Dry ice cleaning is rapidly developing worldwide. This cleaning system uses high-pressure air to propel dry ice particles from a dry ice cleaning machine onto the surface of the object to be cleaned. Through a specially blasting cleaning machine, dry ice particles are sprayed onto the object's surface. The momentum change, sublimation, and melting of the high-speed solid dry ice particles generate energy conversion, causing surface dirt, grease, and residual impurities to quickly freeze, solidify, become brittle, peel off, and be carried away by the airflow.
It does not cause any damage to the surface of the cleaned object, especially without affecting the smoothness of metal surfaces, achieving fast, efficient, safe, and energy-saving cleaning effects. It can be used for heavily greased equipment, such as rolling mills, motors, transformers, molds, etc.
Continue reading the article according to the table of contents.
Principle of Dry Ice Cleaning
The dry ice cleaning process uses compressed air as the driving force to propel dry ice particles at supersonic speeds onto the surface of the object to be cleaned, utilizing the ultra-low temperature properties of dry ice to achieve decontamination.
- Impact Force: Dry ice impacts the surface at high speed. The dissipation of kinetic energy and the rapid heat transfer between the dry ice particles and the surface cause carbon dioxide to instantly transition from solid to gas.
- Micro-Explosion: When dry ice particles enter the gaps in the dirt, they gasify within a fraction of a millisecond, expanding in volume by nearly 800 times, thereby stripping the dirt from the object's surface.
- Cracking: The different thermal expansion coefficients of the two materials lead to separation under significant temperature differences. Dry ice particles at extremely low temperatures (-78.5°C) strike the surface, making the dirt brittle and cracked due to thermal shock, thus affecting the mechanical properties of adhered contaminants.
Functions of Dry Ice Cleaning
- Dry Ice Cleaning Process: Unlike steam and high-pressure water cleaning, dry ice cleaning does not damage wires, control components, or switches. After cleaning, the likelihood of rusting is much lower than with water cleaning.
- Environmental Safety: Carbon dioxide is a non-toxic substance, meeting the safety standards of the USDA, FDA, and EPA. Using dry ice cleaning instead of toxic chemicals fundamentally avoids harm to employees from chemical agents.
- Extended Equipment Lifespan: Unlike abrasive media such as sand, walnut shells, or plastic particles, dry ice particles are non-abrasive. Dry ice cleaning does not damage molds, tolerances, or bearings. Online cleaning also prevents accidental damage during the disassembly of equipment like rolling mills.
The dry ice cleaning process uses compressed air to propel dry ice onto the surface. To achieve ideal cleaning results, it depends not only on air pressure but also on the freezing effect of dry ice. For stubborn dirt, increasing the pressure can enhance the cleaning effect. For stubborn dirt, the pressure can be increased to enhance the cleaning effect. However, for electronic products such as PCBA cleaning, the pressure can be reduced to avoid damage, or a dedicated dry ice cleaning machine for PCBA can be selected, which features anti-static and automation.
Advantages of Dry Ice Cleaning
- The contact surfaces of equipment and components (including corners and gaps) can be thoroughly cleaned, completely removing grease and dirt.
- The cleaned surface has a uniform color with no blemishes.
- Dust and particles generated during cleaning do not cause secondary pollution.
- Environmentally friendly and harmless; using 6-7 kg of compressed air as the driving force, the impact is minimal and does not damage other equipment.
- Dry ice cleaning can reduce downtime, improve worker safety, enhance maintenance efficiency, shorten downtime, lower costs, and increase productivity.
Common Steps in Dry Ice Cleaning
Dry ice cleaning utilizes compressed air to propel dry ice particles at supersonic speeds onto the object's surface. The cleaning effect relies not only on the kinetic energy of the particles but also on the ultra-low temperature of dry ice.
Requirements for Dry Ice Cleaning Equipment
Dry ice cleaning equipment typically consists of a dry ice pelletizer and a dry ice cleaning machine. Equipment can be selected based on specific needs.
- Dry Ice Pelletizer: Converts liquid carbon dioxide into high-density dry ice particles, typically 3 mm in diameter and 2.5 mm to 10 mm in length.
