Blog Post

What Is Dry Ice Blasting?

Perhaps you’ve heard of dry ice blasting and you want to know what it is or what it’s used for. If that sounds like you, then read on to learn everything you need to know about this effective practice.


What Is Dry Ice Blasting?

Dry ice blasting, also known as dry ice cleaning, is the process of spraying dry ice pellets through a hose at high pressures to clean surfaces.

Alternative blasting methods involve using sand, plastic beads, and sodium bicarbonate particles. Blasting these substances through a highly-pressurized, directed airstream causes them to rapidly clean and polish surfaces.

However, sand and other hard particles can cause abrasion to smooth surfaces, can contaminate a sterilized environment, and leave a mess behind that you have to clean up.

On the other hand, in dry ice blasting, the medium used is dry ice particles. Dry ice is non-abrasive, non-toxic, and evaporates in warm temperatures. So, instead of leaving particles behind to be cleaned up, dry ice particles simply disappear into the air after being used for cleaning.

Dry ice blasting is environmentally responsible, as dry ice is made from a byproduct of existing industrial processes and adds no greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. It’s even approved by the FDA, EPA, and USDA for cleaning purposes.

Dry ice blasting leaves behind no chemical residues and doesn’t create secondary waste. Dry ice is a solid form of carbon dioxide, which disappears into the air immediately as it comes into contact with the surface being cleaned. This is why there’s no cleanup of the blasting medium required after use, making it a much more convenient option than sand or sodablasting. Only the particles and residue cleaned off the surface have to be swept or mopped up.


How Does Dry Ice Blasting Work?

As pointed out already, dry ice blasting is a process involving propelling dry ice pellets at incredibly high speeds, with the aid of pressurized air. The pellets themselves are soft—much less dense than alternative mediums for blasting, such as sand and plastic.

Upon coming into contact with the surface being cleaned, the pellets sublimate almost instantly, transforming from their solid state to carbon dioxide gas. As they sublimate, minimal kinetic energy is transferred to the cleaning surface, producing only minimal abrasion. This process absorbs large volumes of heat from the surface area, which produces shear stresses as a result of thermal shock. This improves cleaning because the top layer of dirt transfers more heat than the layers underneath it, and flakes off easily.

The effectiveness and efficiency of dry ice blasting depends largely upon the thermal conductivity of the surface and the contaminant being cleaned off the surface. Additional to the process described above, the sudden change of state from solid particles to gas causes tiny shock waves, which may help remove the contaminant.


Equipment Used for Dry Ice Blasting

Dry ice used for cleaning can come in solid pellet form, or it can be shaved directly from a large block of dry ice. Shaved dry ice is less dense and more delicate than dry ice pellets.

Pellets can be made by compressing dry ice snow, or by freezing liquid CO2 in pellet form. Pellets made by compressing snow break apart more easily, which makes them less aggressive and effective for cleaning.

Dry ice must be kept at a temperature of -79 degrees Celsius, so it has to be insulated at all times, or it will evaporate back into gas. Depending on the effectiveness of the insulation used, dry ice sublimates at a rate of 2-10% per day.

There are two basic systems for dry ice blasting—single-hose systems and two-hose systems. Single-hose systems are more aggressive than two-hose systems because particles are accelerated to faster speeds using just one hose.

Two-hose systems (which were developed before single-hose systems) operate similarly to a suction feed abrasive blast setup. Compressed air comes in through one hose, and dry ice pellets are sucked in through another, via the Venturi Effect.

Hopefully this article has answered any questions you had regarding the makeup and function of dry ice blasting systems.


