What Is Dry Ice Blasting?

OSC team member using dry ice blasting

If you’re looking for a more efficient way to clean your business’s equipment, look no further—dry ice blasting is a modern cleaning method that uses advanced technology to give you a quality, cost-effective cleaning process for your business applications.

What To Expect From Dry Ice Blasting

Dry ice blasting is a modern form of non-abrasive blasting used for cleaning a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. Using compressed air and high-velocity nozzles, dry ice blasting systems produce CO2 pellets, or media, to ensure a safe, less abrasive surface preparation cleaning. Because dry ice pellets evaporate on contact, you never have to worry about disposing of dry ice after it’s used as a cleaning method.

Blasting by Industry

A variety of industries use dry ice blasting for cleaning purposes, including:

  • Food & Beverage Processing
  • Roof & Fin Fan Cleaning
  • Historical Restoration
  • Printing & Plating
  • Weld Preparation & Slag Removal
  • Aerospace
  • Fire & Smoke Restoration
  • Marine
  • Rubber
  • Utilities & Nuclear
  • Automotive
  • Foundry
  • Mass Transit
  • Wood, Brick, & Plastic
  • Pharmaceutical Equipment

Dry Ice Blasting for Cleaning

Compared to traditional cleaning methods, using dry ice blasters has endless benefits, such as:

Faster and More Efficient

By harnessing the power of frigid temperatures combined with high speed, dry ice blasting allows you to have a more efficient cleaning process. The blasting method doesn’t require equipment disassembly and reassembly and can be used for various surfaces.

Reduces Downtime

Using traditional cleaning methods for equipment means business downtime. However, cleaning tasks using dry ice blasting procedures dramatically reduce operational downtime because industry equipment is cleaned without being moved or transported to another location.

Safe and Environmentally Friendly

Blasting with dry ice is a safe and environmentally friendly way to clean your equipment. Because blasting uses frozen carbon dioxide, there’s no water to reclaim after the process is complete. Another benefit that makes dry ice an ideal cleaning option is that the process doesn’t require chemicals and heat, making it safer for you to clean your equipment and applications.

Improves Your Bottom Line

Compared to traditional cleaning methods, dry ice easily improves your bottom line by eliminating increased financial costs, such as equipment downtime, cleanup labor, and waste disposal.

Dry Ice Blasting Machine Features

Dry ice blasting machines are equipped with a variety of features designed for quality, efficient cleaning solutions.

Blasting system features include:

  • SureFlow System: The SureFlow feature keeps dry ice moving efficiently.
  • Ergonomic Design: Blasting equipment is designed and engineered with user comfort in mind.
  • Patented Nozzle Technology: Modern blasting systems have a dynamic line of industry-advanced nozzle technology.
  • Patented Feeder Technology: Efficient feeder technology maximizes dry ice particle integrity and velocity.

Dry Ice Blasting Tips

There are several safety and efficiency tips to keep in mind when using dry ice blasting as a cleaning method:

Ensure Consistency

It’s crucial to maintain consistency throughout the blasting process by using constant sweeping motions and keeping the nozzle at a set angle.

Limit Overlap

It’s a common misconception that an efficient blast cleaning involves a large amount of overlap to ensure the entire cleaning surface is covered. However, overlap lengthens the job and increases your media usage. Minimizing the amount of overlap per sweep maximizes cleaning efficiency.

Perform Top to Bottom Motions

Sweeping your angled nozzle using a top to bottom motion is recommended to clean your application efficiently.

Find a Rhythm

Maintaining well-balanced rhythm throughout the process is essential for an effective cleaning. Your movements shouldn’t be too fast so you don’t miss any areas, and shouldn’t be too slow to avoid extending the cleaning time.

Keep Your Distance

There are several safety measures to take when performing dry ice blasting. A common rule is to keep your nozzle two to six inches away from the cleaning surface. Safety Data Sheets can give you a better understanding of proper safety procedures to consider when cleaning and dealing with dry ice.

Maintain Hose Integrity

Be aware of your hose to avoid any kinks that compromise the machine’s integrity. You should also ensure your hose isn’t near hot surfaces.

Oxygen Service Company offers a variety of rental equipment, such as dry ice blasting machines, to prevent downtime and improve efficiency.

Learn More

Dry Ice Blasting Minneapolis Experts

Oxygen Service Company (OSC) is an industry leader in distributing quality solutions, such as dry ice, gas, welding, and automation, in support of your business needs.

Along with dry ice blasting equipment, OSC also offers other dry ice solutions, from commercial bulk supplies and medical dry ice to small batches of dry ice for your retail or home improvement needs. To learn more about our dry ice blasting services, contact OSC today, your dry ice blasting Minneapolis experts.

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