- Dry Ice Cleaning Machine: Requires clean compressed air with a pressure exceeding 4.5 bar and a flow rate of 3 cubic meters per minute. High-density dry ice particles are loaded into the cleaning machine and propelled by compressed air. Through a specially designed spray gun system, the particles are mixed, accelerated, and sprayed onto the object's surface.
- Air Compressor: A reliable screw-type air compressor is essential for providing stable compressed air. Choose a quiet, energy-saving model with adjustable pressure to meet various cleaning needs.
- Storage and Transportation Equipment:
- Dewar Flask: A high-pressure, low-temperature container for safely storing and transporting liquid carbon dioxide, ensuring a stable supply for particle production.
- Ultra-Low Temperature Cabinet: Designed to store dry ice for 7-15 days with a daily loss rate as low as 0.6%, these cabinets are critical for minimizing sublimation and maintaining particle quality.
YJCO2 integrates China's highest-quality dry ice cleaning resource supply chain, offering a One-stop Shopping For Dry Ice Cleaning solution that includes dry ice pelletizers, air compressors, Dewar flasks, and ultra-low temperature cabinets. All equipment is carefully designed for seamless integration and efficient operation. Contact YJCO2 for professional operation guidance and dry ice cleaning equipment (info@yjco2.com).
Types of Contaminants That Can Be Cleaned
Depending on the type of contaminant:
- For brittle contaminants like paint, the process creates shrinkage tension between the equipment surface and the coating, sufficient to break adhesion and strip the dirt.
- For deformable, sticky contaminants like grease or wax, the high-speed impact and tension act similarly to high-pressure water cleaning, removing the dirt.
Operational Steps
- Preparation: Move the dry ice machine and cart to the work area, connect the power and air hose, and check if the hopper is clean. Drain residual air and close the system. Hang dry ice cleaning safety warning signs. Operators must wear protective clothing, masks, earplugs, and gloves. Inspect the machine for leaks.
- Start the Machine: Activate the equipment.
- Cleaning: Hold the Nozzle with both hands, maintain a distance of 8-10 cm, and spray perpendicularly to the surface. Move the spray gun evenly and clean in sequence to ensure a smooth surface free of grease or rust.
- Inspection: Check the cleaned area to ensure no spots are missed.
- Site Cleanup: Clear the area and check for debris.
Safety Precautions Before Operation
Due to the extremely low temperature of dry ice (-78.5°C) and its release of carbon dioxide, dry ice cleaning requires specific safety measures. Follow these guidelines to ensure safe operation:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Operators must wear anti-freeze gloves, safety goggles, long-sleeve protective clothing, and safety shoes to prevent frostbite from direct contact with dry ice.
- Ventilation: Ensure the workspace is well-ventilated to prevent carbon dioxide buildup, which can lead to oxygen displacement and asphyxiation risks in enclosed areas.
- Equipment Inspection: Before each use, check hoses, nozzles, and the air compressor for wear or blockages. Ensure stable compressed air pressure to avoid malfunctions.
- Emergency Preparedness: Prepare a frostbite treatment kit and a carbon dioxide concentration detector. Train operators to handle emergencies and master emergency shutdown procedures.
Surface and Environment Preparation
Proper surface and environment preparation enhances the efficiency of the dry ice cleaning process:
- Surface Assessment: Evaluate the target surface to confirm its suitability for dry ice cleaning. Most materials (e.g., metal, electronics, and rubber) are suitable, but brittle materials (e.g., certain plastics) require careful handling to avoid damage.
- Pre-Cleaning: Remove large debris or standing water from the surface to prevent icing, which reduces cleaning effectiveness.
- Contaminant-Based Strategy: Adjust the dry ice particle size and spray angle based on the contaminant type (e.g., grease, paint, or mold release agents). For example, heavy grease may require larger particles, while delicate surfaces need finer particles.
- Environmental Control: Monitor temperature and humidity. High temperatures accelerate dry ice sublimation, while high humidity affects particle adhesion, reducing cleaning efficiency.
Setup Parameters for Efficient Cleaning
Optimizing equipment parameters ensures effective cleaning and minimizes dry ice consumption:
- Air Pressure: Set between 5-15 bar depending on the surface and contaminant. Higher pressure is suitable for stubborn residues, while lower pressure is used for delicate electronic components.
