What is Dry-ice Blasting?

October 25, 2018

Also referred to as ice blasting, dry-ice blasting is a highly efficient method of using pressurized dry ice for cleaning appliances and equipments in industrial areas and environments. Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide, and at extremely low temperatures, it is directed at industrial surfaces to remove dirt, contaminants, and other substances that can affect the quality of equipment and tools.

The cleaning solution is used in various industrial applications including food processing, shipbuilding, electric motor companies, oil mining, power generation, and chemical plants. This post details how dry-ice blasting can serve as an efficient form of maintenance and provide unique benefits in comparison with conventional blasting methods.

How Dry-ice blasting works

The mechanism for using dry-ice blasting is of two types: pellet system and shaved ice block. Both differ in ice density and each can provide unique advantages for specific kinds of equipments and surfaces. The ice block method produces a more delicate dry ice and requires less maintenance. It can be used in various ice block weights and sizes depending on commercial requirements and can be particularly easy to install and use.

A solid pellet system, on the other hand, offers higher dry ice density and pressure that can provide a more effective and robust method of cleaning. However, it requires greater care and maintenance. There are also solid pellet dry ice systems that are capable of directing dry ice at both low and high pressures.

The pellet system works by utilizing kinetic energy from the pellet, as well as the kinetic energy and shock effect from the transfer of heat in the system.

Benefits over other blasting methods

There are many other blasting methods that companies can use, such as plastic bread blasting and sand blasting. However, the dry-ice blasting system has unique benefits over these methods. These are as follows.
Non-abrasive
Abrasive cleaning methods use a machine to propel abrasive material against a surface at high pressures to remove contaminants and dirt through friction. However, abrasive materials tend to lead to health and safety risks for workers especially if they are very close to the surface. Dry-ice blasting, in contrast, is non-abrasive, which means that hazards are avoided and eliminated.
Free from grit media and solvents
Dry-ice blasting is also environmentally friendly as it is does not contain any secondary ingredients that can harm the environment such as solvents and grit media. This ensures all maintenance is achieved by considering the ecological and environmental impact of the blasting method.
Safe to use on electrical equipments
When used on electrical and mechanical parts, conventional blasting methods can lead to risks of electrical fires and damage mainly because the main substance being emitted is conductive. Dry ice, in comparison, is carbon dioxide, which does not conduct electricity or lead to the risk of starting electrical fires.

For more information on how dry-ice blasting can work for your industrial cleaning requirements, please contact us today.