Have you ever thought that ice could be use for cleaning? The answer is yes, and it is increasing its use. This method is completely new and revolutionary, which offers surprising results. It is known as cryogenic cleaning, and today we are going to explain it thoroughly.
Concept definition
Cryogenic cleaning is a revolutionary cleaning method, which is beginning to be the substitute of the most common cleaning methods, such as water jet or chemical products. In addition to its name, the cryogenic cleaning process receives other names, for example, ice cleaning, or simple dry ice blasting.
This type of cleaning is similar to sandblasting, which hits the surface in a forceful way to clean it and leave it as new. Currently, the ice cleaning method is known as one of the most environmentally friendly cleanings.
Advantages of cryogenic cleaning
The cryogenic cleaning process has infinite advantages compared to other cleaning methods:
- Does not damage any surface. It is a non-abrasive method, neither inflammable nor conductive.
- Ecological cleaning. It does not use any type of chemical substance or abrasive detergents added. It also does not contain any secondary contaminants, for example, solvents.
- No previous cleaning work is needed. Using it does not involve a huge effort, such as dismantling equipment. With this method, ice reaches anywhere without any problem.
- Any electrical or mechanical part is damaged during operation, although it is recommended that they be stopped for cleaning. There is no risk of fire with this cleaning method.
- It is a clean and ecological process, so its use in the food sector is usual and recommended, for the result it offers.
- There are no remains after cleaning. It is a very powerful method, with which you ensure a complete cleaning. In addition, the used machinery does not leave any remains, thanks to the products composition.
Functioning of the cleaning method
The cryogenic cleaning uses dry ice to perform the cleaning process. It is not toxic, not abrasive, it does not contain chemical products and it does not conduct electricity. The ice particles that eject these machines are tiny, and are thrown at an approximated temperature of -70ºC and at an extreme speed.
When it hits the surfaces to be cleaned, ice becomes gaseous, although the ice particles impact is enough to clean and to contract the dirt layer. Both the air and the compressed ice remove all the dirt layers, which will leave clean any surface where this cleaning method is used.
Equipment needed for cryogenic cleaning
Before begin with the cleaning, it is necessary to foresee any unexpected event. The basic equipment to perform an ice dry cleaning is composed of:
- Dry ice machine. Specific machine to spry dry ice.
- Protective goggles. To avoid eyes to be damaged.
- Ear protections. Noise can cause slight or significant damage to the auditory cavities, it depends on the exposure time.
- Like glasses, are a skin shield for anything that might jump when cleaning with dry ice.
- Protecting mask for breathing. To avoid breathing substances such as CO2 or dust.