- Dry Ice Particle Size: Standard 3 mm particles are versatile, but adjustments can be made-larger particles for heavy-duty cleaning and smaller particles for precision tasks.
- Pilot Testing: Conduct a test blast in an inconspicuous area to fine-tune parameters and avoid surface damage.
Applications of Dry Ice Cleaning Technology
1. Petrochemical Industry
Dry ice cleaning is extensively used in the petrochemical sector to clean critical equipment such as main blowers, compressors, steam turbines, reactors, heat exchangers, and various pressure vessels. It effectively removes carbon deposits, coke, oil, rust, hydrocarbons, and surface contaminants, particularly excelling in clearing polyvinyl chloride resin from heat exchangers and ash from furnace tubes. Unlike traditional cleaning methods, dry ice cleaning requires no equipment disassembly, reducing downtime and producing no liquid waste, aligning with environmental standards. It also handles complex geometric surfaces, ensuring thorough cleaning without damaging the substrate.
2. Medical Device Industry
Medical devices demand stringent cleaning standards, particularly for high-precision components requiring decontamination and deburring. Traditional manual cleaning or micro-abrasive blasting is time-consuming and risks cross-contamination or component damage. Dry ice cleaning uses high-speed dry ice pellets to remove contaminants or burrs through kinetic and thermal effects, sublimating without residue. This technology significantly improves cleaning efficiency, reduces labor costs, and preserves the integrity of precision-machined surfaces. It has also passed rigorous cleanroom air quality tests, showing no residual carbon dioxide particles, making it ideal for producing and maintaining high-tolerance medical devices.
3. Printing Industry
Cleaning ink and varnish in the printing industry is challenging, as ink buildup on gears, guide rails, and nozzles can degrade print quality. Dry ice cleaning rapidly removes water-based and oil-based inks as well as varnishes, restoring equipment performance. Compared to traditional solvent-based cleaning, it eliminates the use of hazardous chemicals, reducing dangerous waste emissions and health risks to operators. It also precisely cleans intricate components like nozzles and guide rails, extending equipment lifespan and boosting production efficiency.
4. Power Industry
Dry ice cleaning is used in the power industry to clean power boilers, condensers, heat exchangers, generators, motors, rotors, stators, and turbine blades. It supports live cleaning below 37kV, applicable to transformers, insulators, distribution cabinets, and cables. The process eliminates the need to disassemble turbine blades, avoiding complex rebalancing procedures, and causes no wear or corrosion to equipment. This non-invasive cleaning method significantly enhances maintenance efficiency and extends equipment lifespan.
5. Paper Industry
The paper industry, vital to modern manufacturing, depends on clean paper machines to ensure product quality and operational efficiency. Contaminants like adhesives and fillers trapped in the mesh of forming wires and felts can cause roller stickiness, paper defects, and reduced permeability, complicating the papermaking process. Dry ice cleaning dislodges adhesive residues, softens compressed felt layers, and clears contaminants from mesh holes and joints using high-velocity dry ice pellets. The extreme cold (-78.5°C) embrittles contaminants through thermal shock, making them easier to fracture upon impact. Sublimation leaves no moisture, preventing fiber swelling or mold growth. This method requires no disassembly, minimizing downtime, reducing wear, and eliminating chemical cleaners, aligning with sustainable manufacturing. Adjustable pellet sizes and spray pressures allow tailored cleaning for delicate felts or robust wires, optimizing performance and reducing defects.
6. Automotive Industry
In automotive manufacturing and maintenance, dry ice cleaning efficiently removes oil and grease from vehicle bodies, doors, roofs, interiors, and chassis without leaving water stains or causing water pollution. It is ideal for cleaning carburetors, engine carbon deposits, and stripping paint from vehicle surfaces. Traditional chemical cleaning of carbon deposits takes over 48 hours and may pose health risks, whereas dry ice cleaning achieves 100% removal in approximately 10 minutes, significantly saving time and costs. Moreover, it requires no component disassembly, minimizing mechanical damage risks, making it suitable for precision parts maintenance.
