Dry Ice Blasting & Production Frequently Asked Questions

What is dry ice blasting?

Dry ice blasting, or dry ice cleaning, is an environmentally sustainable cleaning and surface preparation technique.

It is similar to sand, bead and soda blasting in that it prepares and cleans surfaces using a media accelerated in a pressurized air stream. It differs in that dry ice cleaning uses recycled solid carbon dioxide (CO₂) pellets or MicroParticles, which are blasted at supersonic speeds and sublimate on impact, lifting dirt and contaminants off the underlying substrate.

The process is non-abrasive, non-conductive, non-flammable, and non-toxic. It is also chemical free, water free and does not create secondary waste streams. The dry ice sublimates, or phase transitions from solid CO₂ to gaseous CO₂, when it impacts the surface being cleaned.

Read more about the dry ice blasting process

How does dry ice blasting work?

There are three primary factors that contribute to the dry ice cleaning process. The factors are Pellet Kinetic Energy, the Thermal Shock Effect, and the Thermal-Kinetic Effect. In order to more easily explain the process, we have created the following acronym (ICE).

Impact – Impact of pellets creates a Kinetic Energy Effect. The soft dry ice is accelerated by compressed air through specially designed nozzles at supersonic speeds.

Cold – Cold temperature of dry ice pellets creates a Thermal Effect. The temperature of dry ice (-109°F / -78.9°C) causes the contaminant to embrittle. This helps break the bond between the substrate and the contaminant.

Expansion – Expansion of the dry ice pellets. Dry ice pellets sublimate upon impact, volumetrically expanding in size, removing the contaminant.

Read more about how dry ice blasting works

What are the benefits of dry ice blasting?

Due to the unique characteristics of dry ice, it has many benefits that make it a more attractive cleaning solution than alternatives. The benefits include:

1. Cleaning equipment in place with little or no disassembly
2. Dry cleaning with no water or chemicals
3. Reducing downtime associated with cleaning
4. Cleaning without secondary waste
5. Improving product quality and reducing scrap
6. Eliminating equipment wear and tear
7. An environmentally sustainable cleaning method

Read more about the benefits of dry ice blasting

What do I need to get started with dry ice blasting?

Dry ice blasting requires a simple setup. Along with your dry ice blasting machine, the systems will come complete with both a blast and air hose, an applicator, and a nozzle that is best suited for your application.

The only other items needed to operate the system are:

• Compressed air source (either plant air or an air compressor)
• Electric power source
• Dry ice supply

An after cooler may be useful if you are using a portable diesel compressor as your air source. An after cooler removes most of the moisture from the system and can cool the air within 15°F (-9.4°C) of the surrounding air. This is primarily dependent on humidity levels.

Learn more about our dry ice blasting machines

Where do I get dry ice?

Most of our customers purchase their dry ice pellets or blocks from industrial gas suppliers, welding supply companies and other regional or local suppliers. Dry ice can be purchased on an as needed basis or a regular delivery can be scheduled to your facility. Most major metropolitan areas have regular delivery trucks that cover 100 mile radiuses. Dry ice can also be shipped using a common carrier and it is delivered in insulated containers.

For manufacturers who need large quantities of dry ice on a regular basis or that work in isolated locations, we suggest considering a dry ice production machine to keep up with high demand.

Learn more about dry ice production equipment

How much does dry ice cost?

Dry ice is a commodity and prices vary geographically.

How do I store dry ice and how long does it last?

Dry ice should be stored in an insulated container, which is provided by your dry ice supplier and picked up by them when needed. The thicker the insulation, the slower it will sublimate. Depending on the climate and thickness of your container, typical dry ice sublimation is approximately 2% to 10% per day.

How much dry ice do I need for a project?

The amount of dry ice needed to clean effectively varies from application to application and also can vary dramatically with each dry ice blasting system.

The average dry ice consumption for dry ice blasting equipment will range from approximately 0.7 lbs (0.32 kg) per minute for a MicroParticle system to 2 1/2 lbs (1.1 kg) per minute for a pellet system.

What type of air pressure (air compressor) do I need for dry ice blasting?

Dry ice blasting systems using pellets typically consume 100 cfm (2.8 m3/min) at 80 psi (5.5 bar), while MicroParticle systems typically consume 30 cfm (0.9 m3/min) at 80 psi (5.5 bar). Low flow nozzles for the MicroParticle systems can consume as little as 12 cfm (0.3 m³/min) at 80 psi (5.5 bar). However, your needs will depend on your application.

How much does a dry ice blasting machine cost?

We have a number of different machine options depending on your application, air supply, and budget.

