FAQ Dry Ice Blasting
Cleaning with dry ice is a relatively new process, and therefore it raises one or two questions. You can find some frequently asked questions and their answers here.
If your question is not included, do not hesitate to contact us. Our experienced staff are happy to assist you with advice and support.
Questions about Dry Ice Blasting Application
In which cases can dry ice blasting be used?
Since dry ice blasting can be used almost anywhere a fast, effective, and gentle surface cleaning is desired, we provide some examples here.
Areas of application include the automotive, food, and chemical industries.
This includes the cleaning of molds/tools and machines in thermoplastics, thermosets, and elastomer processing.
Additional fields of application can be found in the construction sector, such as facade cleaning and the cleaning of heritage objects.
Dry ice cleaning of vehicles such as cars, trucks, vintage cars, buses, and industrial trucks is also noteworthy due to this effective cleaning method. Rail vehicles and wagons can also be effectively cleaned with a dry ice blasting machine.
For boats and ships, dry ice blasting can be used to remove osmosis and antifouling.
This is just a small excerpt of the versatile applications of dry ice blasting.
What are the advantages of dry ice cleaning?
The residue-free and solvent-free cleaning with dry ice is a major advantage of this process.
Since in the plastics industry, for example, dry ice cleaning often eliminates the need for disassembling molds/tools, production downtimes are significantly reduced, as are labor and personnel costs.
Dry ice blasting is non-abrasive, meaning it is gentle on surfaces.
Dry ice leaves no residues or moisture.
Since dry ice leaves no secondary waste, there are no disposal costs.
It is absolutely environmentally friendly!
Can the dry ice cleaning method also be used for paint stripping?
Yes, paint and varnish can be removed from wood, stone, concrete, asphalt, plastic, and metal. Generally, preliminary tests should be performed. Depending on the paint system/structure, the effectiveness of paint stripping can be significantly increased by upgrading our systems with an abrasive set (addition of an approved additive).
Questions about Dry Ice and Dry Ice Blasting Method
What is dry ice?
Dry ice is solid (frozen) CO2 with a temperature of -78.5 °C. It is made from recovered CO2, which typically results from industrial processes (e.g., cement, fertilizer production, etc.).
How does cleaning with dry ice work?
Dry ice blasting is similar to sandblasting. Dry ice pellets are accelerated by compressed air and strike the surface to be cleaned. A thermal reaction occurs: due to the low temperature of the dry ice pellets of -78.5 °C, the contamination freezes, and this thermal shock at the surface causes the contamination to crack and become brittle. The subsequent dry ice pellets penetrate these cracks and release the contamination. The dry ice pellets evaporate and sublimate (i.e., they go directly from a solid to a gaseous state) during this process.
What should I be aware of when handling dry ice?
Ensure that children and unauthorized persons do not have access to dry ice – it is not edible ice and should neither be sucked nor added to drinks!
Do not touch with bare hands – direct skin contact can cause cold burns; always wear appropriate protective gloves.
Wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) during application.
Dry ice pellets should not come into contact with moisture as they will otherwise clump together.
Ensure adequate ventilation during transport, storage, and use in enclosed spaces and vehicles.
How should I best store dry ice?
Since dry ice has a temperature of -78.5 °C, it should be stored in thick-walled Styrofoam boxes or specially designed plastic boxes.
Dry ice must be stored in well-ventilated places/rooms.
How long does dry ice last?
When stored properly, approximately 3 to 4 days, this also depends on the amount of dry ice.
Questions on Technical Requirements for Dry Ice Cleaning
What are the differences between single and dual hose systems?
In the dual hose system, compressed air and dry ice are delivered separately to the blasting gun through distinct hoses and mixed only there, which significantly reduces the loss due to sublimation (i.e., transition of solid ice pellets to gaseous state). In the blasting gun, a vacuum is created by the Venturi effect, through which the ice pellets are conveyed to the blasting gun. This reduces the consumption of dry ice.
In contrast, in the single hose system, compressed air and dry ice are routed through one hose and, due to the higher pressure in the hose, a greater sublimation occurs. Generally, a single hose system has a higher cleaning performance but also a higher consumption of dry ice.
What do I need for dry ice cleaning?
Of course, a dry ice blasting machine with hose and blasting gun/nozzle.
A suitable compressor or access to a compressed air connection (see also the next question).
A 230V power connection, depending on the system type (our DC 280 dry ice blasting machine operates purely pneumatically and therefore does not require a power connection – very practical on construction sites and building renovation).
Dry ice pellets in sufficient quantity.
Your personal protective equipment (PPE), i.e., dust mask/respiratory protection, hearing protection, safety goggles, thermal gloves, protective suit, and safety shoes.
How much air is needed for effective cleaning?
The inlet pressure should be between 6 and 15 bar depending on the type of system.
The required compressed air volume should be between 590 l/min and 9,500 l/min.
For example, our DC 50 machine operates with a volume of 590 l/min to 2,350 l/min. In contrast, our DC 280 requires between 3,500 l/min and 9,500 l/min.
Your Contacts
Do you have questions about our products or the use of our dry ice blasting devices?
Our staff is happy to advise you.
Contact us now!
Do you want a quote for a dry ice blasting device, have a question about the appropriate configuration, or are unsure which model suits your application?
Then ask directly. We clarify material, contamination, surface performance, and dry ice consumption and send you a specific recommendation.