7. Mold Cleaning
In mold manufacturing and maintenance, pristine cleanliness ensures high-quality molded products with tight tolerances. Dry ice cleaning uses high-speed dry ice pellets, propelled by compressed air, to remove paints, oils, greases, resins, and mold release agents, sublimating into CO₂ gas without residue. Unlike sandblasting or chemical cleaning, it is non-abrasive, preserving mold accuracy and eliminating wastewater. Molds can be cleaned in-situ, reducing downtime and labor costs. This method excels in cleaning complex mold geometries, supporting industries like aerospace and medical devices. Integration with automated production lines enables real-time maintenance, enhancing workflow efficiency. By eliminating chemical agents and abrasive media, dry ice cleaning supports green manufacturing and ensures consistent product quality.
8. Food Industry
The food industry adheres to strict cleaning standards, where traditional water-based cleaning may leave stains, and chemical cleaning is unacceptable due to food safety concerns. Dry ice cleaning, with its water-free and chemical-free properties, is an ideal solution for food production lines. It enables online cleaning of ovens, conveyor belts, molds, and other equipment, swiftly removing grease, food residues, and bacteria without requiring downtime or disassembly. As dry ice is non-conductive, moisture-free, and leaves no residue upon sublimation, it prevents secondary contamination and equipment corrosion. This technology significantly enhances cleaning efficiency, ensuring food safety and continuous production line operation.
9. Tire Mold Cleaning
Tire manufacturing relies on molds for vulcanization, where surface cleanliness directly impacts tire appearance, durability, and safety. Rubber residues, mold release agents, and additives accumulate in intricate pattern areas, compromising quality. Traditional chemical or mechanical cleaning methods cause corrosion or surface damage and require labor-intensive disassembly. Dry ice cleaning propels pellets via compressed air, creating micro-explosions upon impact that dislodge contaminants without secondary waste. Conducted at operating temperature and position, it preserves mold accuracy and eliminates re-engraving of tracking marks. IoT-enabled systems now allow real-time cleanliness monitoring and predictive maintenance, reducing cleaning time by up to 70% compared to manual methods. This non-abrasive, online cleaning method enhances efficiency, lowers costs, and aligns with sustainability trends, making it indispensable for tire manufacturers.
10. Equipment Manufacturing Industry
The equipment manufacturing industry requires high cleanliness standards for pipelines and equipment to prevent catalyst poisoning or side reactions. Certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Department of Agriculture (USDA), dry ice cleaning is a safe, non-toxic method. It requires no chemical solvents, produces no secondary waste upon sublimation, and is suitable for cleaning high-temperature equipment and precision components. Dry ice blasting equipment is lightweight and user-friendly, enabling close-range cleaning at workstations, with operators mastering the process in minutes. Its non-abrasive nature ensures no surface damage even with frequent use, maintaining production stability and product quality.
11. Hot Blast Furnaces
Hot blast furnaces' waste heat recovery units accumulate coal gas impurities, with dust settling between heat exchanger fins (6mm spacing) due to slow gas flow, exacerbated by moisture, causing fouling. Scale layers exceeding 10mm reduce heat recovery efficiency. Traditional methods like high-pressure water, chemical cleaning, or manual scraping fail to remove tenacious scale effectively. Dry ice cleaning uses pellets accelerated by compressed air to strike scale at -78.5°C, causing thermal shock that embrittles and cracks it. Sublimation expands volume 800 times, detaching scale via shockwaves. Adjustable air pressure and flow optimize cleaning for varying scale thickness.
Advantages:
- High decontamination efficiency for hard scale
- In-situ cleaning without disassembly, minimizing downtime
- Non-toxic, eco-friendly, with no secondary waste
- Safe for precision equipment, preserving fin integrity
- Cost-effective with simple operation and wide applicability
12. Printing and Coating Industry
Inks, paints, and coatings, designed for durability, pose significant cleaning challenges due to their adhesion. Ink buildup on printing press rails, gears, and components degrades quality, while paint and coating removal is labor-intensive. Dry ice cleaning effectively removes these contaminants without damaging equipment, outperforming solvent-based methods. Widely adopted by aerospace leaders like Boeing and Airbus for aircraft paint stripping, it uses high-speed dry ice pellets that sublimate upon impact, leaving no residue. This method excels in handling stubborn coatings, ensuring precision and safety.
