Dry ice blasting

Cleaning with dry ice blasting, a breeze?

Dry ice blasting is a special cleaning method where small particles of dry ice (in solid form) are compressed to a temperature of —78.5 °C and fired at the surface. After impact with the surface, CO2 particles evaporate. The process is an extremely environmentally friendly, effective and time-saving alternative for various sectors such as industrial cleaning method. Blasting technology is perhaps the most efficient way to remove persistent dirt from surfaces and/or machines. Dry ice blasting is a cleaning technique developed for NASA — for cleaning their space shuttles, among other things — and has also been commercially available since the mid-1980s. Due to the specific properties of CO2 rays various applications are possible in a wide range of applications. The applicability was further improved significantly by the development of the “control jet” that can be applied to the jet guns.

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Dry ice blasting applications

In the food industry, dry ice blasting, also known as CO2 rays mentioned, used where hardened starch must be removed or where chain cases need to be cleaned of lubricating greases and oils. The chemical and petrochemical industries use this technique to clean parts of large compressors. To some extent, it can even remove rust from metal. Possible applications of CO2 rays are also the removing resin of a metal surface, sugar dust, black carbon, etc. In addition, we use dry ice blasting when internal cleaning of electrical cabinets. Electrical components that are contaminated can lead to overvoltage, resulting in a short circuit and fire. Power cabinets on ships, in particular, are very susceptible to this. Oxidized copper bars retain heat, so that technical rooms are not sufficiently cooled and can therefore cause a short circuit and fire.

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The course of the cleaning process

‍ Impact

The compressed air flow that accelerates dry ice and the design of the nozzles provide a great kinetic impact.

Thermoshock

The temperature difference between the surface to be treated and the dry ice creates a large temperature gradient. This temperature gradient causes microscopic cracks in the polluting layer, causing it to come off.

‍ ‍ Micro explosion

Once the dry ice particle hits the surface to be treated, it is converted into gas. The volume of the gas is approximately 800 times larger than the dry ice particle. This causes a lifting force that removes the dirt.

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Rely on our expertise with this cleaning technique

Would you like to know more about how CO2 rays work and how they work? Or do you want the expertise of Valor Service Group use it to clean a surface or machine? Let us know; our Valorists would be happy to help you out. To do this, call +31 (0) 73 623 76 66 or fill out the contact form.