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Dry Ice Blasting: Common Technique Mistakes to Avoid

cleaning your frac pump radiator

While many industrial businesses choose to hire professionals for their cleaning needs, sometimes, it makes more business sense to purchase your own dry ice blasting equipment. Purchasing dry ice blasting machines can save a business time, and grant managers more control over their equipment cleaning schedule.


However, choosing this approach to equipment maintenance has associated risks. Whether you're cleaning your frac pump radiator, your heat exchanger, or other sensitive machinery, be sure that you're using the proper technique for a thorough clean.

Common Ice Blasting Technique Mistakes

1. Using an Inconsistent Angle

Ice blasting is most effective when the cleaner holds the tool at a steady angle. This technique allows the debris to be removed in a specific direction, as the blast guides dirt and other material away from the dirty surface. Changing the angle creates room for error, and an operator might miss sections or corners of the equipment, or unwittingly blast debris back into an area that has already been cleaned. This can be an especially big problem in food handling areas, since according to the CDC, one in six Americans gets sick from contaminated foods or beverages each year. Use a consistent angle to properly remove contaminates for safer dry ice blasting.

2. Not Using Consistent Speed

Just like the angle of the blast, the speed of the sweeps should remain consistent as well. Moving faster and slower throughout the process can scatter debris, rather than blasting it away. Inconsistency not only makes it easy to miss spots in the cleaning process, but can make the equipment more difficult to clean the next time, as the dry ice machine operator will have to pay special attention to certain areas. Try to make top-down, swiping motions with consistent speed to ensure an even clean.

3. Failing to Plan a Specific Approach

Though using improper technique can leave a job less-than-perfect, failing to pick any method at all when using an ice blasting machine is perhaps an even bigger mistake. Before beginning a cleaning task, take the time to look at the equipment that needs to be cleaned, and mentally divide it into sections. Once you start cleaning, move one-by-one through the areas to ensure no space is forgotten.

Ice blasting is a great way method for cleaning your frac pump radiators, fin fans, and other industrial equipment. However, using improper technique results in an improper clean. Avoid these rookie mistakes for the best dry ice cleaning results.

By nat rosasco July 12, 2019
Most manufacturers require foolproof machine-cleaning methods in order to roll out clean, nontoxic products and stay in compliance with federal regulations related to consumer safety. This is especially relevant to manufacturers of food products or any appliances related to producing or preparing food. Since water blasting and sand blasting, both traditional methods of industrial cleaning, can leave behind debris or damage, enter dry ice cleaning services. The method of dry ice cleaning can be sterile and is very clean and clear of clutter, making it an efficient tool for heat exchanger cleaning services. Learn more about dry ice blasting and why it is superior to all other commercial cleaning methods. More Efficient Cleaning Dry ice isn't actually ice; it's solid carbon dioxide. this solid is formed and cooled down to 79 degrees C, and it's preserved at that level for specialized industrial purposes. those purposes typically include cleaning or shipping products. Where cleaning is concerned, dry ice blasting equipment polishes and cleans industrial machinery and products at supersonic speeds. What can be cleaned within hours with a sand blaster can be transformed to a like-new state with a dry ice cleaning machine in minutes. Of course, since efficiency and timeliness are paramount in virtually every industry, working with a team of dry ice blasting contractors can be a major asset to a manufacturer. Environmentally Sound It is in a manufacturer's best interest to create products and use processes that are eco-friendly. Industrial manufacturers are traditionally known to be creators of pollution in massive proportions. Part of the pollution problem has to do with cleaning procedures and the disposal of waste. With dry ice cleaning, the process is drastically more refined and much less prone to scattering debris. Dry ice does not need to be put to waste, and the cleaning machines used do not need as much cleaning themselves as other more traditional industrial cleaning equipment does. Not only is the process of dry ice blasting kinder to the environment, but everything, from the dry ice itself to the intricate machinery, can be recycled and repurposed. This gives the equipment a much longer lifespan. Some Industries Can Only Rely On Dry Ice Blasting Some manufacturing companies can only rely on specialized, truly clean maintenance services. Food equipment, for instance, cannot be cleaned with a sand blaster. HVAC and space heater manufacturers, in turn, must rely on heat exchanger cleaning services that don't use water. Dry ice is the perfect cleaning solution for almost any industry. Additionally, it is the only option for more specialized industries that deal with food, flammable particles, or equipment and substances that might otherwise be damaged by water. Final Thoughts Does your company need heat exchanger cleaning services or other industrial cleaning services that require the use of dry ice? If so, contact us to learn how our process and our unique capabilities can fit your needs.
By nat rosasco July 10, 2019
For those somewhat unfamiliar with dry ice blasting, the first step is to understand what it does not involve. There is no “ice” involved in the dry ice blasting process. Dry ice is not ice as we know it. It’s solid carbon dioxide at -79 degrees Celsius. While the name may bring to mind images of ice being hurled at a surface, that is not the case at all. It is more like a cloud of cold steam. But one of the best features of dry ice blasting is the fact that it involves environmentally sustainable cleaning. This makes it so regardless of the industry you are in, you can use this method of cleaning knowing that you are still doing your part to conserve the environment we depend on. There are more benefits as well, however. Here are a few of them.
By nat rosasco July 3, 2019
Dry ice cleaning services are useful for manufacturing, power generation, and restoration. What will you use it for?
By nat rosasco June 26, 2019
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By nat rosasco June 18, 2019
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By nat rosasco June 13, 2019
If you're looking for dry ice cleaning services that you can trust, Interstate Carbonic Enterprises is that place for you. To learn more about our CO2 cleaning equipment, dry ice blasting equipment, other cleaning solutions, contact Interstate Carbonic Enterprises today.
By nat rosasco June 10, 2019
If you are looking for a commercial cleaning company, it would be good to consider a company that uses modern CO2 cleaning and CO2 cleaning equipment; you will get several benefits that you cannot get from a standard cleaning solution. Here are some of the top benefits of dry ice blasting cleaning.
By nat rosasco May 31, 2019
Overall, dry ice blasting has been an effective and efficient method of cleaning materials for over the last 70 years. It is handy by not needing to fully deconstruct machines, while also not raising any concerns over flame or electrical hazards. Compared to liquid solvent cleaning methods, dry ice cleaning should be heavily considered for your next machine needing cleaning, no matter the industry you work in.
A poster that says 1 in 6 americans contract a foodborne illness every year
By nat rosasco May 24, 2019
These are only just a few of the benefits of utilizing a dry ice cleaning service. If you're interested in learning more, contact us today.
By nat rosasco March 24, 2019
Whether you're an expert or a beginner, there's no harm in refreshing your knowledge every once in a while.
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