6 Tips for a Professional Dry Ice Blasting Technique
Dry ice blasting, otherwise known as CO2 blasting, is an environmentally sustainable cleaning solution that produces no secondary waste and provides a factory finish. Compressed air between 80 and 90 PSI is used to blasts pellets of solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) at high speeds to disrupt surface contaminants. However, as with most things in life, the full capabilities of dry ice blast cleaning is only achievable through the right technique and procedures.
Just as you wouldn't paint your car with a paintbrush or cut your grass with a pair of scissors, dry ice blasting requires the proper equipment and technique. If you've recently rented a CO2 blastingmachine and are preparing to use it to clean your industrial machine, then here are some tips for a job well done.
- Ensure consistency : It's important to maintain a constant and sweeping motion during your blasting session as well as to keep a consistent nozzle angle throughout the entire process.
- Limit overlap : Most people tend to have a large amount of overlap when they're spraying to ensure that the entire surface is covered. However, in doing so, you extend the time it takes to complete the job and end up using more media. By minimizing the amount of overlap per sweep, you can maximize efficiency.
- Top to bottom : More or less a preference, sweeping your nozzle from top to bottom is recommended to effectively clean your application.
- Find a rhythm : It's a good idea to find a rhythm which you can keep throughout the entire blasting process. Your rhythm shouldn't be too fast, which would result in a lot of missed spots and the need for a respray, nor should it be too slow which would extend the cleaning time. You'll want to be somewhere in between.
- Keep your distance : Ideally, you will want to keep your nozzle two to six inches away from the surface in which you're blasting.
- Maintain hose integrity : Always be aware of your hose and be sure to avoid any kinks that could compromise the blasting machine's integrity. Also, note that your hose should be far away from any hot surfaces.
Most manufacturers require foolproof machine-cleaning methods in order to roll out clean, nontoxic products and stay in compliance with federal regulations related to consumer safety. This is especially relevant to manufacturers of food products or any appliances related to producing or preparing food. Since water blasting and sand blasting, both traditional methods of industrial cleaning, can leave behind debris or damage, enter dry ice cleaning services. The method of dry ice cleaning can be sterile and is very clean and clear of clutter, making it an efficient tool for heat exchanger cleaning services. Learn more about dry ice blasting and why it is superior to all other commercial cleaning methods. More Efficient Cleaning Dry ice isn't actually ice; it's solid carbon dioxide. this solid is formed and cooled down to 79 degrees C, and it's preserved at that level for specialized industrial purposes. those purposes typically include cleaning or shipping products. Where cleaning is concerned, dry ice blasting equipment polishes and cleans industrial machinery and products at supersonic speeds. What can be cleaned within hours with a sand blaster can be transformed to a like-new state with a dry ice cleaning machine in minutes. Of course, since efficiency and timeliness are paramount in virtually every industry, working with a team of dry ice blasting contractors can be a major asset to a manufacturer. Environmentally Sound It is in a manufacturer's best interest to create products and use processes that are eco-friendly. Industrial manufacturers are traditionally known to be creators of pollution in massive proportions. Part of the pollution problem has to do with cleaning procedures and the disposal of waste. With dry ice cleaning, the process is drastically more refined and much less prone to scattering debris. Dry ice does not need to be put to waste, and the cleaning machines used do not need as much cleaning themselves as other more traditional industrial cleaning equipment does. Not only is the process of dry ice blasting kinder to the environment, but everything, from the dry ice itself to the intricate machinery, can be recycled and repurposed. This gives the equipment a much longer lifespan. Some Industries Can Only Rely On Dry Ice Blasting Some manufacturing companies can only rely on specialized, truly clean maintenance services. Food equipment, for instance, cannot be cleaned with a sand blaster. HVAC and space heater manufacturers, in turn, must rely on heat exchanger cleaning services that don't use water. Dry ice is the perfect cleaning solution for almost any industry. Additionally, it is the only option for more specialized industries that deal with food, flammable particles, or equipment and substances that might otherwise be damaged by water. Final Thoughts Does your company need heat exchanger cleaning services or other industrial cleaning services that require the use of dry ice? If so, contact us to learn how our process and our unique capabilities can fit your needs.
For those somewhat unfamiliar with dry ice blasting, the first step is to understand what it does not involve. There is no “ice” involved in the dry ice blasting process. Dry ice is not ice as we know it. It’s solid carbon dioxide at -79 degrees Celsius. While the name may bring to mind images of ice being hurled at a surface, that is not the case at all. It is more like a cloud of cold steam. But one of the best features of dry ice blasting is the fact that it involves environmentally sustainable cleaning. This makes it so regardless of the industry you are in, you can use this method of cleaning knowing that you are still doing your part to conserve the environment we depend on. There are more benefits as well, however. Here are a few of them.
Dry ice cleaning services are useful for manufacturing, power generation, and restoration. What will you use it for?
Whether you need heat exchanger cleaning services or have presses that need a serious cleaning, CO2 blasting might be a good way to go.
Dry ice blasting, also known as dry ice cleaning, is the process of spraying dry ice pellets through a hose at high pressures to clean surfaces.
If you're looking for dry ice cleaning services that you can trust, Interstate Carbonic Enterprises is that place for you. To learn more about our CO2 cleaning equipment, dry ice blasting equipment, other cleaning solutions, contact Interstate Carbonic Enterprises today.
If you are looking for a commercial cleaning company, it would be good to consider a company that uses modern CO2 cleaning and CO2 cleaning equipment; you will get several benefits that you cannot get from a standard cleaning solution. Here are some of the top benefits of dry ice blasting cleaning.
Overall, dry ice blasting has been an effective and efficient method of cleaning materials for over the last 70 years. It is handy by not needing to fully deconstruct machines, while also not raising any concerns over flame or electrical hazards. Compared to liquid solvent cleaning methods, dry ice cleaning should be heavily considered for your next machine needing cleaning, no matter the industry you work in.
These are only just a few of the benefits of utilizing a dry ice cleaning service. If you're interested in learning more, contact us today.
Whether you're an expert or a beginner, there's no harm in refreshing your knowledge every once in a while.