Contact a Cold Jet representative to find out what the best machine will be for you.

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How long does it take to get my machine?

On average 7-10 days.

Are there safety precautions with dry ice blasting?

When working with CO₂, precaution must always be taken to ensure that the area is sufficiently ventilated and that proper PPE is administered when dealing with the liquid or solid form of CO₂ (dry ice).

When operating a dry ice blaster proper protection should be worn, such as ear plugs, eyewear, gloves, and closed-toed shoes. Steel-toed shoes are useful but not necessary.

Read more about proper safety precautions

Is dry ice blasting environmentally sustainable?

Dry ice blasting is an ideal solution for those looking for an environmentally sustainable cleaning solution.

1. Dry ice is made of recycled CO₂
   Dry ice is the product of a carbon capture and utilization (CCU) process.  CO₂ is captured at industrial and biogas facilities, recycled, and converted to dry ice.  The CO₂ would have otherwise been discarded as waste is given a second life as a cooling and cleaning medium. The dry ice does not add to emissions or produce more CO₂.
2. Dry ice blasting reduces or eliminates water usage in sanitation
   Water risk has become a major environmental concern and it has been estimated that up to 40% of water used at industrial facilities is used for sanitation purposed. Dry ice blasting eliminates the need for water in sanitation processes.
3. Dry ice blasting eliminates harmful secondary waste
   When the dry ice impacts the surface being cleaned, it sublimates – turns directly from a solid to a gas—and thus does not produce secondary waste. Similar techniques leave behind a residue that must be cleaned up with the contaminant. This media can become hazardous and create downstream contamination and harm the surrounding area and installations.
4. Dry ice blasting is non-toxic and eliminates need for chemical solvents
   The dry ice used in the dry ice blasting process is a food grade media and is EPA, FDA and USDA approved for use around food manufacturing. It is colorless, tasteless, odorless and non-toxic. Dry ice blasting eliminates the need for chemical cleaning solvents in many applications.

Learn more about how dry ice blasting is environmentally sustainable

What is dry ice blasting used for?

Dry ice blasting is an effective solution for many applications, including cleaning, surface preparation and parts finishing, within a broad and diverse range of industries.

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Will dry ice blasting work for my application?

Visit the links below for a list of industries and applications in which our equipment has been used. If you have a more specific question about your unique application, we’d be happy to get in touch with you to discuss.

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Can dry ice blasting remove paint?

While dry ice blasting is effective at removing failing paint and paint that has a weak bond, dry ice is a gentle medium and in some applications it is not always successful with just dry ice alone. There are many variables that determine whether dry ice blasting can be successful or not, such as how well the paint is adhered and the type of paint and primer. Even high pressure dry ice blasting can be too slow, too gentle, or ineffective depending on the application.

Our new dry ice blasting + abrasive solution, the E-CO₂ 150, adds an abrasive to the dry ice blasting stream. The solution boosts its’ aggression and effectively removes paint and coatings, while eliminating the issues with traditional methods of removal, such as excessive dust and waste.

Read more about dry ice blasting + abrasive

Will dry ice blasting remove rust?

Dry ice blasting alone will remove any loosely adhered rust, surface rust, oxidation, and salts (SP 6), but it will not remove the deeply adhered or pitted oxidation. Due to the non-abrasive characteristics of dry ice, it is not aggressive enough to create a profile or a white metal finish.

Our new dry ice blasting + abrasive solution, the E-CO₂ 150, adds an abrasive to the dry ice blasting stream. The solution boosts its’ aggression and effectively removes deeply pitted rust and corrosion, while eliminating the issues with traditional methods of removal, such as excessive dust and waste. The solution achieves a white metal finish (SP 10 / SA 2.5 / NA 2).

Read more about dry ice blasting + abrasive

Can dry ice blasting kill mold?

Dry ice blasting removes 99.9% of mold spores faster than traditional cleaning methods when IAQA standards are followed. The process eliminates timely manual cleaning and does not create secondary waste, which reduces mold remediation time and reduces total labor costs and project time. The dry ice blasting process does not utilize chemicals and has the ability to deodorize affected areas.

Read more about mold remediation with dry ice blasting

Does dry ice blasting leave a residue?

Dry ice blasting does not leave residue or waste. Dry ice sublimates upon impact with the surface being cleaned, which results in no secondary waste, no residue and no introduction of moisture. This eliminates extra cleanup, disposal of secondary waste streams and additional cleaning preparation, such as masking delicate sensors or wrapping electronic components before cleaning. This significantly reduces the duration of cleaning projects and the resulting shutdowns.

