Learn About Dry Ice Blasting

Frequently Asked Questions

We interviewed Dry Ice Works President, Gordon Mahrle, and two employees asking common questions to learn more about dry ice blasting.

F.A.Q.

These are just a few of the commonly asked questions about dry ice blasting. If you have any specific questions or would like to learn more about how dry ice blasting can benefit your business, please contact us.

Do you sell dry ice?

At this time, we do not sell dry ice. However, you can purchase dry ice blocks from your local Meijer store or for commercial use, you can contact ESC Dry Ice in Taylor MI at 517-301-1138.

What areas do you service?

Our immediate service area covers Southeast Michigan, and we also extend our services to the entire state of Michigan, Northern Ohio, and Indiana. Outside of these areas, mobilization costs play a significant factor in the cost of our services. We may be able to refer you to a contractor if you are outside of these areas.

Is dry ice blasting noisy?

Yes, dry ice blasting can be noisy due to the compressed air used to propel the dry ice pellets. However, the noise level can be mitigated with the use of ear protection for operators and bystanders.

What is the difference between Dry Ice Blasting and Grit Media Blasting?

Dry ice blasting offers several benefits over grit media blasting. Unlike grit media blasting, dry ice blasting does not create a secondary waste stream, such as sand, glass, or walnut shell, which can contaminate the environment or equipment. Additionally, dry ice blasting does not generate heat, eliminating the risk of warping or discoloration of metal surfaces. View Comparison Chart

Can dry ice blasting remove paint?

Dry ice blasting is highly effective for preparing surfaces for paint by removing loose paint, leaving behind a clean surface for a new coating. For surfaces requiring complete stripping, such as in car restoration projects, Dry Ice Works has the capability to combine dry ice with grit media to prevent metal warping while stripping the surface down to its bare form. Learn More About Paint Removal

How does dry ice blasting work?

Dry ice blasting works by propelling dry ice pellets at high velocity onto the surface to be cleaned. Upon impact, the dry ice pellets sublimate, expanding rapidly and creating mini-explosions that lift the contaminants off the surface. The force of the dry ice pellets breaks the bond between the contaminants and the surface, effectively cleaning it. Learn More

What can you clean using dry ice?

Dry ice blasting is suitable for cleaning a wide range of items, including industrial machinery, automotive manufacturing equipment, surfaces damaged by fire soot, asphalt spreaders, cement, food and beverage manufacturing equipment, forging equipment, printing equipment, turbines, electrical motors, glue spreaders, and adhesive machines, among others. The versatility of dry ice blasting makes it applicable to various industries and cleaning applications.

Does dry ice melt?

No, dry ice does not melt as it is not made from water. Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide, and it sublimates, meaning it transitions directly from a solid to a gas without passing through a liquid phase.

Does dry ice cleaning contribute to the greenhouse effect?

No, dry ice cleaning is an environmentally friendly technology that does not contribute to the greenhouse effect. While dry ice is made from solid carbon dioxide, it does not release excess carbon dioxide into the environment during the cleaning process. View All Benefits

Can you do dry ice blasting on your own?

Dry ice blasting requires specialized equipment and training, including a compressor, blast machine, dry ice, air hoses, nozzles, and proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Training is necessary for safe and effective dry ice blasting, especially when dealing with hazardous materials or confined spaces.

Does the dry ice blasting process create condensation or leave a residue?

Condensation rarely occurs during dry ice blasting, especially on hot substrates where the surface temperature remains above the dew point. In humid environments, a portable air dryer can be used to reduce or eliminate moisture from the air source. Dry ice blasting leaves no residue as the dry ice pellets sublimate on impact, transitioning directly from a solid to a gas. View All Benefits

What are the benefits of dry ice blasting?

Dry ice blasting offers several advantages over traditional cleaning methods, including non-abrasiveness, non-toxicity, environmental friendliness, minimal cleanup, reduced downtime, and the ability to clean hard-to-reach areas without disassembly. Learn More

Is dry ice blasting safe for use in food processing facilities?

Yes, dry ice blasting is FDA and EPA approved for use in food processing facilities. It is a non-toxic, non-abrasive cleaning method that does not leave any chemical residue behind, making it safe for use in food production environments. Learn More

Does dry ice blasting produce any secondary waste?

No, dry ice blasting does not produce any secondary waste. The dry ice pellets sublimate upon impact, transitioning directly from a solid to a gas, leaving behind no residue. This eliminates the need for cleanup and disposal of secondary waste, making dry ice blasting an environmentally friendly cleaning method. Learn More Benefits

How long does a dry ice blasting project take?

The duration of a dry ice blasting project depends on various factors, including the size of the area to be cleaned, the type of contaminants present, and the accessibility of the surfaces. However, dry ice blasting is typically faster than traditional cleaning methods, resulting in reduced downtime.

What are some common solutions and applications provided by dry ice cleaning?

Dry ice cleaning offers versatile solutions for various cleaning challenges across industries. Some common applications include:

  • Industrial Equipment & Tool Cleaning: Dry ice blasting effectively removes contaminants such as grease, oil, paint, and rust from industrial machinery, including conveyor belts, stamping presses, weld cells, and injection molds.
  • Historical Restoration: Dry ice blasting gently restores delicate surfaces of historical buildings, sculptures, and artifacts without causing damage. It removes dirt, grime, and graffiti, preserving the original aesthetics.
  • Mold Remediation: Dry ice blasting efficiently eliminates mold and mildew from surfaces without the use of harsh chemicals. It reaches into crevices and pores, providing thorough cleaning and sanitization.
  • Fire and Smoke Restoration: Dry ice blasting effectively removes soot, smoke residue, and odor from surfaces damaged by fire, leaving behind a clean and odor-free environment.
  • Food and Beverage Equipment Cleaning: Dry ice blasting is FDA and EPA approved for use in food processing facilities. It cleans equipment, conveyors, ovens, and packaging machines without leaving any residue, ensuring food safety and compliance with hygiene standards.
  • Paint and Surface Preparation: We remove old paint, rust, and other surface contaminants, providing a clean and smooth surface.
  • Facility Cleaning: Dry ice blasting offers unparalleled benefits for facility maintenance, ensuring optimal performance, compliance with regulations, and cost-effectiveness. Here’s why businesses across diverse sectors are turning to dry ice blasting:

These are just a few examples of the diverse applications and solutions provided by Dry Ice Works, making it a preferred choice for industries seeking efficient, eco-friendly, and versatile cleaning solutions.