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Frequently Asked Questions - Dry Ice Blast Cleaning
2.
How are Dry Ice pellets made?
Pellets
are made by taking liquid Carbon Dioxide from a pressurised storage
tank and expanding it at ambient pressure to produce snow. The snow
is then compressed through a die to make hard pellets.TOP
3.
What happens to the Dry Ice once it strikes the surface?
It
sublimates instantly to its natural form "as gas".TOP
4.
How does it work?
The
micro-thermal
shock
(caused by the Dry Ice temperature of -79º C), the
kinetic energy
of dry ice pellets and the
air pressure
break the bond between the coating and the substrate. It pops off
the coating from inside out and the air stream removes it from the
surface.TOP
5. What
happens to the contaminant?
It
is relocated. Dry Ice Blasting removes the dirt from an undesirable
area to an area where it is an easier to collect it. Most commonly the
substance falls to the floor.TOP
6. How
much does the Dry Ice cool the object?
It
cools it temporarily and punctually. Generally the temperature drop
is about 5 - 10 °C of the surfaces temperature and it depends upon
the surface, the quantity of ice and the blasting time.TOP
7. Can
Dry Ice be used to clean hot online?
The
best cleaning results are achieved because the contamination has a weaker
bond when it is hot. The temperature drop that is much higher helps
to clean and to release it up to 5 times faster.TOP
8. Will
the process create condensation?
It
depends on the mass of the object you're blasting, your Dry Ice usage
rate and your dwell time. There will be condensation if you cool the
substrate below the dewpoint (the dewpoint varies depending on local
climate). A special compressed-air heating device can be applied to
overcome condensation.TOP
9. Does
the process generate static electricity?
Yes,
like any other dry method. Our Blaster device is equipped with grounding
devices - just plug the grounding cable to the object you want to clean
and you will unlikely have static discharge problems.TOP
10. Is
the system noisy?
Starting
at 1.5 BAR you hear a very low noise of airflow, but increasing the
air volume or air pressure the level of noise can reach up to 130 dB.
Special mufflers and screens can be installed to decrease the sound
level dramatically.TOP
11. Blasting
in an enclosed area?
Only
with sufficient and proper ventilation, because CO2 is 40% heavier than
air (CO2 is also used to extinguish fire).TOP
12. What
is the difference with other blasting methods?
Sandblasting
leaves an aggressive and abrasive effect on the surface; it removes
a part of the surface by itself, changing the surface structure considerably.
Dry Ice is not abrasive to the surface and does not change its structure;
it just lifts the contaminants away.TOP
13. What
is the safety issues relating to the use of Dry Ice Blasting systems?
Standard
safety rules such as wearing ear protection, a dust mask, a hard-hat,
face protection, gloves, safety shoes and a full working suit. Other
persons nearby should at least wear ear and eye protection. Never point
with the gun or blast at anyone, very serious injuries can occur. Always
check your blasting stream and the objects around so no loosen debris
will be blown away and cause damage or injury by hitting someone or
something.TOP
14. How
much air will I need to clean effectively?
This
certainly depends on your applications. Typically, it starts from about
5 bar and 135 m3/ h and ends up at 10 bar and 210 m3 / h for heavy duty
cleaning. The higher pressure results in more cleaning power.TOP
15. How
much Dry Ice will I consume in an hour?
Again
this depends on the application (the surface, the contaminants and surface
area to be cleaned). The consumption rate varies from approx. 20 Kg/h
to 75 Kg/h, which can be set on the control panel.TOP
16. How
can the Dry Ice be stored and transported?
For
storage and transportation you can use special isolated containers.
These mobile containers are designed to store the - 79º C cold
pellets for about 1 week, with a minimum loss in quality and quantity
(remember the sublimation of the Dry Ice). The sizes of the mobile models
vary starting at approx. 50 kg up to 250 kg and specially designed non-mobile
storage container start at 250 kg up to 1000 kg.TOP
17. What
other equipment do I need?
Beside
the standard equipment like the mobile Blasting unit, Dry Ice container
and (mobile) compressor you need safety equipment (and a supplier of
Dry Ice Pellets near you).TOP
18.
What do I have to do for the maintenance of my equipment?
Since
Icesonic's equipment is designed for heavy duty use and uses only high
end, long life components, the maintenance on a regular basis is very
low. Maintaining the Blaster is very easy and fast, just by quick clean
up of the blaster - check/ fill oil in the oilier - check filters. That
should be accomplished in less than 5 min. With this little maintenance,
you can expect many years of reliable and trouble free use.TOP
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