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
Cold Jet Aero2 Series
The Aero2 Series Dry Ice Blaster is the most efficient dry ice blaster available on the market right now. They are truly intelligent machines that give you complete control, even when far away.
Aero2 PLT 60
Built on ground-breaking Aero2 technology, the Aero2 PLT 60 is designed for applications that require more robustness, making it the most efficient dry ice machine available.
With the SureFlow feeding system, it not only helps users to minimize air pressure loss, but also maximizes air supply capacity and limits dry ice waste. In addition, the Aero2 PLT 60 features a 7” LCD with digital controls, providing an intuitive display that allows the user to easily view, program or adjust the firing parameters as well as the machine’s installation such as setting and saving burst pressure and feed rate parameters.
PLT 60 is IoT enabled through Cold Jet’s 4.0 technology solution, Cold Jet CONNECT®. The system provides remote monitoring and diagnostic capabilities.
Aero2 PCS 60
The Aero2 PCS 60 is designed to give users full control using Cold Jet’s patented Particle Control System (PCS), which allows them to customize dry ice firing parameters. Besides, the dry ice will also be cut into diamond-shaped particles to the exact size selected by the operator (from 0.3mm to 3mm).
Some advantages of the PCS 60 series:
- Industry’s one of a kind performance. The blast stream is consistent and pulse-free.
- Intuitive screen. On the 7″ color LCD display, you can easily view and control blasting parameters as well as machine settings. Even while working from a distance, full control delivers precision and flexibility.
- Applications that can be programmed. The user can customize and save application formulations (burst pressure, particle size, and feed rate), ensuring the most efficient use of resources and avoiding operational errors.
- Ergonomics. The machine is designed to optimize and combine materials, reducing weight and size with redesigned bellows for greater flexibility and durability.
- Lower noise level and effective cleaning at lower blowing air pressure.
- IoT capabilities for remote monitoring and diagnostics with the industry-first Cold Jet CONNECT.
PCS 60 is IoT enabled through Cold Jet’s 4.0 technology solution, Cold Jet CONNECT®. The system provides remote monitoring and diagnostic capabilities.
Cold Jet Aero Series
Aero 40FP
Aero Series 40FP is a standard dry ice blasting machine manufactured by COLD JET- The company has been pioneering the research and development of dry ice blasting for more than 30 years. This machine is the perfect choice for customers who want to find a simple solution with extremely effective results in equipment cleaning from light industries to heavy industries. A pro of this machine is the excellent quality that comes at an affordable price.
The Aero Series 40FP includes radial feed system technology, together with aerodynamics which help reduce wearings on the machine’s pads and rotors. In addition, with its modern design, the Aero 40FP dry ice blasting machine has a moderate weight and can help businesses save energy as much as possible.
There is a pressure regulator on the body of the machine, allowing users to change the necessary parameters when using.
The Aero Series 40FP’s advantages:
- SureFlow Performance System allows the operator to run full capacity through 100 feet of pipe without poking, clogging, or cleaning required.
- Feeder technology which has acquired Aerodynamic load patent works to reduce wear on pads and rotors, increasing machine life.
- Advanced radiating power system providing pulse-free consistent blasting and precise feedrate control.
- Pressure scale ranges from gentle cleaning at 20 psi (1.4 bar) to explosive cleaning at 300 psi (20 bar)
Cold Jet Aero Series 80FP
Aero Series 80FP is a dry ice blaster of the same generation as the Aero Series 40FP“ above with higher blast Pressure. This machine is Widely used in heavy industries for the most stubborn grease stains and cleaning transport vehicles in the mining industry.
Along with other machines of the Aero Series, the Aero Series 80FP also possesses advantages such as using a radial feed system and is compactly designed to help users save energy and resources.
The Aero Series 80FP’s advantages is the same as the Aero Series 40FP
- SureFlow Performance System allows the operator to run full capacity through 100 feet of pipe without poking, clogging, or cleaning required.
- Feeder technology which has acquired Aerodynamic load patent works to reduce wear on pads and rotors, increasing machine life.
- Advanced radiating power system providing pulse-free consistent blasting and precise feedrate control.
- Pressure scale ranges from gentle cleaning at 20 psi (1.4 bar) to explosive cleaning at 300 psi (20 bar)
Main features of the Aero Series 80FP dry ice blaster:
- Advanced SureFlow System
- Full range of pressure
- High quality pellet dry ice
- The dry ice hopper is designed with an inclined design, making it easier for dry ice to be ejected
- High-quality designed components
- Minimize ice loss
- Optimal use of dry ice
- Easy maintenance and operation
- High quality nozzle
- High mobility
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.