Advantages:
- Removes durable inks, paints, and coatings without surface damage
- Eliminates chemical use, reducing environmental and health risks
- In-situ cleaning minimizes downtime and maintenance costs
- Supports high-precision applications in aerospace and industrial coating
- Enhances sustainability by avoiding wastewater and hazardous waste
Case Studies of Dry Ice Cleaning Applications
1. Precision Cleaning in Medical Device Manufacturing
Medical device production demands meticulous cleaning and finishing due to the intricate designs and stringent quality requirements of components. Many parts, such as surgical tools or implants, require thorough cleaning post-production or deburring after machining. Traditional methods, such as manual scraping or micro-sandblasting, are labor-intensive, prone to issues like grit entrapment, cross-contamination, or surface damage, and often generate hazardous secondary waste.
The complexity of medical components, with their small mold cavities and high-tolerance specifications, complicates cleaning processes. These parts must meet exacting standards to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance, making precision and consistency in cleaning as critical as the manufacturing process itself.
Dry ice cleaning offers a transformative solution for medical device manufacturers. This method uses solid CO₂ pellets or flakes propelled at high speeds to remove contaminants, residues, or burrs from delicate surfaces. The process leverages kinetic energy and a thermal shock effect-where the cold dry ice causes residues to contract and detach-followed by sublimation, where the dry ice turns directly into gas, leaving no secondary waste. This eliminates concerns about abrasive damage or chemical residues, ensuring parts remain pristine.
For instance, a manufacturer of orthopedic implants reported that dry ice cleaning reduced cleaning time by 40% compared to manual methods, while improving surface quality and eliminating secondary waste disposal costs. The non-abrasive nature of dry ice cleaning also allows for greater design flexibility, as manufacturers can create complex geometries without worrying about cleaning limitations. This technology enhances production yields, reduces costs, and ensures compliance with strict medical standards, making it a game-changer for the industry.
2. Equipment Maintenance in Industrial Manufacturing
In equipment manufacturing, maintaining high cleanliness standards for machinery and production lines is critical to ensuring product quality and operational efficiency. Contaminants like oils, greases, or residues can compromise processes, poison catalysts, or trigger unwanted chemical reactions, leading to costly production failures. Traditional cleaning methods often involve harsh chemicals or abrasive tools, which can wear down equipment, generate waste, or require extensive downtime for disassembly.
Dry ice blasting provides a highly effective, environmentally friendly alternative. Approved by the U.S. EPA, FDA, and USDA, this method uses non-toxic, non-conductive dry ice pellets that sublimate upon impact, leaving no residue or harmful emissions. This eliminates the risk of chemical exposure for workers and prevents equipment wear, even with frequent use. For example, a turbine manufacturer reported using dry ice blasting to clean intricate components without disassembly, reducing maintenance time by 50% compared to traditional methods.
The portability of dry ice blasting units enhances their practicality. Compact systems can be wheeled directly to production lines, allowing operators to clean equipment in place with minimal training. The process is straightforward: operators load dry ice pellets, connect hoses, and begin cleaning in minutes. Since dry ice blasting is non-abrasive, it preserves the integrity of sensitive surfaces, such as precision molds or conveyor systems, even during repeated cleanings.
By enabling online cleaning without the need for cooling or dismantling equipment, dry ice blasting minimizes downtime, boosts energy efficiency, and supports sustainable manufacturing practices. It has become a preferred method for maintaining high-value equipment, ensuring consistent performance and extending machinery lifespan.
3. Enhancing Food Safety and Efficiency in Food Processing
Food processing facilities face unique challenges in maintaining hygiene and equipment performance. Production lines, including ovens, conveyors, and mixers, require frequent cleaning to meet rigorous food safety standards. Traditional cleaning methods, such as water-based washing, often leave moisture that can degrade product quality (e.g., affecting baked goods) or damage equipment. Chemical cleaners are typically prohibited due to the risk of contamination, leaving manufacturers in need of a safe, efficient, and residue-free cleaning solution.
