Frequently Asked Questions

Dry ice blasting uses solid CO₂ pellets accelerated by compressed air to remove contamination from surfaces. On impact, the pellets sublimate (solid to gas), creating a thermal and kinetic effect that breaks the bond between contamination and substrate. No water, chemicals, or abrasive media are introduced. The CO₂ dissipates as gas, leaving only the removed contamination to be collected. Blasting performance is controlled through pressure, nozzle selection, and pellet flow to match the substrate and contamination type.

Dry ice blasting is effective for removing grease, oil, carbon deposits, adhesives, paint residue, production build-up, mould, and general surface contamination. Suitability depends on bond strength, thickness of the deposit, and substrate material — all assessed prior to work.

Yes — dry ice blasting is a dry, non-conductive process and is commonly used on electrical systems such as control panels, switchgear, and motor housings. All work is risk-assessed case-by-case. Isolation requirements, flash risk, and site-specific electrical procedures are confirmed prior to work.

No secondary blasting media is produced. Only the removed contamination remains. The dry ice sublimates on contact. The contamination is either captured or safely disposed of in line with site procedures and RAMS.

Dry ice blasting eliminates the need for water, chemicals, or abrasive media. Equipment can often be cleaned in place, reducing disassembly, downtime, and labour. There is no drying time, no chemical residue, and no secondary blasting waste. This makes it particularly effective in environments where uptime, contamination control, and surface integrity are critical.

Dry ice sublimates at -78.5°C, which means the blasting media itself is extremely cold. In practice, localised thermal effects on the substrate are minimal and brief — the volume of dry ice contacting any given point is small, and exposure time is short. On thin-gauge metals, heat-sensitive composites, or substrates with existing stress fractures, we adjust working distance, pressure, and media flow rate accordingly. For sensitive applications, we carry out a test area assessment before full-scale work proceeds. Thermal shock risk is assessed and managed as part of our pre-job evaluation on every contract.

No. Every project begins with an assessment to determine the most appropriate solution. While dry ice blasting is our principal process, some projects also benefit from additional surface preparation, protective treatments or coating systems. Where appropriate, we can recommend or provide these as part of a complete project solution, with every recommendation based on the substrate, contamination and project requirements.

Suitable for metals (steel, aluminium, copper, brass), plastics, rubber, composites, and most coated surfaces. Blasting parameters are adjusted to suit each substrate and contamination type following assessment.

Not suitable for thin or brittle materials such as fragile glass, ceramics, or delicate membranes. Materials highly sensitive to thermal shock require individual assessment. A controlled test area is used where necessary.

Dry ice blasting is not designed for removing heavy rust, thick mineral scale, or deeply bonded industrial coatings where mechanical abrasion is required. It is also not intended for full paint removal to bare metal across large surface areas where a profiled surface (anchor pattern) is required for effective re-coating. In these cases, alternative or complementary methods may be recommended following assessment.

Dry ice blasting is highly effective at removing loose and flaking rust, surface oxidation, and rust-contaminated coatings. It will not remove mechanically bonded rust or convert rust that has penetrated the substrate. Where rust has caused pitting or structural compromise, dry ice blasting will expose that condition clearly — making it a useful diagnostic step prior to metalwork or panel repair. For ferrous surface preparation ahead of primer or protective coatings, we recommend a post-blast assessment to confirm whether mechanical or chemical treatment is also required.

Dry ice blasting is a controlled industrial process. It generates noise, displaced CO₂, and dislodged contamination. Full PPE is worn, and exclusion zones are established. Nearby personnel are managed in accordance with site safety requirements and project RAMS.

The process is non-abrasive when correctly applied. Pressure, nozzle selection, and pellet flow are adjusted to suit the substrate. Sensitive components (seals, bearings, exposed wiring) are identified and protected or excluded. All risks are assessed prior to work.

CO₂ is heavier than air and can accumulate at low levels in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. Ventilation is the primary control measure. Where natural ventilation is insufficient, mechanical extraction may be required. In enclosed or confined environments, continuous CO₂ monitoring is used to ensure safe working conditions. Exposure limits and control measures are defined within project RAMS and verified prior to work commencing.

Operators wear hearing protection, eye protection or full-face visor, thermal-rated gloves, and respiratory protection where required. PPE requirements are defined based on the environment and confirmed within the project RAMS.

Dry ice blasting can generate static charge during operation due to high-velocity particle flow and air movement. Our industrial dry ice blasting equipment is grounded through its power supply as standard — the machine chassis is internally bonded via the electrical earth connection. In sensitive environments such as electrical cabinets, control systems, or areas with flammable atmospheres, static risk is treated as a site-specific consideration and assessed as part of our pre-job evaluation. We do not claim zero static risk — we assess and control it appropriately for each environment. All static risk controls are documented within the project RAMS.

Dry ice blasting generates significant noise during operation. The ICEsonic Smart IND operating at working pressure produces noise levels up to 115 dB — comparable to heavy industrial machinery. Hearing protection is mandatory for operators and any personnel within the exclusion zone as standard. Where work is carried out in occupied or shared environments, clients are advised in advance so appropriate arrangements can be made. Noise output varies depending on working pressure, nozzle selection, and substrate — parameters can be adjusted where noise management is a specific site requirement. Noise controls and exclusion zones are documented within the project RAMS.

Typical setup time is 30–60 minutes depending on site access, equipment positioning, and hose routing. Setup and breakdown are included within the project schedule.

In many cases, yes. Work can often be performed alongside operations with appropriate exclusion zones and controls in place. However, this is dependent on the environment and is confirmed during planning.

Not always. Many systems can be cleaned in place. Where isolation is required (e.g. electrical or rotating equipment), this is agreed in advance to ensure safe working conditions.

Dry ice is delivered in line with scheduled work due to natural sublimation. It is stored in insulated containers and loaded as required. Quantities are calculated during assessment to ensure sufficient supply.

Vehicle access is required within reasonable proximity to the work area. A clear route for hose access must be available. Final requirements are confirmed during site assessment.

A diesel-powered compressor is supplied as part of the service, so no site power is required for the blasting process. Where suitable power is available on site, it may be used for auxiliary equipment. Otherwise, all required equipment is self-contained.

Yes — ventilation is a critical safety requirement. Dry ice sublimates into CO₂ gas, which can displace oxygen in enclosed or poorly ventilated environments. Adequate natural or mechanical ventilation must be confirmed before work begins. Where required, CO₂ monitoring and additional extraction are implemented as part of the site-specific RAMS.

A clear working area of approximately 2–3 metres around the equipment is typically required. Final layout is confirmed during site assessment.

Every project is scoped before it's quoted. Contamination type, access, operational constraints, and compliance requirements all affect scope and duration. Contact us with details or send photos via WhatsApp to begin the assessment process.

Project duration, contamination severity, dry ice consumption, access conditions, and site requirements. More complex projects are priced following assessment.

Photos and a description of the equipment or area, contamination type, and site access details. For larger projects, a site visit or trial area may be arranged.