Basics

What is dry ice cleaning?

Dry ice cleaning, or dry ice blasting, is an environmentally friendly method of cleaning and preparing surfaces.

It is similar to sandblasting, shot blasting, and soda blasting in that it uses a material accelerated by a stream of compressed air to clean and prepare surfaces. However, it differs in that dry ice cleaning uses recycled solid carbon dioxide (CO2) particles or microparticles that are fired at supersonic speeds and sublimate on impact, removing dirt and contaminants from the surface being cleaned.

The process is non-abrasive, non-conductive, non-flammable, non-toxic, and does not contain chemicals, water, or create secondary waste. Dry ice sublimates, i.e., it transitions from a solid state of CO2 to a gaseous state upon impact with the surface being cleaned.

How does dry ice cleaning work?

The dry ice cleaning process is based on three main factors: the kinetic energy of the pellets, the thermal shock effect, and the thermokinetic effect. For convenience in explaining the process, we have created the following acronym (ICE).
Impact – The impact of the pellets creates the kinetic energy effect. Soft dry ice is accelerated by compressed air through specially designed nozzles at supersonic speeds.
Cold – The low temperature of the dry ice pellets creates a thermal effect. The temperature of dry ice (-109°F / -78.9°C) causes the contaminant to become brittle, which helps break the bond between the substrate and the contaminant.
Expansion – Dry ice pellets sublimate upon impact, increasing in volume and removing the contaminant.

What are the advantages of dry ice cleaning?

Thanks to the unique characteristics of dry ice, this method offers a number of advantages that make it a more attractive cleaning solution than alternatives. These advantages include:

  • • On-site cleaning of equipment with minimal or no disassembly
  • • Dry cleaning without the use of water or chemicals
  • • Reduction in downtime associated with cleaning
  • •Cleaning without secondary waste
  • • Improving product quality and reducing defects
  • • Elimination of equipment wear and tear
  • • Environmentally friendly cleaning method

Getting started

What do you need to get started with dry ice cleaning?

Getting started with dry ice cleaning requires a simple setup. Along with your dry ice cleaning machine, the system comes complete with an air hose, applicator, and nozzle best suited for your application.

The only other items needed to operate the system are:

  • • Compressed air source (either plant air or air compressor)
  • • Source of electricity
  • • Dry ice delivery
  • • An air dryer can be useful if you are using a portable diesel compressor as your air source. The dryer removes most of the moisture from the system and can cool the air to 15°F (-9.4°C) below the ambient temperature, which mainly depends on the humidity level.

Where can I buy dry ice?

Most of our customers purchase dry ice pellets or blocks from industrial gas suppliers, welding supply companies, and other regional or local suppliers. Dry ice can be purchased as needed, or regular deliveries can be arranged to your facility. Most major urban areas have regular delivery trucks that cover a 100-mile radius. Dry ice can also be delivered by common carrier and is shipped in insulated containers.

For manufacturers who need large quantities of dry ice on a regular basis or who operate in isolated locations, we recommend considering the purchase of a dry ice machine to meet high demand.

How much does dry ice cost?

Dry ice is a commercial product, and its price varies depending on the region.

How to store dry ice and how long does it last?

Dry ice should be stored in an insulated container, which your dry ice supplier will provide and collect when necessary. The thicker the insulation, the slower it will sublimate. Depending on the climate and the thickness of your container, typical dry ice sublimation is approximately 2% to 10% per day.

How much dry ice do I need for my project?

The amount of dry ice required for effective cleaning varies depending on the application and can vary significantly for each dry ice cleaning system.

The average dry ice consumption for dry ice cleaning equipment is approximately 0.7 pounds (0.32 kg) per minute for a microparticle system and 2 1/2 pounds (1.1 kg) per minute for a pellet system.

What air pressure (air compressor) do I need for dry ice cleaning?

Dry ice cleaning systems that use pellets typically consume 100 cubic feet per minute (2.8 m3/min) at 80 pounds per square inch (5.5 bar), while microparticle systems typically consume 30 cubic feet per minute (0.9 m³/min) at 80 pounds per square inch (5.5 bar). Low-flow nozzles for micro-particle systems may consume as little as 12 cubic feet per minute (0.3 m³/min) at 80 pounds per square inch (5.5 bar). However, your requirements will depend on your application.

Purchase

How much does a dry ice cleaning machine cost?

We have several different machine options depending on your application, air source, and budget.

How long will it take to deliver my machine?

On average, 7-10 days.

Safety

Are there any precautions to take when cleaning with dry ice?

When working with CO2, it is always necessary to take precautions to ensure adequate ventilation and use appropriate personal protective equipment when working with liquid or solid CO2 (dry ice).

When operating a dry ice cleaning machine, appropriate protective equipment such as earplugs, safety goggles, gloves, and closed-toe shoes should be worn. Steel-toed shoes are useful but not required.

Sustainability

Is dry ice cleaning environmentally sustainable?

Dry ice cleaning is the ideal solution for those looking for an environmentally sustainable cleaning method.