Dry ice cleaning has emerged as a revolutionary approach in the food industry. By using dry ice particles that sublimate upon contact, this method delivers rapid, moisture-free cleaning without introducing chemicals or secondary waste. For example, a large-scale bakery adopted dry ice cleaning to remove dough buildup and grease from production equipment, cutting cleaning time by 30% and eliminating water-related quality issues. The non-conductive and non-abrasive nature of dry ice ensures safe cleaning of electrical components and delicate machinery without risk of corrosion or scratches.
A key advantage of dry ice cleaning is its ability to clean equipment in place, without requiring disassembly or cooling. This significantly reduces downtime, a critical factor in high-output food production environments. For instance, a meat processing plant reported that dry ice blasting allowed them to clean freezers and conveyors during short production breaks, reducing downtime by 60% compared to water-based methods.
By streamlining cleaning processes, dry ice blasting enhances worker safety, lowers operational costs, and ensures compliance with food safety regulations. Its ability to eliminate time-consuming steps like equipment disassembly and drying makes it an ideal choice for food manufacturers seeking to optimize productivity while maintaining the highest hygiene standards.
4. Optimizing Paper Machine Performance in Paper Mills
Thriving paper industry relies heavily on the cleanliness of paper machines, particularly wires and felts, to ensure high-quality production and operational efficiency. Contaminants like adhesive deposits, pulp residues, and fillers often become embedded in the mesh of wires or felts, attracting further debris that causes sticky rollers, clogged holes, or defects in paper sheets. These issues impair the breathability of forming and drying wires and reduce the water drainage capacity of felts, making papermaking challenging. Traditional cleaning methods, such as high-pressure water washing, struggle to remove embedded contaminants, risk damaging delicate components, and require lengthy downtime for disassembly and drying, escalating operational costs.
Dry ice cleaning offers a transformative solution by using supercooled (-78°C) dry ice pellets propelled at high speeds to dislodge contaminants through thermal shock and kinetic energy. The extreme cold makes residues brittle, causing them to crack, while the impact of the pellets removes them without harming surfaces. Upon contact, the dry ice sublimates into CO₂ gas, leaving no moisture or secondary waste, thus preventing corrosion and eliminating waste disposal needs. This method allows for safe, in-place cleaning without disassembly, significantly reducing downtime and equipment wear.
For example, a paper mill reported that dry ice cleaning restored the breathability of their forming wires in just 2 hours per machine, compared to 6 hours with conventional methods, cutting downtime by 66%. The process also gently cleans the underside of wires and softens compressed felts, enhancing water drainage and extending component lifespan. By minimizing maintenance costs and supporting eco-friendly operations with no chemical use, dry ice cleaning boosts production stability and sustainability, making it an essential technology for modern paper mills.
5. Streamlining Mold Maintenance in Precision Manufacturing
In precision mold manufacturing for industries like automotive and aerospace, maintaining clean molds is crucial for consistent performance and high-quality output. Molds accumulate contaminants such as oils, resins, adhesives, and release agents, which can compromise tight tolerances and product quality. Traditional cleaning methods, like abrasive blasting or chemical solvents, often damage mold surfaces, generate hazardous waste, and require time-consuming disassembly, leading to costly production delays.
Dry ice cleaning revolutionizes mold maintenance by delivering a non-abrasive, residue-free process. Compressed air propels dry ice pellets at supersonic speeds, removing contaminants through kinetic impact and thermal shock. Upon striking the mold, the dry ice sublimates instantly into CO₂ gas, leaving no wastewater or abrasive residue, thus preventing corrosion and eliminating the need for secondary waste disposal. This allows molds to be cleaned in place, reducing downtime and preserving mold alignment for optimal performance.
A plastic injection molding facility, for instance, adopted dry ice cleaning and reduced mold cleaning time by 50% compared to manual methods, saving approximately $10,000 annually in operational costs. The non-abrasive nature ensures surface integrity, extending mold lifespan, while the absence of chemicals supports environmentally friendly operations. By enabling in-line cleaning without disassembly, dry ice cleaning enhances productivity and gives manufacturers a competitive edge in producing high-quality, high-output products.
