When it comes to keeping your business clean, there are a plethora of services and solutions. Dry ice blasting, however, is one of the most effective methods for sanitizing various surfaces. Dry ice blasting describes a system that produces a high temperature with low moisture vapor. The vapor contains only 5% to 6% water and is much less dense than the air we breathe. Before you invest in your own dry ice blasting equipment, it’s important to understand the basics. Here are some answers to common questions regarding dry ice blasting.
How does the dry ice blasting process work?
Dry ice blasting, or carbon dioxide blasting, is so effective because of the temperature. The dry ice is at approximately -109 degrees F. It’s similar to other blasting media such as sand, bead, and soda in the sense that the dry ice is accelerated in a stream of pressurized air and released on impact to clean a surface. However, dry ice blasting is ideal for cleaning equipment that may have tiny crevasses because it evaporates on contact, whereas sand or other blasting media would typically get trapped.
What is dry ice, and how should it be stored?
Dry ice is simply the solidified version of carbon dioxide, or CO2. CO2 is a gas that has no color, taste, or smell that’s found in the atmosphere naturally. To properly store dry ice, keep it in a container with maximum insulation. The more insulation present, the slower the dry ice will sublimate. Normal sublimation levels range from approximately 2% per day to 10% per day.
Is dry ice blasting equipment portable?
Portability varies by manufacturer, but most systems can easily be carried or wheeled from site to site. No special equipment is required to assist with mobility.
How much maintenance is required to upkeep my dry ice blasting equipment?
Again, this varies based on the manufacturer, but most dry ice blasting equipment requires very little maintenance. Consult the owner’s manual for specifics regarding your CO2 blasting equipment’s maintenance needs.
Ultimately, knowing the answers to these common questions regarding dry ice blasting can help you make the most informed decision for your business’ cleaning needs. For more information about how to sterilize surgical instruments, contact Falcon Prosolutions, Inc.