Cleaning Up With CO2: The 4 Different Methods
Industrial cleaning requires more force than your traditional sprays and detergents. This is when CO2 cleaning equipment and methods come into play. Carbon Dioxide is already around us every day, as a natural trace gas that makes up 0.05% of our atmosphere. As a naturally occurring element, utilizing CO2 cleaning in industries such as dry cleaning has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the EPA Design for the Environment as an environmentally-preferable technology. CO2 cleaning technology can be used in many different industries, and there are four main forms of the cleaning method.
- Snow Cleaning
This system of cleaning involves CO2 in either a gaseous or liquid form. The carbon dioxide expands and creates an output stream that is focused on the cleaning target as a high velocity solid and gas mix. With CO2 cleaning equipment, snow cleaning can remove particles of all sizes, even as small as three nanometers. Most of the technology has single expansion nozzles that are able to handle the high velocity of the output. - Dry Ice Pellets
For efficient contamination removal, the pellets system shoots macroscopic dry ice pieces at the cleaning target. This system is best suited for surfaces that can withstand the intense impact of the pellets, as the entire system is designed to clean by applying thermo-mechanical impact shock. The first step of this cleaning system is the formation of the pellets at the desired size, and then the maintenance of the pellets at proper conditions. The pellets are then fed into the equipment, accelerated by compressed gas, and then distributed at the cleaning target. - Supercritical Fluid CO2
Also known as SFCO2 systems, they use CO2's solvent properties and other properties of a superfluid. The superfluid that is used will have very low viscosity and better solvent properties than the standard liquid phase. This method begins with the cleaning target being sealed in a vessel, filling the vessel, and then adjusting the temperature and pressure as needed. When you need a contaminant to be organically removed, rather than at a high velocity as with the pellet system, the SFCO2 system is best. It's especially well-suited for delicate or small parts or complex structures. - Liquid CO2 Washing Systems
This is essentially a simpler version of the SFCO2 system. The CO2 cleaning equipment design is easier and larger volumes can be accepted because lower pressures are used in the cleaning process. The lower pressure also means that the effective penetrating power of the superfluid is no longer involved in the cleaning, and the CO2 is in a simple liquid form. To remove particles effectively, agitation and spin cycles have been included in the process so that it is similar to your typical laundry experience.
If you think that CO2 cleaning would be an effective method for your industry needs, contact a professional company today.
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.