6. Enhancing Tire Mold Cleaning in Tire Manufacturing
Tire molds are critical to the vulcanization process, directly affecting tire appearance, durability, and safety. Over time, molds accumulate rubber residues, mold release agents, carbon black, and inorganic oxides, which obscure fine tread patterns and degrade quality. In China, many small tire factories rely on chemical cleaning (e.g., solvents, acid washes) or mechanical methods (e.g., sandblasting, manual polishing), but these can corrode molds, damage surfaces, or require repeated disassembly, reducing precision and increasing labor and downtime.
Dry ice cleaning provides a superior alternative by using high-density dry ice pellets propelled by compressed air to create a "micro-explosion" effect. Upon impact, the pellets sublimate, expanding 800 times in volume, dislodging contaminants without leaving residue, requiring only the collection of debris. This non-abrasive process preserves mold precision and tracking marks, while in-place cleaning at operating temperature eliminates the need for cooling or disassembly, minimizing downtime and enhancing efficiency.
A leading tire manufacturer reported a 70% reduction in mold cleaning time compared to chemical methods, with no risk of corrosion or need for re-engraving tracking marks, boosting production efficiency by 20%. The eco-friendly process, free of chemicals and secondary waste, supports sustainable manufacturing while maintaining high mold quality, making dry ice cleaning a standard in the tire industry for cost-effective, high-precision cleaning.
7. Restoring Efficiency in Hot Air Furnace Systems
Blast furnace hot air stoves, particularly their residual heat recovery systems, suffer from fouling due to gas impurities. Dust and scale settle between the heat exchanger's closely spaced fins (often 6mm apart), worsened by moisture, forming hardened layers that can exceed 10mm thick. This buildup reduces heat transfer efficiency and slows gas flow, compromising system performance. Traditional methods like high-pressure water, chemicals, or mechanical scraping are often ineffective against stubborn fouling, risk equipment damage, and require extensive downtime.
Dry ice cleaning excels in descaling heat exchangers by propelling 3mm dry ice pellets with compressed air. The extreme cold (-78°C) freezes and cracks scale, while sublimation creates micro-shockwaves that dislodge fouling without leaving residue, requiring only debris collection. This non-toxic, non-polluting method causes no surface damage, making it ideal for precision equipment, and allows on-site cleaning without disassembly, saving time and reducing costs.
A steel plant using dry ice cleaning restored 95% of its heat exchanger's original efficiency in a 3-hour session, compared to 70% with high-pressure water, cutting downtime by 50%. The soft impact ensures no damage to delicate fins, while the simple operation-adjusting pressure and flow for optimal results-enhances reliability. This environmentally friendly approach supports sustainable operations and significantly improves furnace performance.
8. Revolutionizing Cleaning in the Printing and Coating Industry
In the printing and coating industry, removing strongly adherent inks, paints, and coatings from equipment like press rails, gears, and rollers is a persistent challenge. These contaminants degrade print quality and require frequent cleaning. Traditional solvent-based or abrasive methods are time-consuming, risk damaging machinery, and generate hazardous waste, increasing operational costs and environmental concerns.
Dry ice cleaning offers an optimal solution by effectively removing stubborn contaminants without harming equipment. Dry ice pellets, propelled at high speeds, dislodge inks and coatings through kinetic impact and thermal shock, sublimating instantly to leave no residue or wastewater, thus eliminating chemical exposure and waste disposal needs. In-place cleaning minimizes downtime, while the non-abrasive process preserves the precision of gears and rollers, extending equipment lifespan.
A commercial printing facility reported a 60% reduction in cleaning time for press rollers compared to solvent-based methods, with significant savings from eliminated hazardous waste disposal. Aerospace leaders like Boeing and Airbus have also adopted dry ice cleaning for tasks like aircraft paint stripping, highlighting its ability to handle tough industrial contaminants. This eco-friendly, efficient method enhances productivity and ensures high-quality output, making it a preferred choice in the printing and coating sector.
Our Best Dry Ice Cleaning Machine
To help industries embrace the benefits of dry ice cleaning, we provide a full range of high-performance machines tailored to specific application scenarios-from electronics to automotive to heavy-duty industrial use.
