When it comes to surface cleaning or surface preparation, there are many methods available. Dry ice blasting and soda cleaning are two of the most popular methods chosen by many businesses. However, choosing the most optimal method is not easy. In this article, Specco2 will introduce you to the comparison between the dry ice machine and the different soda cleaning methods.
What is Soda Blasting ?
The soda cleaning method uses sodium bicarbonate (also known as caustic soda) as the main raw material to clean the surface. Sodium bicarbonate is fired from specialized equipment, combined with high-speed pneumatic thrust or mixed with water to clean the surface.
This method is commonly used to remove signs of surface damage (or cracks) on materials where the use of abrasive cleaners containing grit, acids or chlorine would be too dangerous, invasive or risky. ro. This method is particularly effective for removing light rust, factory scale, graffiti paint and fire soot without damaging the underlying material.
However, this method relies on an alkaline mixture to work. You should pay special attention when using around trees and foliage. Stray sodium bicarbonate can leach into the soil and alter the pH balance.
Besides, soda is also not effective in making the surface to be cleaned become smoother. While the lack of soda-induced abrasion is usually a good thing, it also means that this method can be difficult to apply a soda coating to certain metals.
In addition, sodium bicarbonate has a limited shelf life and cannot be stored for long. Liquid solutions tend to condense and coagulate. If left for too long, the soda compound will become useless, making cleaning ineffective. Using an expired mixture can damage your machine again
What is dry ice blasting ?
Dry ice blasting technique uses dry ice as an abrassive agent to remove surface impurities. If you want to remove unwanted coatings such as rust or paint from different surfaces, you can use a dry ice blasting machine. More simply, the dry ice blasting machine includes 2 components: compressed air and dry ice to clean the surface of the device.
This is a cleaning method that is not abrasive to the equipment. The dry ice cleaning technique has been approved by the FDA, USDA, and EPA and is effectively used for various commercial and industrial cleaning purposes. The dry ice cleaning method does not require disassembling and moving the unit, so the process is extremely convenient.
The dry ice machine can be applied in the following fields:
- Sanitize food processing machinery
- Cleaning power plants and electronic equipment
- Cleaning the weaving machine
- Sanitize medical equipment manufacturing machinery
- Hygiene in the automotive industry
- Cleaning molds in other production areas
- And many more applications
Benefits of dry ice blasting:
- No damage to the product
- Reduced downtime
- Save time for business
- Environmental friendliness
- Safe for the users and operators
Some models of dry ice blasters that Specco2 is offering
Specco2- PROsi
The Specco2-PROsi is the perfect solution for cleaning and blasting applications in small spaces. This dry ice blaster is compact in size, yet powerful enough to remove even the most stubborn contaminants.
Specco2- PROsi advantages:
- Perfect for Tight Spots: Designed specifically for tackling cleaning and blasting tasks in confined areas, the Specco2-PROsi maneuvers effortlessly for maximum efficiency.
- User-Friendly Design: The lightweight construction and intuitive controls make the Specco2-PROsi a breeze to operate, ideal for both industrial and commercial settings.
- Versatile Cleaning Power: Variable pellet consumption rate of 0 – 75 kg/hour. It also boasts an adjustable air flow range of 0.8 – 9 m3/min and a blast pressure range of 2-14 bar, allowing you to fine-tune the cleaning power for various applications.
- Extensive Nozzle Options: Select from a wide range of round, flat, and bended nozzles (sold separately) to customize your cleaning approach for different surfaces and contaminants.
Specco2- Mini
Specco2- Mini is a compact, lightweight, weight 26 kg with air flow range 0.3 -3 m3/min and blast pressure range: 2-10 bar with tank capacity up 8 kg
Some advantages of the Specco2 Mini:
- Eco-Friendly Cleaning: Specco2-Mini utilizes dry ice, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
- Cost-Effective: Ditch the expensive chemicals and blasting media. The Specco2-Mini offers a cost-efficient cleaning method, saving you money in the long run.
- Precision Cleaning: The machine’s precision nozzle allows you to target specific areas for cleaning without damaging surrounding surfaces.
Conclusion
Thus, it can be seen that if comparing the dry ice cleaning with soda blasting method, the dry ice cleaning technique has the most advantages. If you want to know more about this professional cleaning equipment, please contact Specco2 for a free consultation.