Keeping electrical equipment clean is a critical factor that often gets neglected. Contaminants such as dust, debris, and grease can accumulate on electrical equipment over time, potentially leading to equipment failure and decreased efficiency.

Traditionally, cleaning electrical equipment has been performed using methods such as sandblasting or high-pressure water cleaning. However, these methods have several disadvantages such as being harmful to the environment and creating a conductive path, which can lead to equipment damage.

To address these concerns, a new cleaning method has been developed, known as Dry Ice Blasting. This method involves the use of soft and low-density ice pellets, propelled at high speeds using compressed air, to clean the surface of electrical equipment.

What makes dry ice blasting different?

One of the key advantages of Dry Ice Blasting is that the ice pellets sublimate upon impact, meaning they transition from a solid state to a gas without going through a liquid stage. As a result, no secondary waste is generated, and there is no need for disposal or drying. This makes Dry Ice Blasting a more environmentally friendly solution compared to traditional methods.

Dry Ice Blasting has been found to be non-conductive, making it safe for use on most types of electrical equipment, including generators, turbines, boilers, and steam generators. The results of this cleaning method are also instant, as the ice pellets melt upon impact and leave no residue.

How effective is dry ice blasting?

Dry ice blasting units are compact and easy to maneuver, making them ideal for cleaning in tight spaces and hard-to-reach areas. This is especially important in the electrical power distribution industry, where equipment is often located in confined spaces and requires specialized cleaning methods.

Dry ice blasting enables the ability to clean in-place, which results in more frequent cleaning and improved equipment efficiency. Some practical applications include:

• Hydroelectric generation
• Nuclear facilities
• Steam generation
• Substations

Dry Ice Blasting represents a significant advancement in the field of electrical maintenance. It is an effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly solution for cleaning electrical equipment and an important part of any electrical preventive maintenance program.

10 Key Benefits of Dry Ice Cleaning

1. Non-conductive: Dry ice blasting is a non-conductive method, making it safe for cleaning electrical power distribution equipment without the risk of equipment damage.

2. Environmentally friendly: Dry ice sublimates on impact, leaving no residue, making it a sustainable cleaning solution.

3. Quick results: The ice pellets melt upon impact, providing instant cleaning results without the need for disposal or drying.

4. Versatile: Dry ice blasting machines can be used to clean difficult-to-reach areas and are suitable for a wide range of electrical power distribution equipment.

5. Efficient: Dry ice blasting requires minimal staffing, saving time and money compared to traditional cleaning methods.

6. No secondary waste: Dry ice sublimates, leaving no secondary waste, making it a more environmentally friendly solution compared to traditional methods.

7. Improved efficiency: Clean electrical power distribution equipment operates more efficiently and with increased longevity.

8. Cost-effective: Dry ice blasting requires minimal staffing, reducing the overall cost of cleaning electrical power distribution equipment.

9. Increased safety: Dry ice blasting eliminates the risk of electrical conductivity, making it a safer solution compared to traditional cleaning methods.

10. Improved equipment performance: Clean electrical power distribution equipment operates more efficiently and with increased longevity, providing improved overall performance.

Dry Ice Blasting: A Pioneering Approach to Electrical Distribution Equipment Maintenance

Dry Ice Blasting represents a significant leap forward in the realm of electrical equipment maintenance. Neglecting the cleanliness of electrical equipment can lead to detrimental consequences, including equipment failure and reduced efficiency.

Traditional cleaning methods, such as sandblasting and high-pressure water cleaning, have proven to be environmentally harmful and potentially damaging to equipment. In contrast, Dry Ice Blasting offers a revolutionary solution that is safe, efficient, and eco-friendly.

When applied properly, its non-conductive nature, quick results, and lack of secondary waste make dry ice blasting a safe and efficient method, enhancing equipment performance and longevity.

References

• Dry Ice Cleaning – GlobalTest
• Dry Ice Cleaning Electrical Equipment
• Dry Ice (CO2) Blasting on Electrical Equipment – SEI Solutions