Advantages Over Traditional Cleaning Methods
Dry ice blasting offers several significant benefits over traditional methods such as sandblasting and chemical cleaning:
● No Secondary Waste: As the dry ice sublimates, it leaves no residue behind, eliminating the need for secondary cleanup.
● Non-Abrasive: The method is gentle on surfaces, preventing damage that can occur with abrasive materials.
● Environmentally Friendly: Dry ice blasting does not use harmful chemicals, making it a sustainable option. It also reduces the need for water in cleaning processes.
● Improved Safety: It eliminates exposure to toxic solvents and reduces the physical strain associated with manual cleaning methods.
Use Cases for Dry Ice Blasting
Dry ice blasting is versatile and applicable across a broad range of industries:
● Industrial Cleaning: Effective for cleaning machinery, molds, and production lines without disassembly.
● Food Processing: Used to sanitize equipment while adhering to strict hygiene standards, without leaving chemical residues.
● Historical Restoration: Safely cleans monuments and historical structures, preserving delicate surfaces.
● Automotive and Aerospace: Removes paint and contaminants from sensitive components without damaging the underlying material.
Dry ice blasting is a unique cleaning process that offers improved efficiency, safety, and environmental responsibility across a range of cleaning challenges.
Introducing Nu-Ice Equipment
Brief History and Background of the Company
Nu-Ice Age, Inc. is a veteran-owned company based out of Jackson, Michigan, and was established in 2007. We specialize in eco-friendly dry ice blasting solutions for cleaning. With industrial equipment designed for high-performance cleaning applications, the Commando® line of dry ice blasters is efficient and versatile, suitable for tasks ranging from food processing to historical restoration and the maintenance of power generation equipment. Proudly made in the USA, Nu-Ice equipment is available for purchase directly or through an extensive network of distributors, with rental options also provided.
Explanation of the Equipment Components
Nu-Ice offers a comprehensive range of equipment and accessories for effective dry ice blasting:
- Ice Block Maker and Pelletizer: These machines are crucial for producing the dry ice pellets used in blasting. The pelletizer converts blocks of dry ice into small pellets for the blasting process.
- Blasting Machines: The Commando line includes various models tailored to different cleaning needs. Each machine features the BlitzFeed® patented freezeless dry ice delivery system, ensuring a reliable and consistent feed of dry ice pellets.
- Air Compressors: Essential for supplying the high-pressure air needed for blasting, these compressors must meet specific requirements to ensure optimal performance.
- Other Accessories: Nu-Ice provides a range of additional accessories, including blasting nozzles, guns, hoses, and the Command Air® Aftercooler, which helps maintain cool and dry air, crucial for preventing moisture-related issues during blasting.
Commando 55 Dry Ice Blaster
For your industrial cleaning and sanitation needs, Red-D-Arc offers a turnkey rental package of Nu-Ice equipment, including the Commando 55. This powerful dry ice blasting machine is built for the most challenging heavy duty cleaning and commercial cleaning service applications.
Commando 55 Dry Ice Blaster Specifications
- Dimensions: 33.25” L x 23” W x 39” H
- Weight: 234 lbs
- Hopper Capacity: 55 lbs
- Dry Ice Consumption: 0 – 425 lbs/hr
- Operating Range: 60-250 psi @ 85-375 CFM
- Features: Integrated moisture separator, adjustable blast pressure and pellet feed rate, BlitzFeed® system
The Process of Dry Ice Blasting with Nu-Ice Equipment
Preparation
Safety Measures:
Before starting the dry ice blasting process, the safety of all personnel should be guaranteed. The operators should be wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety goggles, ear protection, gloves, and if necessary, respiratory protection. Proper ventilation must be provided to prevent the pooling of CO2 gas, which could displace oxygen, creating a risk of suffocation.
Proper Setup and Assembly of Equipment:
Setting up the Nu-Ice dry ice blasting equipment involves several key steps:
- Inspect the Equipment: Ensure all components, including the blasting machine, air compressor, hoses, and nozzles, are in good working condition.
- Connect the Air Supply: Attach the air supply hose from the compressor to the blasting machine. The air compressor should be capable of providing the required pressure and flow rate.
- Load the Dry Ice: Fill the blasting machine hopper with dry ice pellets. Use a scoop to handle the dry ice and avoid prolonged skin contact.
- Check Connections: Verify that all connections are secure and there are no leaks in the system.
Blasting Procedure
Controlling the Flow of Dry Ice Pellets:
To achieve optimal cleaning results, the supply rate of dry ice pellets must be controlled. Use the machine’s blasting controls to adjust the rate of feed at which pellets are being supplied, depending on the level of cleaning required. A lower feed rate might be enough for light contamination, whereas a higher feed rate would probably be needed for heavy contamination.
Adjusting Pressure and Temperature for Different Surfaces:
Blasting pressures should also be changed for different surfaces and the different types of contaminants. The air pressure is discharged variably to ensure that cleaning is achieved without damage to the substrate. For instance, weak surfaces like those in electrical equipment will need weak pressure, while a hard surface on industrial equipment will be able to withstand higher pressures. The thermal effect due to the dry ice, which is at -109°F (-78.9°C), also helps embrittle the dirt particles for easy removal.
Techniques for Effective Cleaning:
- Angle of Blasting: Hold the blasting gun at a consistent angle (typically 70-90 degrees) to the surface being cleaned for the most effective results.
- Distance from Surface: Maintain an appropriate distance between the nozzle and the surface, generally between 1 to 6 inches, depending on the intensity required.
- Movement: Use smooth, sweeping motions to evenly cover the surface area. Avoid staying in one spot for too long to prevent potential damage to the substrate.
Conclusion
Dry ice blasting with Nu-Ice equipment offers numerous benefits. Its non-abrasive and non-toxic cleaning results in no secondary waste, making it environmentally friendly. Effective on a variety of surfaces, Nu-Ice equipment ensures superior cleaning while reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
With the growing demand for sustainability and efficiency across various industries, the future for dry ice blasting technology looks bright. Advancements in equipment design and features will continue to enhance cleaning capabilities, making dry ice blasting a vital tool across many sectors.
To learn more about Red-D-Arc’s line of dry ice blasting equipment, visit our website.
