FAQ

How is dry ice made?
Liquid Carbon Dioxide (CO²) is the source of all dry ice products.  Through a unique process the liquid CO² is converted to a “snow” which is packed to an exact hardness to form blocks of dry ice.  Dry ice can be used in this form or either ‘sliced’ or extruded through hundreds of holes to make exact and consistently sized pellets.

Does Carbon Dioxide pose a safety risk?
The maximum presence of CO2 recommended for work environments is 0.5% by volume. In a normal workspace, existing ventilation is sufficient to prevent undue CO2 build-up. In more confined spaces ventilation needs to be actively considered. Since CO2 is 4O% heavier than air placement of exhaust vents is best at or near ground level.

I know dry ice blast cleaning is noisy but what is the actual noise level?
The actual dB level depends on the selected operating pressure and air volume consumption, and varies from around 80 to 125 dB. All operators must wear ear protection and those in the near vicinity should also be mindful of the increased noise levels and take all suitable precautions to protect their own hearing.

What makes up the standard equipment for blast cleaning?
A mobile blast unit set, adequate compressed air (either plant air or mobile compressor), AC power (either 240 or 110v), and not forgetting the blast media (3mm dry ice pellets).

Can I use my plant air for operating the blast machine?
Yes there are machines that are designed specifically for use with plant air that typically operate around 5-7bar.  This pressure is sufficient for many applications if other pre-requisites are met such as the use of low air volumes.  Normally plant air is dried to a dew point of 0°C which is sufficient in most cases.  Drying up to -20°C is optimal.

Is special clothing and equipment recommended for blast cleaning operations?
Yes.  For safety and comfort, the operator must wear a set of coveralls, safety goggles (or face shield), gloves and ear protection.  Normally a simple fibre dust mask is all that may required however, for more demanding cleaning such as in confined spaces like storage tanks, more substantial breathing protection will be necessary.

Does dry ice blasting cool the base material? Is this desirable? Will it damage the base material?
Some cooling takes place in the base material, but the amount of cooling seldom exceeds -40°C below its initial temperature.  The likelihood of damage due to cooling is remote.  Experience in cleaning hot tools show that the cooling does not cause any harm. For a few kinds of applications cooling makes a small contribution to the cleaning process, principally with those contaminants that break up more easily due to thermal shock, e.g. those with high moisture content or a high freezing point.  Most of the cleaning results from good velocity/kinetic energy, hard pellets, and the impact-flushing action described above.

In what kind of applications has dry ice blasting proven to be most effective?
Production equipment can be cleaned safely in place on the production floor saving substantial downtime and other resources.  Industrial control panels, man-fans, and other electrically sensitive equipment can be cleaned by dry ice blasting as CO² is entirely non-conductive. Continuous web processes – like paper, printing and food processing benefit from in-situ cleaning and conveyors of all types are easily cleaned by dry ice blasting.  Foundry core boxes, plastic or die casting moulds, engine parts, tyre presses and hundreds of items now being cleaned with toxic chemicals or environmentally undesirable substances can be cleaned by dry ice blasting.