Dry Ice Blast Cleaning

The cleaning process uses fine pellets of frozen carbon dioxide (dry Ice) in a high velocity air-stream to perform a wide variety of manufacturing and surface cleaning. The cleaning action occurs when the high velocity ice pellet strikes the target substrate. The thermal shock from the impact breaks the adhesive bond the unwanted surface coating while at the same time subliminating the pellet to its original gas form. The end result is highly effective surface waste removal without additional cleanup and no damage to the underlying substrate.

Dry Ice Cleaning offers many advantages over traditional cleaning methods. Below are some examples:

Dry Ice Vs. Sand
Sand, along with black magic and glass beads, are grit medias. When grit media strike the target, the unwanted surface is removed along with a small part of the underlying substrate. Dry ice eliminates damage to surfaces in two ways. First, dry ice subliminates upon contact with the surface coating leaving the underlying substrate unharmed. The surface integrity and critical balances are preserved meaning that the process will not shorten the life of the equipment. Dry Ice is also safe around gears, gaskets, and rubber hoses so machines do not require dis-assembly for cleaning preparation. Second, traditional cleaning methods add a secondary risk of damage to equipment due to transit to and from the dedicated cleaning area. With dry Ice, the machines and equipment can be cleaned on site.

Dry Ice Vs. High Pressure Water and Steam
Although water and steam are non grit medias, the dry ice cleaning process offers several advantages. Dry ice is safe around electrical parts and generators and can be cleaned without requiring de-activation. Due to lack of moisture, Mildew and molds are far less likely to regenerate after being cleaned. Radioactive and other industrial wastes do not require additional storage containers for contaminated water.

Dry Ice Vs. Chemical Cleaning
Since dry ice is simply carbon dioxide in a solid form, there is no environmentally hazardous byproduct. Below are some of the harmful properties associated with chemical components of common cleaners:
Trichlorethane- (commonly found in brake parts cleaners) contains ozone depleting compounds (ODC) and causes contamination to ground water.
Methylene chloride- hasardous to human health
Perchlorethane- known to the state of California to cause cancer.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)- Not only flammable but also a smog producer.
In many cases, regulatory standards dictate a limited amount of solvent use in the form of credits for all industrial applications. By replacing the cleaning applications with dry ice, credits can be used on chemicals necessary for manufacturing thus increasing overall productivity.

Watch "Dry Ice in Action" Video

Telephone:615-255-4850

Fax: 615-255-5319

Postal address : 206B Cole Ave. Nashville, TN 37210

E-mail: stripmaster@bellsouth.net