, keeping machinery in optimal condition and reducing downtime.
  • Power Generation – In power plants, especially those using steam turbines and other sensitive equipment, dry ice blasting is an effective way to remove deposits and contaminants without dismantling the machinery. This capability reduces maintenance time and enhances the efficiency of the equipment.
  • Aerospace and Automotive – Dry ice blasting is used in the aerospace and automotive industries to clean components and assemblies without affecting their precision. It’s used to remove coatings, sealants, and other residues from parts, so that they remain within specified tolerances and perform reliably.

How Does It Work?

The dry ice blasting process involves several key steps:

  • Preparation – The equipment to be cleaned is prepared, and any loose debris is removed. The dry ice blasting machine is set up, and the appropriate nozzle and pressure settings are selected based on the cleaning requirements.
  • Blasting – Dry ice pellets are loaded into the blasting machine’s hopper. The machine uses compressed air to propel the pellets at high speed through a hose and nozzle. The operator directs the stream of pellets at the surface to be cleaned, systematically covering the entire area.
  • Post-Cleaning – After blasting, the equipment is inspected to verify the removal of contaminants. Any remaining debris is removed, and the equipment is returned to service.

Conclusion

Dry ice blasting is a powerful and efficient cleaning technology that uses the unique properties of dry ice to remove contaminants from various surfaces. Its non-abrasive nature, lack of secondary waste, and environmental benefits make it an attractive option for many industries. By understanding the science behind dry ice blasting, one can appreciate its effectiveness in maintaining the cleanliness and efficiency of industrial equipment.

Need More Information?

FCS Industrial Solutions, a division of FCS, Inc., has grown from a basement startup in 1988 to a leading provider of janitorial and industrial cleaning services in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions. Founded by Lewis “Buddy” Smith and Keith White, the company began with a pickup truck and basic supplies. By 2000, we had established ourselves with numerous service contracts and a growing staff. Buddy’s son, Conrad, joined in the mid-2000s, driving rapid growth. FCS Industrial Solutions, formed in 2014, expanded our capabilities to include high overhead cleaning, confined space rescue, and more. Safety and training are core to our operations, ensuring quality service. Now a multimillion-dollar company, we rank in the top 4% of building service contractors nationally, with over 175 employees. Our company remains responsive and competitive, offering free project quotes and excellent customer service.

For more information about our company or the services we can provide, contact us via our website or call our offices at 434-489-4342.