Kuivajääsuuttaminen

Kuivajääsuuttaminen, also known as dry ice blasting, is a cleaning method that utilizes solidified carbon dioxide (dry ice) as the blasting medium. The process involves propelling small dry ice pellets at high velocity against a surface to be cleaned. When the dry ice impacts the surface, it undergoes a phase transition, sublimating directly from solid to gas. This rapid expansion of CO2 gas creates a powerful scouring effect.

The cleaning mechanism is multi-faceted. The kinetic energy of the pellets dislodges contaminants. The extreme cold of the dry ice causes the contaminants to become brittle and fracture. The sublimation process, the rapid change from solid to gas, generates a small shockwave that further helps lift and remove the debris. Unlike abrasive blasting methods, dry ice blasting is non-abrasive and does not leave behind any secondary waste like sand or grit. The CO2 sublimates completely, leaving only the removed contaminant.

This cleaning method is effective for a wide range of applications, including removing oil, grease, paint, coatings, carbon buildup, and other industrial soils from various surfaces. It is often used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, food processing, and manufacturing. Its advantages include its non-toxic nature, non-flammability, and its ability to clean intricate parts without causing damage. The process is also relatively fast and can be performed in situ, minimizing downtime for equipment.