Dry ice blasting is a beneficial cleaning method for varying applications. This approach to industrial cleaning offers significant advantages that sometimes outweigh other cleaning solutions. Explore the different applications and uses of dry ice blasting in aerospace, food manufacturing and more, and how they compare to other cleaning methods.
Dry ice blasting or dry ice cleaning is a specialized method of cleaning surfaces with a device that blasts pressurized air. This air comes in the form of rice-sized crystals of frozen CO2, making it similar to bead, sand and soda blasting. Even so, it differs from these approaches because it is more organic than other methods that use chemicals and leave waste behind.
When using this specialized equipment, small particles from the device blast off any dirt and contaminants on surfaces and industrial equipment. These particles are frozen gas, so they evaporate in the air, leaving only a clean surface. This process does not create secondary waste or dislodged contaminants that must be removed.
Dry ice blasting has been proven effective in various work environments. Here are a few instances of dry ice blasting in numerous industries.
If you need to clean electronics without using chemicals or water, dry ice blasting may be a suitable solution. This option helps you clean soot and dirt off devices with up to 29 kW, even with the power supply still connected. By periodically cleaning the necessary electrical components, you can avoid unexpected power failures and halts in production.
Dry ice blasting can be especially effective for packaging machinery. It effectively removes dirt and adhesive residue, improving package line flow and reducing the chance of unexpected shutdowns. With this cleaning method, operations can properly and regularly clean necessary components, resulting in greater cost savings.
In the printing industry, companies can clean ink boxes, rollers and trays easily. For example, a business may need to remove paper dust, powder, wet or dry ink or adhesive residues. Dry ice blasting can do the job without disassembling parts, helping reduce maintenance time and increase product quality.
If you require a gentle way to clean moulds during production, dry ice blasting can reduce downtime without causing damage to the mould surface. It can clean various mould types and finishes, including textured mould surfaces. Dry ice blasting allows moulds to last longer because it is more gentle than other abrasive methods.
With dry ice blasting, the inside of a building such as a factory can be cleaned without moving equipment or machinery. This method is in contrast to other chemical or water-based cleaning options that require equipment to be moved. In addition, using water or chemicals can damage the equipment or require you to dismantle machines.
Steam or water-based cleaning methods are not ideal in the pharmaceutical industry due to high standards for hygiene and cleanliness. For example, steam can attract bacteria and water may damage electronics. Dry ice blasting is non-abrasive and vaporizes upon contact with equipment, allowing you to effectively clean items and avoid damage.
Industrial operations must often clean the remaining oil, grease and other contaminants from pipes, valves and process equipment. Industrial uses of dry ice blasting allow companies to create a cleaner work environment, improve operations and ensure accurate equipment and process inspections. Dry ice blasting differs from water-based cleaning solutions, which can lower the life span of metal equipment.
Businesses can use dry ice blasting for various applications in manufacturing processes, including removing debris and grime and cleaning sensitive electronics. With no need to disassemble equipment before cleaning, this method is particularly essential in manufacturing to maintain production uptime.
According to FDA standards, dry ice blasting is one of the only suitable methods for cleaning surfaces and appliances. This is especially true for dairy companies, coffee roasters, bakeries and snack food manufacturing businesses.
Dry ice is beneficial for cleaning various appliances, including stoves, ovens, cold storage, mixers and other conveyors that food touches during production. After dry ice blasting, food touching these surfaces will be free of any odors, adverse tastes or toxins.
Dry ice blasting helps avoid accidents with electrical components surrounding wiring, control panels, carbon materials, sealants and aviation grease. Operations in the aerospace industry can maintain employee safety and keep the workspace clean using this method.
Sand blasting is a cost-effective method for total restoration of metal and removing paint or rust by shooting glass beads or a similar material. While faster and more effective than manual and power sanding, it is often more abrasive and may damage materials.
Dry ice blasting is more gentle, making it safe to use on glass, engine parts, painted panels and chrome trim. This method is particularly beneficial when removing oil stains, extreme grime and tarnishes. While this cleaning solution requires more time than sand blasting, there is less damage and no need to clean up particles after the process is complete.
Dry ice blasting solutions allow you to clean sensitive equipment and delicate electronics in a non-abrasive way — resulting in less damage and electrical shorts. This cleaning method also effectively removes dirt and improves longevity and performance, making it the perfect solution for expensive and intricate machinery.
For facilities that must meet USDA and FDA standards, dry ice blasting is the ideal choice. It is non-toxic, tasteless, colorless and odorless, and follows the requirements of both the FDA and USDA regarding food-grade quality.
From an environmental perspective, dry ice uses reclaimed CO2 which is collected and recycled from various industrial processes. As a result, it is a more eco-friendly cleaning option compared to other methods that use plastics and other non-renewable materials.
Cleaning via dry ice blasting results in reduced labor costs, improved productivity, enhanced worker safety and prolonged equipment life span. For these reasons, the cost of dry ice blasting is well worth the investment.
At Meritus Gas Partners, we have various dry ice blasting solutions available for purchase in blocks, pellets and more. Meritus Gas Partners is a leading company that sells gas and welding equipment with assistance from independent suppliers that offer dry ice and other gases.
Find a dry ice blasting partner near you or contact us today to learn more about our dry ice cleaning solutions.