Dry Ice Blasting, CO2 Blasting
Dry ice blasting uses solid carbon dioxide (CO2) in the form of small pellets, roughly the size of sugar grains, which are propelled at high speeds toward surfaces to safely remove paint and contamination. Unlike other cleaning methods, dry ice blasting doesn’t rely on abrasiveness. When the CO2 pellets hit the surface, they cause a process known as thermo-shock, cooling the substrate and making it brittle, which allows the dry ice particles to break up failed paint and surface contamination. The beauty of this method is that the CO2 quickly turns into gas, leaving very little blast residue—only the failed paint or removed contamination remains.
Dry ice blasting uses solid carbon dioxide (CO2) in the form of small pellets, roughly the size of sugar grains, which are propelled at high speeds toward surfaces to safely remove paint and contamination. Unlike other cleaning methods, dry ice blasting doesn’t rely on abrasiveness. When the CO2 pellets hit the surface, they cause a process known as thermo-shock, cooling the substrate and making it brittle, which allows the dry ice particles to break up failed paint and surface contamination. The beauty of this method is that the CO2 quickly turns into gas, leaving very little blast residue—only the failed paint or removed contamination remains.
Dry ice blasting has several advantages over traditional cleaning methods. It is non-abrasive, non-flammable, and non-conductive, making it safe to use on sensitive equipment. It is also environmentally friendly because it doesn’t leave secondary contaminants like solvents or grit media; the CO2 vaporizes upon impact, leaving only the contaminants or paint removed. This process can be used to clean complex cavities where traditional blast media might get trapped. Additionally, it’s FDA, EPA, and USDA approved, making it a safe choice for the food and pharmaceutical industries. One of the biggest benefits is that most items can be cleaned in-place without needing disassembly, and it’s safe to use around active electrical or mechanical parts without creating fire hazards. Dry ice blasting can be used to remove various residues, such as production residues, release agents, contaminants, paints, oils, and biofilms, and can be adjusted to clean delicate items without damaging the substrate. Renovate Right Now has years of experience using dry ice blasting and can safely and effectively apply this technique to your project with excellent results.