The Risks Of Solid CO2: How To Properly Handle Dry Ice
Most everybody is aware of dry ice as a concept: they know it's used to create fake fog in spooky environments, to make quick-fix ice cream at home, and even has industrial cleaning properties when utilized as dry ice blasting. Beyond that, people simply know that the material is very cold -- cold enough to burn skin if exposed for long enough.
That last one is precisely why proper safety measures -- particularly when it comes to dry ice cleaning -- is so important. Let's take a closer look at the chemical components of dry ice and how to ensure personal safety is protected during its use.
CO2 Science
Dry ice is the solidified form of carbon dioxide. Freezing a gas takes extremely cold temperatures, hence the risk of intense burns; carbon dioxide needs to be brought down to -79 degrees Celsius (around -110 Fahrenheit) in order to become dry ice. The 'fog' that we so frequently see is actually the dry ice sublimating as it turns immediately from a solid into a gas. This is one of the aspects that makes dry ice blasting so beneficial in food and medical industries: it can quickly and easily destroy grime and buildup without leaving a trace of anything behind -- it simply sublimates into the air.
Safety Over Science
While the properties of dry ice (and its uses) are exceptionally interesting, safety always comes first. Here are the two main safety concerns regarding the handling and use of dry ice.
- Temperature: At -79 degrees Celsius, it won't take very long at all to burn skin. Protective clothing must always be worn when maneuvering blocks of dry ice. In the event you do get burned, treat the wound like you would a normal heat-related burn.
- Ventilation: Though carbon dioxide is generally harmless, it can incapacitate and cause unconsciousness in individuals if they're exposed for too long. It is 40% heavier than the air we breathe, so if your work environment isn't properly ventilated, carbon dioxide can actually change atmospheric conditions negatively. If you notice yourself starting to pant or developing a headache, leave the area as soon as possible.
If you're knowledgeable and smart about the decisions you make regarding dry ice use, you'll have nothing to worry about.
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.