Cryogenic scrubbing: an innovative and effective cleaning technology
Dry ice blasting is an increasingly popular cleaning and stripping method. It uses the power of liquid nitrogen to remove dirt, grease and residues from the part or substrate to be cleaned. This solution offers significant advantages over more traditional methods, notably in terms of efficiency, safety and ecology.
What is cryogenic exfoliation?
Dry ice blasting is a process that uses liquid nitrogen to clean machine parts or surfaces. Liquid nitrogen has an extremely low temperature (-196°C). This temperature is used to cool carbon dioxide (CO2). The cooling and compression of CO2 produces solid particles known as "dry ice flakes". Their temperature is -78°C. It is these flakes that are used in the dry ice blasting process.
How does cryogenic scrubbing work?
Dry ice blasting requires state-of-the-art machinery. The process is non-abrasive, making it suitable for a wide range of parts:
- Before starting cleaning, certain machine parameters need to be checked and adjusted. These include pressure and liquid nitrogen flow rate.
- Once the machine is ready, dry ice flakes can be produced. The flakes are then blown at high speed onto the product to be cleaned. Blasting speed and pressure can be adjusted to suit the desired application and type of treatment.
- The temperature difference between the flakes (-78°C) and the surface to be cleaned creates a thermal shock. This fractures the contaminants, facilitating their removal without damaging the surface. This stripping process is non-abrasive.
- The ice flakes immediately sublimate into carbon dioxide. So there's no waste to clean up.
How do I prepare a surface for cryogenic scrubbing?
Cryogumming is a technique that requires the use of specific machines. Before starting the actual cleaning, the surface must be prepared. First of all, rough vacuuming is recommended to remove the largest particles. You can also use specific products to remove stains. Finally, you need to protect areas that are not to benefit from dry ice blasting. The power of dry ice blasting is such that, if misused, it could damage certain components.
Contribute to the safety of people and the long-term viability of your production tools.
Advantages and benefits of cryogumming
Effective on a wide range of surfaces and materials
Dry ice blasting is a versatile, environmentally-friendly cleaning solution. It is effective on a wide range of substrates and materials. What's more, the fact that the process is non-abrasive means it can be used in a wide variety of contexts. Dry ice blasting can :
- Removing rust or stripping paint from metal,
- Cleaning de-energized and energized equipment: turbines, electrical cabinets, nuclear decontamination...
- Remove varnish or paint from wood without damaging the coating,
- Removes stains and graffiti from concrete surfaces,
- Remove dirt and grease used in the food industry...
Environmental benefits and waste reduction
In addition to its versatility, dry ice blasting offers environmental benefits. This type of cleaning does not require the use of toxic chemical products or solvents. The operating principle of dry ice blasting avoids the production of additional waste. The dry ice produced is instantly transformed into CO2 (this is known as sublimation). The gas evaporates as soon as it is created. Last but not least, no water is required for cleaning. This preserves this precious resource.
Cryo-rubbing applications
Industrial and maintenance applications
Dry ice blasting is widely used in industry and equipment maintenance. The spray process makes it effective and versatile. It effectively removes most industrial contaminants. What's more, it can be used on industrial equipment without dismantling.
Applications in the food industry
The safety and efficiency of cryogenic scrubbing make it ideal for use in demanding industries such as food processing. It is perfectly suited to removing stubborn residues from any system or product, without any abrasive risk. This cryogenic stripping technique effectively removes grease, food residues and bacteria.
Use for sensitive equipment
Sensitive equipment is often complicated to clean, as it requires a method that combines efficiency and gentleness, so as not to damage or impair its operation. Dry ice blasting is ideal for cleaning electronic circuits, printed circuit boards or precision instruments.
What are the costs associated with dry ice blasting?
The costs associated with the cryogenic process vary according to the size of the substrate to be cleaned, the type of contaminants to be removed and the complexity of the task. It's an effective cleaning method that offers long-term economic benefits:
- By reducing production downtime,
- Avoid the cost of replacing damaged equipment,
- And by extending the service life of even the most sensitive machines.
Dry ice blasting should be seen as a long-term, profitable investment. To find out if dry ice blasting is right for your industry and your needs, please contact us. Our specialized industrial cleaning teams will be delighted to assist you with any dry ice blasting project.
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