Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Everything you always wanted to know about dry ice cleaning but you were afraid to ask… and even more!
Everything you always wanted to know about dry ice cleaning but you were afraid to ask… and even more!
Dry ice is carbon dioxide in a solid form. Can be produced in the form of pellets or blocks of different sizes.
Cleaning with dry ice is a modern method in which dry ice granules replace traditional cleaning materials such as sand, water, glass and plastic. Unlike sanding, the process leaves no secondary waste. The only waste to be removed is to remove the coating, which can normally be sweep or vacuum from the floor. The process is dry and non-conductive, which is why it is suitable for use in electric motors and electrical circuits.
A dry ice granules in a compressed air stream hit a clean coating (coating is dirt) with a very high speed (coming to the speed). Such cleaning is a component of three effects.
Kinetic effect: When the dry ice granules hit the surface with the speed of sound, each coating on the surface is cracked and loose.
Thermal effect: low temperature of dry ice granules makes the coating crumb, break and relax it in The result of reduced binding between the coating and the surface underneath. As a result, dry ice can penetrate through the coating.
Effect of evaporation (sublimation): dry ice penetrates into a coating and immediately sublimates (passes directly from standing to a volatile state). This results in a 700-fold increase in volume, explosive effect that breaks the coating (dirt) from the surface.
Granules are carbon dioxide in a solid form, formed into small particles (with a size of rice grains).
Cleaning dry ice is a completely dry process. Cleaning with dry ice is non-toxic, non-conductive and incredible. Dry ice evaporates immediately after contact with machined surfaces. This gives a few benefits compared to traditional sandblasting methods. In the case of dry ice cleaning, there is no secondary waste (sand, glass, plastic, etc.)
The only waste to sweep or vacuuming is the coating removed during cleaning. Therefore, it is possible to clean objects in which the residue of explosive material from other methods can collect in any unavailable angle. Cleaning with dry ice allows cleaning during the operation of the machines, without the need to disassemble. This is of course a great economic significance, because costly downtime can be eliminated or drastically reduce.
Dry coatings break into small flakes that can be placed or dusted. Coil coatings (eg. oil or lubricant) are discharged in the compressed air stream in a similar way to which are observed with high-pressure hoses. The processed surface remains dry and clean.
Because the process is dry and indefinitely, each material can be cleaned with a stream of dry ice without negative effects. For example, Plexiglas and polished aluminum can also be subjected to dry ice (without matting the surface).
A dry ice cleaning machine is needed. Additionally, it is necessary to have access the power and source of compressed air.
Usually, it is not necessary to disassemble machines for dry ice cleaning, because the process is completely dry and leaves no remaining material or chemicals.
No. Temperature changes in machines are minor and they are similar to changes taking place during normal operation.
Yes. Faster and more effective cleaning can often be achieved when the cleaned object is hot.
Yes. In many cases, machines will be possible without switching them off. In other cases, it will be possible to shorten the stop time for cleaning because the cleaned surfaces will remain dry.
No. The dry ice blasting pressure can be adapted to the material, so that the coatings and raids can be removed without damaging the material itself underneath. This means that dry ice cleaning can also be used for easy-to-damage materials such as nickel, chrome and aluminum.
Yes. In the vast majority of cases, dry ice cleaning will be as effective as traditional cleaning methods.
Yes. Because dry ice cleaning is a clean and dry process, it can be used with advantage instead of traditional methods that leave the detergent residues. The process has also been approved for use in the food industry.
The speed that can be cleaned will be largely dependent on the type of coating, the type of material from which it is made, the temperature of the object to be cleaned , the amount of air, etc.
Yes. Dry ice cleaning machine must be connected to an external source of compressed air with the following data: Working pressure – minimum 72 psi / maximum 232 psi. Consumption of compressed air -106-388 CFM, depending on the combination of nozzles.
No, the dry ice stream is not conductive as long as the compressed air used is dry.
Dry ice granules are supplied in insulated containers that usually hold 880 pounds. These containers can be moved into different applications on forklift or pallet trucks. Dry ice granules can be stored in these containers for about 4-8 days depending on the ambient temperature and the quality of the container. Due to sublimation, you should expect to lose about 4% of the container content every 24 hours.
When a dry ice granules hit the surface, they change from solid form into gas. Therefore, they are generally not bouncing. As a rule, the material removed is transferred through the compressed air stream. However, when cleaning dry ice, always wear protective goggles.
When cleaning hot surfaces, there is usually no condensation, because the surface temperature remains above the dew point. To prevent condensation resulting from intensive cleaning or when cleaning takes place in cold places, it is recommended to use heating lamps, thermo ventilators or a heated compressed air.
Yes. Dry ice granules are more compact than ice cut or grated from a dry ice block. Thanks to this, dry ice granules clean more effectively. Many of the cleaning tasks currently performed using a dry ice granulate would not be able to perform using a dry ice cleaning machine that uses the flakes.
Dry ice cleaning does not cause abrasion and very gently cleans surfaces. Therefore, it can not be used to obtain a rough surface.
Yes. Cleaning with dry ice is ideal for the food industry, because the cleaning process does not require water or chemicals. Many deployments of dry ice cleaning in the food industry clearly show how the system is versatile. This process is used to remove baked on food residues from ovens and to clean blenders and molds. It can remove paper and adhesives from packaging machines
Cleaning with dry ice can be used on plastic and metal surfaces regardless of whether the cleaned object is hot or cold.
Yes. Cleaning with dry ice can be used to remove dirt and soot from electronics without wet or use chemicals. Cleaning with dry ice can be used on devices with a capacity of 29 kW without disconnecting power. An unexpected power failure and the resulting interruption in production can be avoided, periodically cleaning electronic components.
Yes. Cleaning with dry ice effectively removes adhesive residue and other dirt from packaging machines. This significantly improves the efficiency of the packaging line and can reduce the frequency of unexpected failures and downtime.
Yes. Cleaning with dry ice is an effective way to remove wet and dry ink, powder, paper dust and adhesive residue. This limits the number of unexpected downtime to a minimum, improves the quality of the product and shortens the maintenance time.
Yes. Cleaning with dry ice can be advantageously used to clean mold during production. This reduces downtime. Mold surfaces are not damaged because the process is very delicate.
Yes. Cleaning with dry ice can be used to remove soot and dirt from buildings, and thus to renew surfaces. This method often applies in factory buildings, where it is crucial to resume production as soon as possible. Because dry ice states in contact with the building surface, dry ice cleaning can be used to clean the interior of buildings without moving hardware, machines or equipment.
Where traditional cleaning methods are used – using water and chemicals – it is often necessary to disassemble and shifting the equipment to protect it from damage.
Yes. The pharmaceutical industry sets high hygiene standards. Therefore, cleaning with dry ice is an ideal method of cleaning. It is a clean and dry process that effectively and quickly removes coatings and sediments from forms, conveyors, containers, mixers and other production equipment. Coupling and water cleaning methods may pose a health risk.
First of all, the steam can be a medium for bacteria and other microorganisms. Cleaning with dry ice is a dry process that eliminates this problem.
Secondly, cleaning with water and a steam may increase the risk of accidents with electronics. Because dry ice evaporates in touch with a cleaned surface, there are no secondary waste. Since dry ice blasting is not an abrasive process, the molds used in production will not be damaged.
Dry ice is completely non-toxic. In contrast to cleaning methods using water or high-pressure hoses, there is no emission of contaminated water into the environment. The peeled off coating can be swept or vacuumed and removed if necessary. No toxic fumes from solvents and other chemicals are produced during dry ice blasting.