Dry ice cleaning is a technique in which dry ice, also known as sublimation ice, is used to clean machinery, equipment and other objects.
What is cleaning with dry ice suitable for?
Cleaning with dry ice is said to be environmentally friendly and clean. Dry ice is made of carbon dioxide and comes in solid granules. This transforms into gas at room temperature and contact with the environment. The transition from solid to gaseous state is called sublimation.
Dry ice cleaning is mainly used in the industrial sector. Cleaning with dry ice can be used in many other areas. These include, for example:
- Removal of graffiti from walls and buildings.
- Cleaning of chimneys and other exhaust pipes
- Cleaning of rubber and plastic parts
- Removal of dirt, oil and grease from roads and sidewalks
- Cleaning of food processing plants
- Removal of mold and fungus from walls and ceilings.
How does cleaning with dry ice work?
To use dry ice for cleaning, dry ice is directed at the surfaces to be cleaned using a dry ice blasting gun or dry ice blaster. The dry ice immediately sublimates and evaporates, removing contaminants from the surface.
Cleaning with dry ice has many advantages over other cleaning methods. It is fast and effective, does not cause or require heat, and does not require chemical cleaning agents. Due to the fact that dry ice sublimates directly into gas, no moisture is left behind, eliminating the need for secondary cleaning.
Dry ice is also very safe to use, as there is no risk of fire or explosion. Toxic waste is also not produced by cleaning with dry ice.
Things to consider when cleaning with dry ice
There are a few things that should be considered when dry ice cleaning. First of all, it is important that the surfaces to be cleaned are thoroughly cleaned before cleaning to ensure that the dry ice can work effectively. It is also important that the dry ice blasting gun or machine is carefully adjusted to ensure that the dry ice is blasted onto the surface at the correct amount and speed.
The person performing the dry ice cleaning must follow all safety precautions. This includes wearing protective equipment such as safety gloves and goggles, as well as making sure that the cleaning takes place in an area that is well ventilated.
Another important aspect of cleaning with dry ice is the disposal of dry ice waste. Because dry ice sublimates directly into gas, there is no solid waste product left behind to dispose of. Instead, the dry ice gas must be safely removed to ensure that it does not pose a hazard to the environment or people.
Overall, cleaning with dry ice is convincing as an effective and environmentally friendly method for cleaning machines, equipment and other objects.
Source: felix – stock.adobe.com