Dry Ice Blasting or Cryogenic Cleaning is a technology in which particles of solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) are propelled in a high velocity air stream to impact and clean a surface. The combined impact energy and low temperature (-110° F) of the co2 particles produces a thermal-kinetic effect that removes contaminants and coatings from the inside out.

Dry Ice is non conductive, thus Dry Ice blasting allows for on site cleaning of electrical components and eliminates the need for drying prior to re-energizing electrical equipment.

This new development is quickly expanding around the world. Paint, oil, grease, asphalt, tar, decals, dirt, ink, resins, and adhesives are some of the materials removed by this procedure. Only the removed material must be disposed of, as the dry ice sublimates into the atmosphere.

This method is superior to sandblasting because the dry ice is non abrasive or corrosive , it is soft enough not to pit or damage the underlying surface. The dry ice sublimes quickly into the air and only the removed material must be cleaned up. Dry Ice blasting eliminates equipment damage in two ways. First, dry ice does not erode or wear away the targeted surface as traditional grit media and even wire brushes do. This means that surface integrity and critical tolerances are preserved and equipment will not have to be replaced due to surface erosion common with sand, glass beads, and other abrasive media.

Second, with traditional cleaning methods, equipment is often damaged (bumped, dropped, etc.) while in transit to or from the dedicated cleaning area. Instead most equipment and machinery can be cleaned while in place.

Finally, Dry Ice blasting is used in place of many environmentally damaging solvents. These chemicals include trichlorethane, methylene chloride, perchlorethane, orthodichlorobenzene, cresylic acid, and caustic solutions. Since dry ice evaporates completely as a gas it leaves no wastes. Only the material being removed must be disposed of. When dry ice cleaning replaces hazardous chemical cleaners the disposal cost of that chemical is eliminated.