Elimination of secondary waste also allows equipment to be cleaned while online and still operating.

Can I automate the dry ice blasting process?

Integrated dry ice blasting systems combine dry ice production and one or more blasting system into one unit; allowing for continuous, completely automated blasting.

From simple customization to full automation, each integrated system can be engineered to meet specific customer requirements.

These systems are commonly used to provide cost effective cleaning and surface preparation solutions and are used extensively in the automotive OEM, tire, aerospace, semiconductor and many other industries.

Learn more about integrated or automated dry ice blasting

What type of customer service will I receive?

Our service team is available 24/7, 365 days a year and is dedicated to providing support and advice on all aspects of Cold Jet machines. From answering technical questions to offering guidance on the right part or accessory, our team is here for you. Cold Jet has 13 service centers located in 10 countries around the world and the largest install base of human technical resources.

Learn more about Cold Jet customer service

Where can I buy parts and accessories?

You can purchase spare parts and accessories from Cold Jet.

Learn more about our parts and accessories

How do I receive training?

We offer a range of training services that can be performed at your facility or at one of our global service centers. Our team will instruct employees on how to operate your machine more efficiently and discover how to take full advantage of all the technologies available to them.

Learn more about training

Will I receive help when installing my machine?

Our dry ice blasting units are simple to setup and use, but for more complex installations we are there to help. Our team is available to help to help in the installation of your dry ice production unit.

Learn more about installation

How is dry ice made?

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO₂). In order to create dry ice, CO₂ is first captured at an industrial or biogas facility. That CO₂ is recycled via a process that pressurizes the gas and cools it to form liquid CO₂ (LCO₂). Once the LCO₂ is onsite at the production point, it is then injected into a pelletizer, or dry ice production unit. Within the pelletizer, the pressurized LCO₂ is released to atmospheric pressure, which causes it to solidify into a snow-like consistency. This is then compressed into pellets, blocks, or slabs.

Can I make my own dry ice?

Dry ice can be produced on demand using a dry ice production machine (pelletizer or slice maker). Producing your own dry ice must be economically viable and the amount of dry ice used on a daily and weekly basis must be considered.

Pelletizers, slice makers, and reformers can be equipped with multiple dies to produce a range of extrusion sizes (3mm to 19mm) and final product size. Dry ice production equipment can produce, dose, and package multiple sizes of dry ice for a broad range of solutions.

Learn more about our dry ice production equipment

Should I make my own dry ice?

In the right situation, making your own dry ice can save you a lot of time and money while eliminating headaches. Producing your own dry ice can give you greater control over your production, processing, and cold chain management systems, while also reducing waste and cutting operational costs.

By answering a few simple questions, you can determine whether producing your own dry ice is right for you. Those questions include:

1. How much dry ice do you consume weekly/monthly?
2. What are your current delivery costs?
3. Is dry ice a part of a critical path in your operation?
4. Do you waste a lot of dry ice per week?
5. Does your facility have a CO₂ tank and three-phase power?

Learn more about whether you should produce your own dry ice

Contact us to discuss whether you should make your own dry ice

What types of infrastructure do I need for a dry ice production machine?

You need a liquid CO₂ tank, three phase power, exhaust capability, supply and support lines, and adequate floor space for both the dry ice production machine and dry ice storage.

If you do not have a liquid CO₂ supply already in place, Cold Jet can perform a site visit to help determine what you would need to do and what your investment and payback would be. Cold Jet can then arrange for the installation and leasing, if required, to be completed through our trusted affiliates.

Contact us to discuss your dry ice production options

How much LCO₂ do I need to produce a pound of dry ice?

Cold Jet’s conversion rate is as low as 2.2 to 1 of LCO₂ to solid dry ice. Most of our competitors remain at a 2.7 conversation ratio or above.

How do I store dry ice and how long does it last?

Dry ice should be stored in an insulated container. The thicker the insulation, the slower it will sublimate. Depending on the climate and thickness of your container, typical dry ice sublimation is approximately 2% to 10% per day.

How much does a dry ice production machine cost?

We have a number of different machine options depending on your production needs.

Contact a Cold Jet representative to find out what the best machine will be for you.

Contact us

Are there safety precautions with dry ice production?

When working with CO₂, precaution must always be taken to ensure that the area is sufficiently ventilated and that proper PPE is administered when dealing with the liquid or solid form of CO₂ (dry ice).

Read more about proper safety precautions

Is dry ice environmentally sustainable?

Dry ice is the most environmentally sustainable and effective cooling medium used in keeping temperature sensitive products cold.

