Dry Ice Blasting

Dry Ice Blasting Services

Underbody/Underchassis Dry Ice Blasting

From £1500

Protect your vehicle from rust and corrosion with our thorough underbody cleaning service. Especially crucial for the UK winters, our dry ice blasting effectively removes road salt, dirt, and other contaminants that can compromise the condition of your car’s undercarriage.

Suspension Cleaning Dry Ice Blasting

From £750

Keeping your suspension clean is crucial for smooth handling. By using dry ice, we ensure no moisture is introduced, preventing rust and corrosion while preserving the longevity of your suspension system. Keep your vehicle running at its best with our expert suspension cleaning service.

Engine Bay Dry Ice Blasting

From £250

Keep your engine bay in pristine condition with our dry ice blasting service. Whether you own a vintage classic or a modern vehicle, our Karcher Advanced Dry Ice Blaster can remove years of grime and grease, making your engine look like new, restoring their original shine and performance.

The Sub Zero Clean (our complete package)

From £1800

Includes underbody, suspension and engine bay dry ice blasting.

Meet The Team at Sub Zero Clean

Paul Candler

Director of Sub Zero Clean

Callum Davies

Director of Sub Zero Clean and Pyramid Car Care

Ry Tombs

Director of Sub Zero Clean and Pyramid Car Care

Ross Boney

Director of Sub Zero Clean

FAQs about Dry Ice Blasting

We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Dry Ice Blasting below – if you have any other questions please call 01905 382699 or email info@subzeroclean.co.uk

What is dry ice blasting, and how does it work?

Dry ice blasting is a highly effective, environmentally friendly cleaning method that uses solid carbon dioxide (CO₂) pellets (commonly known as dry ice) as the cleaning medium. This innovative technology has gained popularity in the automotive industry due to its efficiency, versatility, and non-abrasive nature. For businesses like Pyramid Car Care and Sub Zero Clean, dry ice blasting represents a cutting-edge solution for addressing complex cleaning challenges without resorting to harsh chemicals or time-intensive manual labor. In this article, we’ll delve into what dry ice blasting is, how it works, and why it is a superior choice for various cleaning applications.

This innovative technique quickly and effectively removes dirt, grime, grease, and more by causing a thermal shock that separates contaminants without damaging the underlying surface.

What Is Dry Ice?

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide, a gas naturally found in Earth’s atmosphere. Unlike regular ice, which is frozen water, dry ice sublimates directly from a solid state to a gas at room temperature, leaving no liquid residue behind. This fact makes dry ice cleaning perfect for cleaning cars since there’s no risk of water damage to electrical equipment and onbaord computer systems.

Dry ice is non-toxic, non-flammable, and environmentally friendly, making it a safer alternative to traditional cleaning agents.

How Does Dry Ice Blasting Work?

The effectiveness of dry ice blasting is rooted in three key principles: thermal shock, kinetic energy, and sublimation.

1. Thermal Shock

When dry ice pellets make contact with a surface, the extreme cold (-78.5°C) rapidly cools the contaminant. This sudden drop in temperature causes the contaminant to contract and become brittle. For example, grease or paint might shrink and crack, losing its adhesion to the substrate. This phenomenon, known as thermal shock, is particularly useful for breaking apart stubborn residues.

2. Kinetic Energy

The dry ice pellets are propelled at high speed using compressed air, delivering substantial kinetic energy to the contaminant. This energy helps dislodge dirt, grime, and other materials from the surface. While the impact is forceful enough to remove contaminants, it is gentle on the underlying surface, ensuring no abrasion or damage occurs.

3. Sublimation

One of the most unique aspects of dry ice blasting is the sublimation of dry ice. Upon impact, the dry ice pellets instantly transition from a solid to a gaseous state. This phase change generates a small but effective expansion of CO₂ gas, further lifting and removing contaminants. Additionally, since dry ice sublimates, it leaves no secondary waste behind, unlike other methods such as sandblasting or pressure washing.

Advantages of Dry Ice Blasting

Dry ice blasting offers numerous benefits over traditional cleaning methods:

1. Environmentally Friendly
   Dry ice is made from reclaimed CO₂, meaning it does not contribute additional greenhouse gases. The process eliminates the need for harsh chemicals or detergents, reducing environmental impact.
2. Non-Abrasive
   Unlike sandblasting or wire brushing, dry ice blasting does not erode or damage the underlying surface, making it safe for sensitive materials.
3. No Secondary Waste
   Since dry ice sublimates upon contact, there is no secondary waste to clean up. This reduces cleanup time and disposal costs.
4. Minimal Downtime
   The process is fast and efficient, often allowing equipment to be cleaned in place without disassembly. This minimizes downtime and disruption.
5. Safe and Non-Toxic
   Dry ice blasting does not release harmful chemicals or fumes, making it safe for operators and the environment.

The Equipment Used in Dry Ice Blasting

Dry ice blasting systems typically consist of three main components:

1. Dry Ice Blasting Machine
   This machine stores and regulates the flow of dry ice pellets. It also controls the pressure and velocity at which the pellets are expelled. We’re proud to use Kärcher’s dry ice blasting technology
2. Compressed Air System
   A source of compressed air is essential for propelling the dry ice pellets. The pressure and flow rate of the air can be adjusted depending on the cleaning task.
3. Nozzles
   Nozzles are designed to direct the dry ice pellets onto the target surface. Different nozzle shapes and sizes are available to accommodate various cleaning requirements, from broad surface cleaning to precision detail work.

Is dry ice blasting safe for all surfaces?

Yes, our dry ice blasting service is safe for a wide range of surfaces, including metal, plastic, rubber, and more. At Pyramid Car Care, we carefully assess the material before blasting to ensure the best and safest results. Our non-abrasive method won’t scratch or wear down surfaces, making it an ideal choice for everything from delicate automotive components to robust industrial machinery.

What are the benefits of dry ice blasting compared to traditional cleaning methods?

Choosing Pyramid Car Care’s dry ice blasting service comes with numerous benefits:

• No secondary waste: Unlike other methods, our process leaves no water, sand, or chemical residue.
• Non-abrasive and non-damaging: Protects your surfaces from scratches and wear.
• Eco-friendly: Our method uses no harmful chemicals or solvents, making it safe for you and the environment.
• Versatile and effective: Whether it’s oil, grease, paint, or mold, we can handle it all efficiently!

How does dry ice blasting benefit automotive detailing and restoration?

At Pyramid Car Care, our dry ice blasting service is perfect for automotive detailing and restoration. This cutting-edge method gently removes dirt, grease, undercoating, rust, and even paint without harming the original surface. It’s especially effective for cleaning engine bays, suspension components, and undercarriages, where traditional methods might struggle. Dry ice blasting not only restores parts to their original look but also helps maintain the value and longevity of your vehicle, whether it’s a classic car or a modern marvel.

Is dry ice blasting effective for cleaning engines and removing carbon buildup?

Yes! Dry ice blasting is a highly effective way to clean engines and remove carbon buildup without disassembling parts. At Pyramid Car Care, we use dry ice blasting to get into hard-to-reach areas, thoroughly removing grease, grime, oil, and carbon deposits without damaging sensitive components like wiring or sensors. This non-abrasive, residue-free method keeps your engine clean and running efficiently, improving performance and extending its lifespan. It’s the ultimate solution for deep cleaning and maintaining your vehicle’s heart.

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