Many industries are turning to dry blasting as an alternative industrial cleaning solution.
For one, dry ice blasting is an environmentally friendly option that is non-combustible and non-toxic. Second, it’s a versatile and gentle alternative to more abrasive solutions like sandblasting and hydro blasting.
We could go on and on about the benefits of ice blasting – and we will – but we’ll try to make it brief. Allow us to introduce you to one of the safest cleaning solutions on the market today.
What is dry ice blasting?
Pardon us as we get a little scientific.
Also known as CO2 blasting, dry ice blasting uses specialized equipment that combines dry ice pellets with compressed air. That compressed air will get the pellets moving at high speed, forcing them through a hose, out of the blast nozzle.
When those pellets hit the cleaning surface, they sublimate – rapidly expanding into CO2 gas. As the gas expands, it lifts away dirt and other contaminants from the underlying surface.
Is ice blasting environmentally friendly?
Absolutely, dry blasting is a non-toxic method with environmentally responsible properties that set it apart from alternative solutions. Not only is it gentle on Mother Earth, but it can also prolong the life of surfaces and equipment.
Many cleaning methods involve scraping and scrubbing with abrasive and often corrosive chemical solvents. These chemicals are harsh on the environment and wear down equipment over time.
Dry ice blasting maintains the integrity of the surface, blasting away dirt and grime without generating secondary waste. In dry blasting, the CO2 pellets convert to gas during the cleaning process, creating no secondary waste.
Alternatively, when a project calls for simple pressure washing, sandblasting, or hydro blasting, there is a residual clean-up of sand particles and water.
Why choose dry blasting?
To put it simply, dry blasting is the best of both worlds – gentle on surfaces yet powerful enough to eliminate oil, grease, paint, tar, and dirt. Borrowing the Dawn tagline, dry blasting is “tough on grease, yet gentle on them.”
A versatile system, the machine’s air pressure, and dry ice feed rate are adjustable. You can dial that down to clean delicate elements like control panels and circuitry, or bump it up for stubborn messes like asphalt, corrosion, and wet slag.
While there are plenty of projects better suited for systems such as sandblasting or hydro blasting – they are more abrasive solutions and leave behind secondary waste like sand particles and water.
Dry ice blasting – what is it good for?
Ice blasting is generally a great solution for cleaning and surface preparation, as well as parts finishing applications.
Its versatile applications are used in a variety of ways across both commercial and manufacturing settings, including:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Contract Cleaning
- Composite Tool Cleaning
- Electric Motor
- Engineered Wood
- Fire Restoration
- Food and Beverage
- Foundry
- General Maintenance/Facilities
- Historical Restoration
- Medical Device Manufacturing
- Mold Remediation
- Oil and Gas
- Packaging
- Plastics
- Power Generation
- Printing
- Rubber
- Textile
This system is perfect for a variety of jobs, but its best application is – hands down – in a food-safe environment. Because there are no harsh chemicals or residual particles left behind, it’s easily compliant with FDA, USDA, and EPA regulations.
Ready to Blast off?
Industrial cleaning may seem like a daunting chore, but a clean facility is a safer and more efficient environment. Skimping on regular cleanings can also lead to bigger issues down the line.
At the end of the day, every client is unique! Our highly trained technicians at Environmental Remedies can assess your business’s needs and implement state-of-the-art solutions, taking extra steps to clean your facility within the safety and governmental regulations.
Learn more about each of our services, or feel free to contact us with any questions to help get you started.