HomeThe method
How dry ice
blasting works.
Dry ice blasting uses compressed air and solid carbon dioxide particles to loosen build-up on a surface. The pellets turn into gas, leaving the removed material to be collected.
The process
Compressed air.
Dry ice particles.
A blasting machine feeds dry ice into a stream of compressed air. The nozzle directs it onto the area being cleaned, where the impact and cold help release the build-up.
The dry ice turns directly from a solid into a gas. Unlike sand or grit blasting, it does not leave spent blast media mixed with the removed residue.
What does “dry” mean?
No wash water is introduced by the blasting medium. Dry ice becomes CO₂ gas, so enclosed or poorly ventilated areas need specific assessment. Isolation, access and removed contamination also need a plan.
Safety & site planningBefore work starts
Check the surface.
Plan the work area.
The material, coating and condition of the equipment matter. Labels, seals, bearings and delicate components may need protection or testing on a small area.
We also need to understand access, nearby work, available shutdown time and how the removed residue will be collected.
- Identify the material and the finish you want to keep.
- Point out sensitive parts or existing damage.
- Confirm isolation, access and ventilation requirements.
- Plan for noise, airborne material and clean-up.
Choosing a cleaning method
Dry ice is an option.
Not the answer to every job.
The best method depends on the cleaning task. Bulk mud removal, hard scale and some internal process deposits may be better suited to water, mechanical cleaning or another method. The exact surface, deposit and required finish guide the choice.
Standard dry ice blasting is not a universal rust-removal method and does not inherently create an abrasive coating-preparation profile. Where rust removal or a specified coating finish is the objective, a different method may be required.
| Method | Main considerations | Ask first |
|---|---|---|
| Dry ice blasting | No spent grit to collect, but removed residue remains. Surface testing and ventilation may be needed. | Will it remove the build-up without affecting the finish? |
| Water cleaning | The equipment must tolerate water. Drainage, wastewater collection and drying affect the job. | Where will the water go, and how will the equipment dry? |
| Abrasive blasting | May suit coating removal or preparation where a surface profile is needed. | Do you want to change the surface or preserve its finish? |
| Manual or chemical cleaning | Access, labour, material compatibility and any rinsing or disposal requirements matter. | Can the cleaning product and tools safely reach the area? |
Getting started
Tell us about
the equipment.
These details help us work out what needs a closer look. Share what you know; anything else can be discussed.
The asset
Equipment type, material, size and the areas needing attention.
The build-up
Residue, approximate thickness and any hazardous-material concerns.
The finish
What you need to achieve and which surfaces need protection.
The site
Location, access, isolation, ventilation and residue handling.
The timing
Maintenance window, shutdown availability and site restrictions.
Contact M&S
Not sure which method to use?
Describe the equipment and the build-up. We’ll discuss whether dry ice blasting is worth considering for your job.