YJ-02 Car Maintenance Dry Ice Cleaning Machine
Specifically designed for the automotive industry, this model is perfect for both manufacturing and after-sales service.
- Intelligent ice tank stirring system prevents dry ice clumping and ensures smooth operation.
- Variable frequency motor delivers consistent, efficient dry ice flow.
- Sublimates cleanly without water or chemical residues-reducing environmental impact and maintenance costs.
YJ-04 PCBA Dry Ice Cleaning Machine
This energy-efficient dry ice cleaning unit is well-regarded for its environmental friendliness and non-destructive cleaning performance.
- Compact and fully stainless steel body ensures durability and long-term reliability.
- Equipped with a variable frequency motor for stable output and extended runtime.
- Adjustable dry ice particle sizes (0.05–0.1mm or 0.2–0.6mm) meet fine cleaning requirements.
- Ideal for delicate electronic components such as PCBA/PCB boards.
YJ-06 Mold Dry Ice Cleaning Machine
A powerful solution for cleaning molds and refurbishing industrial equipment.
- High-output flow paired with a six-part low-temperature hose and precision nozzle.
- Adjustable jet volume handles large-area cleaning with ease.
- Customizable dry ice sizes (0.05–0.1mm or 0.2–0.6mm) for accurate cleaning across various surfaces and materials.
YJ-04-12 Double Station PCBA Dry Ice Cleaning Machine
A fully automatic dual-station system designed for industrial-scale electronic and hardware applications.
- 360-degree coverage ensures thorough, residue-free cleaning.
- Manual programming and double-station structure double productivity vs. traditional methods.
- Ideal for PCBA/PCB flux removal, as well as burr cleaning in plastics and metal parts.
- Easy integration with automated lines, helping enterprises transition toward smart manufacturing.
How to Choose the Right Dry Ice Cleaning Machine Supplier
Selecting the right supplier is critical to ensure you get not only high-quality equipment, but also long-term support and value. Here are key factors to consider:
1. Industry Experience and Technical Expertise
Choose a supplier with proven experience across multiple industries-automotive, electronics, molds, energy, etc. Their understanding of different cleaning scenarios ensures better equipment recommendations and support.
2. Product Range and Customization Options
A reliable supplier should offer a full range of machines (portable, industrial-grade, automated), as well as configurable features like particle size, jet pressure, or nozzle types to match your specific application needs.
3. After-Sales Support and Training
Look for suppliers who provide on-site or remote training, fast technical support, and spare parts availability. A responsive service team helps you minimize downtime and maintenance issues.
4. Integration Capability
If you're in a high-volume or automated production environment, choose a supplier with integration-ready solutions that can fit seamlessly into your production line.
5. Compliance and Safety Standards
Ensure the machines comply with international standards (such as CE, RoHS, or ISO), and that the supplier has knowledge of food-grade, medical-grade, or ATEX environments if needed.
6. Transparent Pricing and Long-Term Value
It's not just about the lowest price-consider long-term operating costs, machine lifespan, and upgrade paths. A trustworthy supplier will offer clear pricing, honest consultation, and ongoing innovation.
Conclusion
As a disruptive industrial cleaning technology, dry ice cleaning offers unique advantages in cleaning efficiency, equipment protection, and environmental protection. It is applicable in industries such as automotive detailing, electronics, manufacturing, aviation, and heavy industry, continuously driving industrial cleaning toward green, sustainable, and efficient development. If you are looking for an alternative to traditional cleaning methods, consider trying our dry ice cleaning Solution.
About the Author
YJCO2 is a leading dry ice cleaning machine manufacturer in China. With excellent quality, advanced technology, and a global strategy, we continuously promote the innovation and progress of dry ice cleaning technology. We have completed transactions with more than 70 listed companies in China, and the total number of customers exceeds 3,000.
Our company is a qualified supplier of Foxconn and the only dry ice cleaning machine manufacturer stationed in the Aerospace Electronics Marketplace of China Aerospace Group. Facing the world, we cooperate with many internationally well-known brands, and our products have been exported to more than 20 major countries in Europe, America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, etc. Almost all partners are satisfied with our products and services. Now, we have become an internationally well-known brand of dry ice cleaning machines.
