It is a process in which particles of dry ice are propelled with high velocity air (usually at 6 – 7 bar air pressure) to impact and clean a surface.
The following two charts give a helpful perspective of how dry ice blasting compares with the traditional cleaning methods -- sand, blasting, solvents, and others:
* Each of these blast cleaning materials becomes contaminated upon contact if used to clean hazardous objects. When that happens, these materials are then classified as toxic waste requiring safe disposal.
Cleaning Method Comparison
Issue
Traditional
Dry Ice Blasting
Equipment Downtime
Cleaned in dedicated cleaning area; Disassembly/reassembly; Drying time required
Equipment can be cleaned in place; Dry process - equipment restart immediately after cleaning
Hazardous Waste
Intensive hand scrubbing; Lengthy cleanings; Follow-up cleaning-up can be lengthy
Dramatically reduced - often completed in a quarter of time or better
Quality of Cleaning
Poor to average
Excellent
Potential Equipment Damage
Grit abrasions; Grit contamination; Movement of equipment to and from cleaning area
No equipment damage; Preventive maintenance very realistic as labor hours are significantly less
Safety
Health threats from solvents; Water-based cleaning pose hazards around electrical equipment; Threats to environment
Standard safety precautions; Dry process - safe around electrical equipment
Cost
Cleaner becomes additional hazardous waste; expensive solvents; Additional labour