1. Dry ice is made of recycled CO₂
   Dry ice is the product of a carbon capture and utilization (CCU) process. CO₂ is captured at industrial and biogas facilities, recycled, and converted to dry ice. The CO₂ would have otherwise been discarded as waste is given a second life as a cooling and cleaning medium. The dry ice does not add to emissions or produce more CO₂.
2. Eliminate Additional Emissions
   Refrigerated vehicles use up to 15% more fuel than standard delivery vehicles and release 18% more nitrogen oxide emissions.
3. Replace Traditional Cooling Methods
   Dry ice allows companies to replace resource intensive and waste generating gel packs with an environmentally sustainable cooling medium.
4. Increased Fuel Efficiency For Shipping
   Dry ice sublimates throughout transit and continually loses weight, which helps logistics companies experience greater fuel efficiencies.

What type of customer service will I receive?

Our service team is available 24/7, 365 days a year and is dedicated to providing support and advice on all aspects of Cold Jet machines. From answering technical questions to offering guidance on the right part or accessory, our team is here for you. Cold Jet has 13 service centers located in 10 countries around the world and the largest install base of human technical resources.

Learn more about Cold Jet customer service

Where can I buy parts and accessories?

You can purchase spare parts and accessories from Cold Jet.

Learn more about our parts and accessories

How do I receive training?

We offer a range of training services that can be performed at your facility or at one of our global service centers. Our team will instruct employees on how to operate your machine more efficiently and discover how to take full advantage of all the technologies available to them.

Learn more about training

Will I receive help when installing my machine?

Our dry ice blasting units are simple to setup and use, but for more complex installations we are there to help. Our team is available to help to help in the installation of your dry ice production unit.

Learn more about installation

What is a CO₂ recovery system, and how does it work?

The CO₂ recovery system is an add-on to your existing dry ice production operation. It captures and recovers vented CO₂ gas that is unused during the regular manufacturing process, ensuring it can be utilized to make more dry ice.

How does the CO₂ recovery system lower the conversion ratio for dry ice production?

The CO₂ recovery system can reduce the conversion ratio from 2.2 lbs of liquid CO₂ to 1 lb of dry ice to an improved ratio of 1.3 lbs of liquid CO₂ to 1 lb of dry ice. This results in significant savings in CO₂ usage or increased dry ice production with the same amount of liquid CO₂.

Can the CO₂ recovery system be integrated into my existing dry ice production setup?

Yes, the CO₂ recovery system is designed to seamlessly integrate with your current dry ice production equipment. It can be easily added to enhance the efficiency of your operations.

Does the recovered and reliquefied CO₂ from the CO₂ recovery system go back into the bulk CO₂ tank?

No, the recovered and reliquefied CO₂ from the CO₂ recovery system does not go back into the bulk CO₂ tank. Instead, the new liquid CO2 is directed through a valve into the piping that feeds liquid to the pelletizer. It is important to note that gas companies have strict regulations prohibiting the introduction of external substances or recovered CO₂ back into the bulk CO₂ tank. Our CO₂ recovery system ensures compliance with these regulations while maximizing production output and minimizing waste by delivering a continuous flow of high-quality liquid CO₂ to the pelletizer.

How much liquid CO₂ can I save by implementing the CO₂ recovery system?

By incorporating the CO₂ recovery system, you can save up to 40% of liquid CO₂ that would otherwise be exhausted during the dry ice manufacturing process.

Does the CO₂ recovery system require any additional equipment or modifications to my existing setup?

The CO₂ recovery system is designed to be easily installed alongside your current dry ice production equipment, requiring minimal additional equipment or modifications.

What are the benefits of using the CO₂ recovery system for my dry ice production?

The CO₂ recovery system offers two primary benefits: significant cost savings in CO₂ procurement by reducing waste and increased dry ice production capacity with the same amount of liquid CO₂.

Will implementing the CO₂ recovery system affect the quality of the dry ice produced?

No, the CO₂ recovery system has no impact on the quality of the dry ice. It ensures that the recovered CO₂ gas is of the same high quality as the liquid CO₂ used in the production process. The process is a closed-loop system, which eliminates the chance of any contamination.

Are there any specific operational considerations or maintenance requirements for the CO₂ recovery system?

The CO₂ recovery system is designed for easy operation and requires minimal maintenance. Regular checks and maintenance of the system are recommended to ensure optimal performance.

What kind of return on investment can I expect by implementing the CO₂ recovery system?

Implementing the CO₂ recovery system can result in significant cost savings on CO₂ procurement and increased production capacity. The return on investment will depend on your specific production volume and CO₂ usage, but in many cases the ROI period can be 12 months or less.