Applied Sciences (Jul 2024)

Efficient and Sustainable Cleaning: A Comparative Analysis of Cryogenic Technology

  • Aina Vega-Bosch,
  • Virginia Santamarina-Campos,
  • Laura Osete-Cortina,
  • Mercedes Sánchez-Pons,
  • Pilar Bosch-Roig

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/app14156591
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 15
p. 6591

Abstract

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Dry ice blasting is a technology that has been widely studied and applied in different industrial sectors as an alternative to the use of solvent, water, or abrasive spraying methods. It is a CO2 spraying system capable of balancing efficiency and sustainability with a wide variety of equipment available on the market. This study analyses and compares cryo-cleaning equipment manufactured by pioneering companies in the cryogenic industry. Based on data sheets, safety data sheets, and contact with manufacturers, a quantitative comparative study has been carried out. The aim of this study is to identify those with the best performance, efficiency, and adaptability to operational and environmental requirements. The results reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the equipment in terms of occupational safety and operability. These have been discussed and evaluated, recognising improvements of this technology, which is capable of removing surface layers of different natures without altering the underlying substrate.

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