July 12, 2019
Most manufacturers require foolproof machine-cleaning methods in order to roll out clean, nontoxic products and stay in compliance with federal regulations related to consumer safety. This is especially relevant to manufacturers of food products or any appliances related to producing or preparing food. Since water blasting and sand blasting, both traditional methods of industrial cleaning, can leave behind debris or damage, enter dry ice cleaning services. The method of dry ice cleaning can be sterile and is very clean and clear of clutter, making it an efficient tool for heat exchanger cleaning services. Learn more about dry ice blasting and why it is superior to all other commercial cleaning methods. More Efficient Cleaning Dry ice isn't actually ice; it's solid carbon dioxide. this solid is formed and cooled down to 79 degrees C, and it's preserved at that level for specialized industrial purposes. those purposes typically include cleaning or shipping products. Where cleaning is concerned, dry ice blasting equipment polishes and cleans industrial machinery and products at supersonic speeds. What can be cleaned within hours with a sand blaster can be transformed to a like-new state with a dry ice cleaning machine in minutes. Of course, since efficiency and timeliness are paramount in virtually every industry, working with a team of dry ice blasting contractors can be a major asset to a manufacturer. Environmentally Sound It is in a manufacturer's best interest to create products and use processes that are eco-friendly. Industrial manufacturers are traditionally known to be creators of pollution in massive proportions. Part of the pollution problem has to do with cleaning procedures and the disposal of waste. With dry ice cleaning, the process is drastically more refined and much less prone to scattering debris. Dry ice does not need to be put to waste, and the cleaning machines used do not need as much cleaning themselves as other more traditional industrial cleaning equipment does. Not only is the process of dry ice blasting kinder to the environment, but everything, from the dry ice itself to the intricate machinery, can be recycled and repurposed. This gives the equipment a much longer lifespan. Some Industries Can Only Rely On Dry Ice Blasting Some manufacturing companies can only rely on specialized, truly clean maintenance services. Food equipment, for instance, cannot be cleaned with a sand blaster. HVAC and space heater manufacturers, in turn, must rely on heat exchanger cleaning services that don't use water. Dry ice is the perfect cleaning solution for almost any industry. Additionally, it is the only option for more specialized industries that deal with food, flammable particles, or equipment and substances that might otherwise be damaged by water. Final Thoughts Does your company need heat exchanger cleaning services or other industrial cleaning services that require the use of dry ice? If so, contact us to learn how our process and our unique capabilities can fit your needs.
July 10, 2019
For those somewhat unfamiliar with dry ice blasting, the first step is to understand what it does not involve. There is no “ice” involved in the dry ice blasting process. Dry ice is not ice as we know it. It’s solid carbon dioxide at -79 degrees Celsius. While the name may bring to mind images of ice being hurled at a surface, that is not the case at all. It is more like a cloud of cold steam. But one of the best features of dry ice blasting is the fact that it involves environmentally sustainable cleaning. This makes it so regardless of the industry you are in, you can use this method of cleaning knowing that you are still doing your part to conserve the environment we depend on. There are more benefits as well, however. Here are a few of them.
July 3, 2019
Dry ice cleaning services are useful for manufacturing, power generation, and restoration. What will you use it for?
June 26, 2019
Whether you need heat exchanger cleaning services or have presses that need a serious cleaning, CO2 blasting might be a good way to go.
By nat rosasco June 13, 2019
If you're looking for dry ice cleaning services that you can trust, Interstate Carbonic Enterprises is that place for you. To learn more about our CO2 cleaning equipment, dry ice blasting equipment, other cleaning solutions, contact Interstate Carbonic Enterprises today.
By nat rosasco June 10, 2019
If you are looking for a commercial cleaning company, it would be good to consider a company that uses modern CO2 cleaning and CO2 cleaning equipment; you will get several benefits that you cannot get from a standard cleaning solution. Here are some of the top benefits of dry ice blasting cleaning.
By nat rosasco May 31, 2019
Overall, dry ice blasting has been an effective and efficient method of cleaning materials for over the last 70 years. It is handy by not needing to fully deconstruct machines, while also not raising any concerns over flame or electrical hazards. Compared to liquid solvent cleaning methods, dry ice cleaning should be heavily considered for your next machine needing cleaning, no matter the industry you work in.
A poster that says 1 in 6 americans contract a foodborne illness every year
By nat rosasco May 24, 2019
These are only just a few of the benefits of utilizing a dry ice cleaning service. If you're interested in learning more, contact us today.
By nat rosasco March 24, 2019
Whether you're an expert or a beginner, there's no harm in refreshing your knowledge every once in a while.
Dry ice is 79 degrees celsius so it will sublimate if it 's not stored in a container that is well insulated
By nat rosasco March 6, 2019
A dry ice cleaning service is a fantastic, efficient way to clean surfaces and areas that may have mold, mildew, smoke, and other impurities. With careful attention and proper use, dry ice can be a valuable asset to a clean and sanitary work environment.
More Posts
Share by: