Amongst all the deep cleaning methods available out there, dry ice blasting or dry ice cleaning is amongst the most environmentally friendly and effective methods.
Additionally, it mitigates the risks of contamination and protects not just the surface and machinery being cleaned but also the cleaners.
This guide will answer all of your questions regarding dry ice cleaning.
What is Dry Ice Cleaning or Blasting?
Dry ice blasting or dry ice cleaning is among the most advanced and sustainable cleaning methods. In this, high-pressurized air is used to blast dry ice pellets (made of frozen solid CO2) to remove debris without leaving any residue. Unlike traditional cleaning methods, dry ice cleaning offers a non-abrasive approach to cleaning.
What is Dry Ice?
Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2). You may be familiar with it, as it is a naturally occurring gas that is colorless, odorless, and non-flammable. At a temperature of -78.5°C (-109.3°F), dry ice sublimates, meaning it transforms directly from a solid to a gas without passing through a liquid state. This sublimation process is a key factor that makes dry ice blasting an effective cleaning medium.
Key Properties of Dry Ice:
- Extreme Cold: The low temperature of dry ice makes it ideal for cleaning, where thermal shock can be used to break the bond between contaminants and surfaces.
- Non-Toxic: As a naturally occurring substance, dry ice is non-toxic and safe for use in various industries, including food processing and healthcare.
- Sublimation: The ability of dry ice to sublimate eliminates secondary waste, leaving no residue behind and reducing the need for cleanup after the blasting process.
How Does Dry Ice Blasting Work?
It works on the principle of sublimation, i.e., when the dry ice pellets strike a surface, they immediately transform from solid CO2 to gaseous CO2. Blasting with dry ice rapidly cools the target area, causing any contaminants to contract and lose their adhesion, making it ideal for cleaning mold, paint, oil, and grease.
Given the ease of cleanup time and minimal secondary waste after the blasting, dry ice blasting is also one of the more environmentally friendly cleaning options.
What is Sublimation? In simple terms, sublimation is the transformation of a solid object directly into the gaseous state.
Cleaning Mechanism
There are two primary mechanisms that play a major role in dry ice cleaning: Thermal Shock and Kinetic Energy.
- Thermal Shock: When the dry ice pellets contact the surface, the extreme cold causes a rapid temperature drop, resulting in thermal shock. This sudden change in temperature causes the contaminants and debris to contract and lose adhesion, making them easier to remove. For instance, in mold remediation, the mold spores freeze and become brittle, allowing the cleaner to easily dislodge them from surfaces without causing any damage.
- Kinetic Energy: The kinetic energy from the high-velocity impact of the dry ice pellets (blasted by pressurized air) further aids in the dislodging of the contaminants. The force of the pellets helps break the stickiness of the contaminant to the surface.
Applications of Dry Ice Blasting
Given the effectiveness of this cleaning method, dry ice blasting has many applications.
Industrial Applications
Here are some of the key industrial applications of dry ice blasting.
Manufacturing
This cleaning method is used in manufacturing plants to remove accumulated grease, oils, and other residues from equipment. Especially the ones with moving parts like motors and generators, ensuring ideal performance and longevity.
Food Processing
Amongst its industrial applications, food processing is another domain where this cleaning method is used because it doesn’t rely on harmful chemicals. It is used in food processing plants for sanitization purposes to remove food grease from ovens, conveyor belts, and production lines.
Automotive Industry
As mentioned above, it is used to clean equipment in manufacturing plants for its ability to remove grease and other contaminants in a non-abrasive manner. This makes it ideal for the automotive industry as well, as it can clean sensitive components without damaging them. It is specifically used in cleaning tooling and molding equipment.
Commercial Applications
Dry ice cleaning is also quite useful in commercial applications.
Building Maintenance
During the regular clean-ups and maintenance of buildings, dry ice blasting is used to effectively remove dirt, pollution, and graffiti from building facades without damaging brick, stone, or concrete surfaces. Also, as it is a water-free cleaning method, it is also used to clean HVAC systems.
Restoration Projects
Dry ice blasting is an excellent cleaning process when it comes to fire and water damage restoration. In the case of fire restoration, this method easily removes soot, char, and smoke odors without causing any further damage. As for water damage cleanup, it is used to remove mold and mildew without relying on chemicals.
Specialty Applications
Beyond industrial and commercial uses, dry ice blasting has specialty applications that require gentle cleaning techniques.
Historical Preservation
Since ancient artifacts and monuments require gentle cleaning, dry ice cleaning is the ideal method as it is non-abrasive and chemical-free and doesn’t damage them.
Medical Equipment Cleaning
It is also used in the medical industry to decontaminate and clean surgical tools and medical equipment.
Benefits of Dry Ice Cleaning
The advantages of dry ice cleaning extend beyond its impressive cleaning capabilities. Here’s why you might consider this method for your cleaning needs:
Non-Abrasive and Non-Toxic
One of the standout features of dry ice cleaning is its non-abrasive nature. Unlike sandblasting or other abrasive methods, dry ice blasting doesn’t wear down surfaces. This makes it suitable for delicate items that need careful handling, such as electrical components or sensitive machinery. Also, it being CO2, it is non-toxic, making it one of the safest cleaning methods.
Environmentally Friendly
Dry ice cleaning is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cleaning methods that use harsh chemicals. Since it uses CO2, a naturally occurring substance, it doesn’t introduce harmful chemicals into the environment. Moreover, the CO2 used in dry ice production is often captured from industrial processes, helping to reduce overall emissions.
Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness
Dry ice cleaning can significantly reduce the time required for cleaning tasks by eliminating the need for disassembly in many cases. This means lower labor costs and less downtime, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses.
Residue-Free Cleaning
Because dry ice instantly goes from solid to gaseous state, it leaves no residue behind. This is particularly beneficial in industries where contamination must be avoided, such as food processing or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Safety Considerations for Dry Ice Blasting
While dry ice cleaning is non-toxic, it’s important to handle it safely due to its freezing temperature of -78.5°C (-109.3°F). Here are some safety tips and guidelines for using dry ice:
Importance of Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Wearing appropriate protective gear is crucial when it comes to handling or working with dry ice to ensure a safe working environment. PPE includes insulated gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection (as dry ice blasting generates a lot of noise).
Ventilation Requirements to Avoid CO2 Build-up
Dry ice should always be used in a well-ventilated area to prevent CO2 buildup, as it can be hazardous in high concentrations.
Training for Safe Operation of Dry Ice Blasting Equipment
This goes without saying that training is essential to ensure proper handling of dry ice and to protect yourself and others in case of a mishap. In addition to equipment training, employees should also be trained on safety protocols.
Conclusion
By now, you know why dry ice cleaning is a powerful and versatile cleaning method and how does dry ice works. This cleaning method offers numerous benefits, from its environmentally friendly nature to its efficiency and safety.
If you are looking for expert dry ice blasting mold remediation services in NY and NJ, Above & Beyond Unlimited Cleaning is here to help you with 26+ years of experience in the business. Our experienced technicians are MICRO CMI & CMRC, ESA, and IICRC certified to ensure you achieve a cleaner and safer workplace.