Dry Ice Blasting FAQs: Your Most Common Questions Answered
Dry ice blasting is a powerful cleaning solution gaining popularity in industries like manufacturing, food processing, and electronics.
But what exactly is dry ice blasting? How does it work? Is it safe for all surfaces?
Let’s dive into the most common questions about dry ice blasting.
Dry Ice Blasting FAQs
What Is Dry Ice Blasting?
Dry ice blasting is a cleaning process that uses small, solid carbon dioxide (CO2) pellets, known as dry ice. It’s also called dry ice cleaning or CO2 blasting.
This method is unique because it cleans without using water or abrasive materials. Instead, it relies on the cold temperature and speed of the dry ice pellets to remove dirt, grease, and other contaminants from surfaces.
Dry ice blasting is non-abrasive, so it won't scratch or damage surfaces. It's also environmentally friendly. Since the dry ice pellets turn into gas upon impact, there's no secondary waste to clean up. Dry ice blasting is an excellent option for industries needing a thorough but gentle cleaning method.
How Does Dry Ice Blasting Work?
Dry ice blasting shoots dry ice pellets at high speeds through a specialized machine.
The machine accelerates the dry ice pellets using compressed air. Then, the pellets hit the dirty surface at high speed. The force of the impact removes the dirt or contaminants from the surface.
As the dry ice pellets hit the surface, they cause a thermal shock. This is because dry ice is freezing. The sudden temperature drop helps to break the bond between the surface and the contaminants.
After impact, the dry ice pellets turn directly into gas. This process is called sublimation. As the dry ice turns to gas, it expands and lifts the contaminants away from the surface. Since the dry ice evaporates, there’s no leftover media to clean up.
Dry ice blasting effectively cleans surfaces without leaving any residue by combining speed, impact, and temperature. It’s perfect for delicate equipment, electrical components, and other sensitive areas where traditional cleaning methods might cause damage.
How Much Does Dry Ice Blasting Cost?
Generally, dry ice blasting can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per job. It's best to contact a professional for a specific quote based on your needs.
The cost of dry ice blasting can vary depending on a few factors. Here’s what you need to consider:
Size of the Area: Larger areas require more time and dry ice pellets, which can increase the cost.
Type of Contaminants: If you’re dealing with harsh contaminants like heavy grease or thick layers of paint, the cleaning process may take longer. More time means higher costs.
Location: Travel and setup can also affect the cost, especially if the job is in a remote area or requires special equipment to reach.
Complexity of the Job: Some jobs are more complex than others. For instance, cleaning intricate machinery or equipment with many small parts and tight spaces can be more time-consuming and require more precision.
Equipment and Labor Costs: The cost of dry ice blasting also includes specialized equipment and skilled labor. The blasting machines, air compressors, and dry ice pellets contribute to the cost. Additionally, skilled technicians are needed to operate the equipment safely and effectively, and you have to factor their labor costs into the overall price.
Does Dry Ice Cleaning Damage the Surface?
No, dry ice cleaning does not damage surfaces. One of the biggest advantages of dry ice blasting is its non-abrasive nature.
Dry ice pellets are softer than many other cleaning materials. When they hit a surface, they don’t scratch or wear it down. This makes dry ice blasting an excellent option for delicate surfaces or precision equipment.
The CO2 pellets are also non-toxic and non-conductive, which means they’re safe around electrical components and won’t leave any harmful residues.
While the dry ice is cold, the pellets are small, and the cold shock is brief. This won’t cause thermal damage to the surface being cleaned.
What Happens to the Contaminant?
When you use dry ice blasting to clean a surface, the contaminants don’t just disappear—they are physically removed from the surface.
As the dry ice pellets hit the surface, the impact force knocks loose the contaminants like dirt, grease, or paint. The thermal shock caused by the cold pellets also helps to break the bond between the surface and the contaminants.
After dislodging the contaminants, the dry ice pellets quickly turn into CO2 gas through sublimation. This gas expansion helps lift the contaminants off the surface and makes it easy to clean up.
Unlike other cleaning methods, dry ice blasting does not produce secondary waste. The dry ice turns to gas, leaving only the removed contaminants behind. The cleanup is faster and easier, with less mess to deal with.
How Is Dry Ice Cleaning Different From Sandblasting?
The biggest difference is that sandblasting is abrasive, while dry ice cleaning is not. Sandblasting uses hard particles like sand or glass beads to scrape away dirt and contaminants. This can wear down or damage delicate surfaces.
On the other hand, dry ice cleaning uses soft CO2 pellets that do not scratch or wear down the material.
Sandblasting also leaves behind a lot of secondary waste. After sandblasting, you must clean up the sand or other abrasive materials. Dry ice blasting doesn’t leave any secondary waste because the dry ice evaporates, leaving only the removed contaminants behind.
Dry ice cleaning is safer for sensitive equipment and environments. Because it’s non-conductive and non-toxic, it’s ideal for cleaning electrical components, machinery, and food processing equipment. Sandblasting can be more hazardous due to the risk of inhaling fine particles and the potential for damaging surfaces.
Dry ice blasting is also more versatile. It can clean everything from delicate electronics to industrial machinery without causing harm. Sandblasting is generally better for tougher, more durable surfaces where abrasion isn’t a concern.
Choose Dry Ice Blasting for a Cleaner, Safer Solution
Dry ice blasting is a powerful, versatile, and safe cleaning method for industrial equipment and facilities. It’s non-abrasive, produces no secondary waste, and is suitable for even the most sensitive surfaces.
If you want to see the benefits of dry ice blasting for yourself, contact BioVac today to learn more about our dry ice blasting services.
