| Cleaning
Method Comparison |
| Issue |
Traditional |
Dry
Ice Blasting |
| Equipment
Downtime |
Cleaned
in dedicated cleaning area; Disassembly/reassembly; Drying time required
|
Equipment
can be cleaned in place; Dry process - equipment restart immediately
after cleaning |
| Hazardous Waste |
Cleaner becomes and treated as a secondary contaminant |
No
additional contaminant; Dry ice sublimates with contact with targeted
surface |
| Labor
Hours |
Intensive
hand scrubbing; Lengthy cleanings; Follow-up cleaning-up can be lengthy |
Dramatically
reduced - often completed in a quarter of time or better |
| Quality of Cleaning |
Poor to average |
Excellent |
| Potential Equipment Damage |
Grit
abrasions; Grit contamination; Movement of equipment to and from cleaning
area |
No
equipment damage; Preventive maintenance very realistic as labor hours
are significantly less |
| Safety |
Health
threats from solvents; Water-based cleaning pose hazards around electrical
equipment; Threats to environment |
Standard
safety precautions; Dry process - safe around electrical equipment |
| Cost |
Cleaner
becomes additional hazardous waste; expensive solvents; Additional
labor |
Minimal - cost of dry ice |
