Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Dry Ice blasting?
• How are Dry Ice pellets made?
• What happens to the Dry Ice once it strikes the surface?
• How does it remove contaminants?
• What happens to the contaminant?
• How much does the Dry Ice cool an object?
• Can Dry Ice be used to clean hot on line?
• Will the process create condensation?
• Will the process generate static electricity?
• Is the system noisy?
• Is it okay to blasting an enclosed area?
• What is the difference with other blasting methods?
• What are the safety issues relating to the use of Dry Ice Blasting systems?
• How much air will I need to clean effectively?
• How much Dry Ice will I consume in an hour?
• How can Dry Ice be stored and transported?
• What other equipment do I need?
• What do I have to do for the maintenance of my equipment?
• What are some examples of applications where Dry Ice Blasting does not work well or at all?
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What is Dry Ice blasting?

Dry Ice Blasting is a process in which Dry Ice particles are propelled at high velocities to impact and clean a surface. The particles are accelerated by compressed air, just as with other blasting.

How are Dry Ice pellets made?

Dry Ice pellets are made by taking liquid CO² from a pressurized storage tank and dropping it to ambient pressure to produce snow. The snow is then pushed through a die to make pellets.

What happens to the Dry Ice once it strikes the surface?

It sublimates at once and returns to the atmosphere in its natural form "as gas".

How does it remove contaminants?

The thermal punctual shock, caused by the Dry Ice temperature of -79° C, and the air pressure break the bond between the coating and the substrate. It pops off the coating from inside out and the air stream removes it from the surface.

What happens to the contaminant?

It is relocated. Dry Ice Blasting removes the dirt from an undesirable area to an area where you can collect it. The substance falls generally to the floor.

How much does the Dry Ice cool an object?

It cools it temporarily and punctually. Generally the temperature drop is about -10° C of the surfaces temperature and it depends on the surface, the quantity of ice and the dwell time.

Can Dry Ice be used to clean hot on line?

The best cleaning results are achieved, because the dirt has a weaker bond when it is hot. The temperature drop that is much higher helps to clean and to release it up to five (5) times faster.

Will the process create condensation?

It depends on the mass of the object you're blasting, your Dry Ice usage rate and your dwell time. There will be condensation if you cool the substrate below the dewpoint, the dewpoint varies depending on ambient conditions.

Will the process generate static electricity?

Yes, like any other dry blasting method. Our blaster is equipped with grounding devices- just plug the rounding cable to the object to be cleaned and you will unlikely have static discharge problems.

Is the system noisy?

Starting at 80 psi you hear a very low noise of airflow, but increasing the air volume or air pressure the level of noise can reach up to 103 dB. It is created by the turbulence of the air. Special solutions can be installed to decrease the sound level dramatically.

Is it okay to blasting an enclosed area?

Only with sufficient and proper ventilation, because CO² is 40% heavier than air. CO² is also used to extinguish fires.

What is the difference with other blasting methods?

Sandblasting leaves and aggressive and abrasive effect on the surface, it removes part of the surface itself, changing the surface structure considerably. Dry Ice is not abrasive to the surface and does not change its' structure, it just lifts the contaminants away

What are the safety issues relating to the use of Dry Ice Blasting systems?

Standard safety rules are the operators protection for his health always wearing ear protection, mask, helmet, face protection (especially for the eyes), gloves, working shoes and a full working suit. Any other persons standing nearby should at least wear eye and ear protection. Never point the gun or blast at anyone, very serious injuries can occur. Always check your blasting stream and the objects around so no loosened debris will be blown away and cause damage or injury, by hitting someone or something.

How much air will I need to clean effectively?

This certainly depends on the applications, typically it starts from about 5 BAR and 135m³/h and ends up at 14 BAR and 420m³/h for heavy duty cleaning. The higher the airflow per hour results in more cleaning power.

How much Dry Ice will I consume in an hour?

Again it depends on the application, the surface, the contaminates and its quantity. The consumption rate varies from approx. 50 to 200 lbs/hr, since you can control the rate at the blasting gun directly.

How can Dry Ice be stored and transported?

For storage and transportation you can use special isolated containers. These mobile containers are designed to store the -110 F cold pellets for about one (1) week, with a minimum loss in quality and quantity ( remember the sublimate of the Dry Ice)..

What other equipment do I need?

Besides the standard equipment like the mobile blasting unit, Dry Ice container and ( mobile) compressor you need safety equipment, and a supplier of Dry Ice pellets near you.

What do I have to do for the maintenance of my equipment?

Since all of the equipment is designed for heavy duty use and uses only high end, long life components the maintenance on a regular basis is very low. Maintaining the Blaster is very easy and fast, just by: quick clean up of the blaster- check/fill oil in the oiler- check filters- check and lubricate the gun. That should be accomplished in less than five (5) minutes. With this little maintenance, you can expect many years of reliable and trouble free use.

What are some examples of applications where Dry Ice Blasting does not work well or at all?

(Either in terms of surface treatment or to realise any financial benefits).

Soft or any other sensitive surfaces, very thin parts, like clothes, carpets and furniture (sofas etc.) Can be easily destroyed with the impact power of Dry Ice Blasting. It is not efficient to clean large quantities of very small parts and parts which can not be reached within the blasting stream. Very wet surfaces need to be treated prior to blasting.

Oxides- Rust: The complete removal of oxides/oxidation and rust of most metals is not possible, since it removes only the surface oxidation and rust (nonabrasive!).

Mineral Deposits: Mineral deposits are not generally good applications from quick removal standpoint and are often underlain with oxidation.

Burns: Burn demarcations, especially from extremely high heat, as in welding areas, are seldom completely removed but can often be diminished.

Wood: Applications on wood, especially paint removal, are limited. Even with parameters optimised the pith is lowered versus the grain.

Viscous: The removal of viscous liquids from light oils to heavy dirt laden greases is very effective, but in most cases with a redeposition effect elsewhere- the more viscous the material the greater the problem.