What is Dry Ice Blasting ?
Dry ice blasting, also known as Cryogenic cleaning, is a revolutionary blasting method that uses dry ice pellets (CO₂ in solid form) as a blasting media. The result is a completely dry, non-abrasive cleaning method with no secondary waste. The dry ice pellets vaporize immediately upon contact with the surface being cleaned. Only the coating (contaminants, etc.) that has been removed remains to be disposed of.
When dry ice is blasted across a surface, the dry ice particles penetrates deep into any pores, profiles, grooves, or crevices until it makes contact with the innermost surface. At this point it sublimes and expands 800 times its size, thereby removing any possible contaminant not just on the surface, but deep within the surface.
This deep clean is revolutionizing surface preparation because the cleaner the surface, the better a coating will bond, and therefore, the longer it will last. In addition, ice blasting removes all microorganisms and oils as well, which can contribute to paint failure if they are not removed.
Coatings can be applied immediately after the surface is ice blasted because it is completely dry. If the surface is already wet, ice blasting will dry out the wet surface. Collectively, these characteristics of ice blasting provide the cleanest possible surface for application and coating, as well as the best surface for the paint to bond.
These qualities, compared to other methods, produce the greatest longevity for the paint’s lifespan.
What makes dry ice blasting better than other cleaning methods?
Dry ice blasting offers numerous advantages over traditional cleaning methods, making it the preferred choice for maintaining yachts and other delicate surfaces.
Environmentally responsible
The dry ice used in the dry ice cleaning process is made of reclaimed CO2 that is collected and recycled from other industrial processes. It does not produce more CO2 or add additional greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.
It also allows for the elimination of environmentally harmful cleaning chemicals and eliminates worker exposure to hazardous cleaning agents.
No waste disposal
Dry ice cleaning produces no waste products. Only the contaminant that has been removed remains to be disposed of, and this can usually be swept or vacuumed from the floor.
Fast and effective
The combination of extremely high cleaning speeds and a wide range of nozzles means that even normally inaccessible items can be cleaned rapidly. No blasting media are left on chains and drives, etc.
Coatings can be applied immediately after the surface is ice blasted because it is completely dry. If the surface is already wet, ice blasting will dry out the wet surface.
Non-abrasive
Dry ice cleaning is non-abrasive and will not damage equipment. Dry ice is a very soft media and can clean sensitive equipment, such as sensors or intricate moving parts, without etching, profiling or changing surface dimensions. Dry ice cleaning can also prolong asset life and reduce the risk of equipment failure and shutdown.
Not electrically conductive
Dry ice is non-conductive and will not cause corrosion on surfaces being cleaned. It also allows for electrical equipment to be safely cleaned with the dry ice blasting process.
Convenience
Dry ice blasting can be performed while the yacht is in the water, avoiding the need for costly shipyard services and dry docking. This adds to the overall cost savings and convenience.
Dry ice blasting vs. alternative cleaning methods
* Upon contact, the media becomes contaminated when used to clean hazardous substances and objects. These blasting materials are also then classified as toxic waste and require appropriate safe disposal.