  • • Dry ice is produced from recycled CO2
    Dry ice is a product of carbon capture and utilization (CCU). CO2 is captured at industrial and biogas plants, recycled, and converted into dry ice. CO2, which would otherwise be discarded as waste, is given a second life as a cooling and cleaning agent. Dry ice does not increase emissions and does not produce more CO2.
  • • Dry ice cleaning reduces or eliminates the use of water in sanitation
    Water risk has become an important environmental issue, and it is estimated that up to 40% of the water used in industrial facilities is used for sanitation purposes. Dry ice cleaning eliminates the need for water in sanitation processes.
  • • Dry ice cleaning eliminates harmful secondary waste
    When dry ice comes into contact with the surface being cleaned, it sublimates—turning directly from a solid to a gas—and thus produces no secondary waste. Similar methods leave behind a residue that must be cleaned up along with the contaminant. This waste can be hazardous and lead to contamination of the environment and facilities.
  • • Dry ice cleaning is non-toxic and eliminates the need for chemical solvents
    The dry ice used in the cleaning process is non-toxic, does not conduct electricity, and is safe for use on food products. In addition, dry ice cleaning eliminates the need for harsh chemical solvents, which can be hazardous to health and cause serious problems.

Application

What is dry ice cleaning used for?

Dry ice cleaning can be used for cleaning, surface preparation, and finishing of parts. The process can be applied in various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, semiconductor manufacturing, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, packaging, injection molding, and rubber and plastics processing.

Will dry ice cleaning work for my application?

To learn how dry ice cleaning can help in your unique application, we invite you to visit the links on our pages, which describe in detail the industries and applications in which this cleaning method is used.

Does dry ice cleaning remove paint?

Dry ice cleaning can remove poor-quality or poorly adhering paint, but due to the delicate nature of the process, it may not be effective for all types of paint. Irbistech offers the E-CO2 150 system for dry ice + abrasive cleaning, which allows for the effective removal of paint and coatings without excessive dust and waste.

Does dry ice cleaning remove rust?

Dry ice cleaning can remove loosely adhering rust and surface rust, but it is not aggressive enough to remove deeply adhering rust or create a clean metal surface. Irbistech’s E-CO2 150 system is an abrasive cleaning solution that achieves a white metal finish by adding abrasive to the dry ice stream.

Can dry ice cleaning kill mold?

Yes, dry ice cleaning can remove 99.9% of mold spores faster than traditional methods when following IAQA standards. In addition, it does not create secondary waste, which reduces labor costs and project time.

Does dry ice cleaning leave any residue?

No, dry ice sublimates upon impact, leaving no residue or secondary waste, which significantly reduces cleanup time and project duration.

Is it possible to automate the dry ice cleaning process?

Yes, integrated dry ice cleaning systems can be fully automated to meet your production requirements.

Support

What type of customer service will I receive?

Irbistech offers round-the-clock customer support worldwide. With 13 service centers in 10 countries, Irbistech provides assistance with technical issues, as well as spare parts and accessories.

Where can I buy spare parts and accessories?

Spare parts and accessories can be purchased directly through Irbistech.

How can I get training?

Irbistech offers various training services at your facility or at one of their global service centers.

Is assistance provided for installing the machine?

The Irbistech team can assist with the installation and configuration of complex equipment, including dry ice production units.

Basics of dry ice production

How is dry ice produced?

Dry ice is produced by capturing CO2 at industrial facilities or biogas plants, converting it into liquid CO2 (LCO2), and then injecting it into a granulator, where it solidifies and is compressed into pellets, blocks, or slabs.

Can I make dry ice myself?

Yes, dry ice can be produced on demand using manufacturing equipment. Consider factors such as daily and weekly usage, economic feasibility, and infrastructure.

Should I make dry ice myself?

Producing your own dry ice can save time and money while providing greater control over production processes.

What infrastructure do I need for a dry ice production machine?

The necessary infrastructure includes a liquid CO2 tank, three-phase power supply, exhaust gas removal capability, supply lines, and sufficient floor space. Irbistech can assist with the inspection of your facility and installation of the machine through reliable partners.

How much LCO2 is needed to produce one pound of dry ice?

Irbistech’s conversion rate is up to 2.2 to 1 LCO2 in solid dry ice compared to competitors, where this figure is higher than 2.7.

How to store dry ice and how long does it last?

Dry ice must be stored in an insulated container to slow down sublimation. Depending on the insulation, sublimation ranges from 2% to 10% per day.

How much does a dry ice machine cost?

The cost depends on your production needs. Contact an Irbistech representative for specific pricing information.

Are there any precautions to take when producing dry ice?

When working with CO2, it is always necessary to take precautions to ensure adequate ventilation and use appropriate personal protective equipment when working with liquid or solid CO2.

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We are Irbisteh, a world leader in dry ice technologies

We provide the most technologically advanced systems for dry ice cleaning, surface preparation, parts finishing and dry ice production. To fulfill our mission of providing value and protecting the environment, our equipment uses or produces products that are inert, non-conductive, non-corrosive and do not create hazardous waste.