Removing Tough Industrial Residue: How Dry Ice Blasting Gets the Job Done

Industrial equipment has a way of collecting everything. 

Grease works its way into hard to reach areas. Oils build up around machinery. Adhesives leave behind stubborn residue, while carbon, soot and product buildup can become increasingly difficult to remove over time. 

The challenge is getting that contamination off without creating a new problem in the process. 

That is where dry ice blasting can make a difference. 

Tackling buildup without harsh chemicals 

Traditional cleaning methods can involve solvents, scraping, wire brushes or abrasive blasting. Depending on the equipment and the material, those methods can take time and may create additional cleanup. 

Dry ice blasting takes a different approach. 

During the process, small particles of dry ice are propelled at the surface using compressed air. The impact helps break the contamination away from the surface, while the dry ice rapidly changes from a solid directly into a gas through sublimation. 

There is no blasting media left behind to sweep up or dispose of. 

That can be especially useful when cleaning around machinery, electrical components, production equipment and other areas where introducing water or additional abrasive material isn’t ideal. 

What can dry ice blasting remove?  

Dry ice blasting can be used on a wide range of industrial residues, including: 

• Grease and oil 

• Carbon and soot 

• Adhesive and tape residue 

• Paint and coatings 

• Mold and production buildup 

• Food and product residue 

• Dirt and grime 

• Release agents and other manufacturing contaminants 

The right cleaning method depends on the material being removed and the surface underneath it. That is why blasting settings and media selection are important parts of the process. 

Clean the buildup without damaging the surface 

One of the biggest advantages of dry ice blasting is that it is non abrasive. 

The dry ice itself does not remain on the surface and doesn’t act like traditional abrasive media. This makes the process suitable for cleaning many surfaces and components where aggressive mechanical cleaning could cause unwanted wear. 

It can also reach areas that are difficult to clean by hand, helping remove buildup from around components, corners and other hard to access locations. 

Less cleanup after the job 

Another practical benefit is what dry ice blasting leaves behind: essentially nothing from the blasting media itself. 

Because the dry ice sublimates during the process, there isn’t a pile of spent sand, glass bead or other blasting material left behind. The remaining debris is the contamination that was removed from the equipment. 

For industrial facilities, that can mean less time spent cleaning up after the cleaning. 

The right process for the right buildup 

Not every job requires the same approach. Surface material, contamination, accessibility and the level of buildup all need to be considered before determining the appropriate blasting method. 

At SubZero Blasting, dry ice blasting can be used for everything from routine equipment cleaning to stubborn industrial residue that has accumulated over time. 

When traditional cleaning methods are taking too long, creating too much mess or simply aren’t suitable for the surface, dry ice blasting may be worth considering. 

Have equipment that needs a deeper clean? Contact SubZero Blasting to discuss your application and find out if dry ice blasting is the right solution for the job.