Cryogenic Dry Ice Blasting in Philadelphia

Cryogenic dry ice blasting is a commercial cleaning process that’s similar to sand blasting but superior because it’s non-abrasive and doesn’t require any time-consuming cleanup. Dry ice blasting can be used to remove dirt, grease, mold, and other contaminants from surfaces and equipment. Industries like aviation and auto manufacturing rely on cryogenic ice blasting to clean surfaces that would be damaged by other industrial cleaning techniques. Alpine Painting & Restoration employs a team of dry ice blasting experts to serve our Philadelphia and Pennsylvania customers.

Cryogenic ice blasting equipment generates pressure from 45-300 per square inch with tiny carbon dioxide pellets that range from 3mm to 9mm in diameter. We can adjust the speed and pellet size to suit the material being cleaned. This allows our dry ice blasting experts in Philadelphia to clean everything from delicate electrical components to solid granite slabs.

Some of the many surfaces and items we have cleaned with ice blasting include:

• Brick walls
• Concrete
• Wood surfaces
• Metal
• Electrical equipment
• Boiler tubes
• Motors
• Graffiti-covered walls

Dry ice blasting is a great way to make commercial surfaces and components in your facility that have become encrusted with grease and grimelook new again.

How Does Dry Ice Blasting Work?

The cryogenic dry ice blasting process involves spraying hundreds of very cold pellets of carbon dioxide at a surface at a high rate of speed. Once it hits the object, contaminants are removed in the following ways:

Pellet Impact

The carbon dioxide pellets are launched from the cryogenic sprayer at supersonic speeds. When they hit the object it begins knocking any contaminants off from the force of the pellet’s impact.

Cooling Effect

As the pellets pepper the contaminants, it begins to freeze. Imagine a very greasy gear being hit with the freezing pellets over and over, solidifying the grease, and then the frozen grease breaking into bits and falling off.

Pellet Expansion and Evaporation

The pellets collide with, and pass through the contaminant, and they break open, releasing cold carbon dioxide gas. This further breaks up the contaminant and removes it from the object. The now frozen contaminant has fallen off of the object onto the floor, and the carbon dioxide pellets have evaporated into the air.

What Industries Use Dry Ice Blasting?

Cryogenic commercial ice blasting is used in a variety of industries including:

• General maintenance
• Oil and gas
• Food industry
• Power generation
• Fire restoration services
• Aerospace
• Contract cleaning
• Mold remediation

Why Should You Use Dry Ice Blasting?

Dry ice blasting is an innovative cleaning method that offers several benefits regardless of the industry your business is in.

• Unlike sandblasting, dry ice blasting isn’t abrasive, so it won’t scratch or damage the surfaces it cleans.
• Cryogenic ice blasting uses no water, making it ideal for cleaning sensitive equipment that can’t be exposed to moisture. 
• Dry ice blasting can be performed quickly, and on site. That means you don’t need to pack up and transport your equipment that needs to be cleaned.
• The machinery being cleaned doesn’t need to be disassembled. Different parts of a machine may require different levels of cryogenic blasting pressure. Instead of having to disassemble the machine to apply different levels of pressure to each part, the dry ice technician can adjust the pressure as they clean.
• Dry ice blasting is non-toxic, making it safe to clean businesses in the food industry.Ice blasting can be used to remove stubborn food particles, grease build-up, and other types of accumulations on food processing equipment.
• Cryogenic ice blasting kills mold, germs, and bacteria. Because it’s so cold (negative 100 degrees Fahrenheit) dry ice blasting eliminates any germs on the objects being treated. 
• Commercial dry ice blasting doesn’t leave behind any water residue like water-blasting. When dry ice evaporates it becomes carbon dioxide, so be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and/or wear protective gear.
• Dry ice blasting is a green cleaning method that’s eco-friendly, non-toxic, and chemical-free. Ice blasting is approved by the FDA, EPA, and USDA as safe and environmentally-friendly.
• Ice blasting even works to remove rust build-up. Along with removing dirt and stains, ice blasting can remove unwanted paint or rust without permanently scratching or denting surfaces. 
• Cryogenic ice blasting can be used to eliminate stubborn odors. In instances where a building has been damaged by fire, dry ice blasting has been shown to remove the musty burnt smell that fire leaves behind.

Cryogenic ice blasting has a number of benefits that make it preferable to other cleaning techniques like sandblasting or water blasting.  Feel free to contact our team today to discuss your company’s specific needs and to address any questions you may have about this process.

Dry Ice Blasting FAQs

Where Did Dry Ice Blasting Originate?

In 1945, the US Navy began experimenting with dry-ice blasting for degreasing machinery. 

What’s the Difference Between Dry Ice Blasting and Sandblasting?

Dry ice blasting and sandblasting are similar because they use the same type of equipment to clean. The primary difference is the medium used, one being silica sand, the other being dry ice. Unlike sandblasting, dry ice blasting is non-abrasive which means it doesn’t damage the objects it cleans. Sandblasting also reduces the lifespan of the because the abrasive silica sand damages its parts and surfaces.

Is Dry Ice Blasting Expensive?

It depends on the circumstances, but it’s typically cheaper than other media blasting alternatives like water blasting or sandblasting. There’s also little to no downtime, which saves businesses money.

Does Dry Ice Cleaning Damage Surfaces?

No, unlike sandblasting dry ice blasting doesn’t damage surfaces or equipment.

Does Dry Ice Blasting Remove Mold?

Yes. Because of the low temperature of dry ice, dry ice blasting simultaneously kills and removes mold spores. 

Can Dry Ice Be Used to Clean Hot Surfaces?

Yes. Dry ice is going to evaporate even when it hits a room temperature surface, but it will evaporate faster when it’s applied to a hot surface.

Is Dry Ice Blasting Dangerous?

Because dry ice blasting emits carbon dioxide, it’s dangerous to use in a stuffy, enclosed area. Good ventilation and proper safety equipment is needed when using dry ice blasting.

What Happens to the Debris or Containment During Dry Ice Blasting?

Dry ice blasting doesn’t require any special clean up or disposal afterward. Any debris removed during ice blasting will fall onto the ground where it can be vacuumed or swept up.

Our Stringent Safety Standards

Safety is always our first priority. The safety and well-being of our employees and yours is always top of mind. Before beginning a project we take all the necessary precautions to ensure that each work site is 100% OSHA-compliant. Since 2008, our company has been a proud member of ISNETWORLD which verifies and pre-qualifies any contractors we hire for safety, honesty, and performance. The processes and regulations ensure that no risks are being taken, and the job site is safe and secure.

Contact Alpine Painting & Restoration

If you’re ready to schedule a dry ice blasting appointment or want to learn more, contact us today. Our knowledgeable staff will address any questions and discuss your unique cleaning needs. With more than three decades in business, Alpine Painting & Restoration has a well-earned reputation in Philadelphia, PA, and the tri-state area. Contact us via phone or email to receive a free price estimate for dry ice blasting.