Dry Ice Blasting- A New Revolution in Industrial Cleaning

Eco-friendly cleaning methods are fast becoming the norm today, replacing traditional methods. Dry ice blasting is one such environment-friendly cleaning method which has become popular in a cross-section of industries such as automotive, power, aviation, plastics, etc. due to its multiple benefits. This article discusses the basics of dry ice blasting and how it is applied as a safer alternative.

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In today’s world, when the concerns regarding the environment are growing, the demand for environment friendly cleaning methods is increasing. The traditional methods of cleaning such as pressure washing have come under scrutiny. Companies are turning to other more eco-friendly alternatives.

One such alternative is dry ice blasting. It is considered superior to other traditional methods such as scrapers, sanders and wire brushes. This process is known to save time and cleans as thoroughly and neatly or more so in a comparatively less time.

It is also faster and time-saving. It is used in any type of industry which has equipments that need to be cleaned regularly like automotive, power plants, aviation, packaging, plastics and many more. For instance, companies such as React365 Inc. offer on-site dry ice blasting services. This non-invasive form of cleaning technology is safe and effective on everything from the bottoms of boats to electrical switches and turbine fins.

What is Dry Ice

Dry ice is a solid form of carbon dioxide (Co2). Dry ice is as hard as a plaster and under atmospheric pressure it sublimes at a temperature of -78oC.

Dry Ice Blasting

Dry ice blasting or CO2 blasting is a process in which dry ice pellets (about the size of grains of rice) are shot out of a nozzle at a supersonic speed to rid the equipment of residues including oil, paint, ink, glue, dirt, grease, food, mold release agents, rubber and several other contaminants. The pellets are accelerated using compressed air. Upon impact the dry ice transforms from a solid state to a gaseous state without passing through the liquid stage.

There are three phases in a dry ice blasting process.

Energy Transfer:

Kinetic is transferred when the blasting gun fires dry ice pellets onto the surface. The dry ice pellet sublimates upon impact and is softer compared to other cleaning media such as sand, grit, or beads. It’s a non-abrasive form of cleaning and does not cause any damage to the equipment.

Micro Thermal Shock Effect:

It occurs when the freezing dry ice pellets strike a much warmer contaminated surface leading to a thermal shock between the surface contaminant and the substrate. At that point, cracking and delamination of the contaminant occurs.

Thermal Kinetic Effect:

In the third and final phase, the dry ice pellets explode when coming in contact with the surface. As the pellets warm, they convert to CO2 gas which expands rapidly underneath the contaminated surface. Then the contaminant either falls to the ground or becomes airborne. The dry ice evaporates and only the contaminant is left behind.

A Comparatively Safer Process

Dry ice blasting is quite effective and a safe process for the following plus points:

• No water or harsh chemicals are used in the process, so there is no additional waste being generated.

• There is no risk of slippage as with the pressure washing process.

Precautions Needed

However, certain safety precautions should be taken while conducting the process:

• Proper ventilation is a must. CO2 can be dangerous when concentrated in confined spaces. CO2 is 50 percent heavier than air and can displace oxygen and strangulate a person if there is no proper ventilation.

• It is imperative to wear ear plugs, as the process generates deafening noise.

• The temperature of dry ice can be as low as -110 degrees F and can instantly freeze the skin. Wear gloves when handling dry ice.

• Always use protective clothing, face shield when handling CO2 pellets or dry ice blasting unit.

Watch this space for the next article which will focus on the benefits of dry ice blasting.

Customer Service – the Real Estate Revolution

Traditionally, real estate has been viewed as a sales industry. But perceptions are changing. Agents around the country are coming to believe that the key to real estate success is service – not sales.

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real estate service, real estate tips

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Traditionally, real estate has been viewed as a sales industry. But perceptions are changing. Agents around the country are coming to believe that the key to real estate success is service – not sales.

Competition and technology now give customers almost unlimited choices, so agents are having to work harder and spend more to win listings. They’re discovering that business success comes from repeat business and word-of-mouth.

And customer service is the key.

Loyalty and good-will can’t be bought – not even with the sale of a house. Customers like to be treated with honesty, respect, and integrity. They want a realistic and accurate property appraisal. They want an agent who commits to action. They want to be able to speak to someone who can help them when they call. They want to feel welcome when they walk into the office. They don’t want their intelligence insulted by advertising. They don’t want to be fed a line (even if it is what they’d like to hear…).

Agents with business sense know that if they can provide this customer service – if they can pioneer great customer service in real estate – they’ll have a real edge on their competitors. Far from being an impediment to success, they see today’s marketplace as an opportunity to flourish.

Obviously, the sale is still critical, but it’s part of a greater whole – almost like a critical KPI (Key Performance Indicator). It’s based on the simple premise – serve and you will sell. The premise holds true because all the pre-requisites of a sale are intrinsic to good customer service: The price is realistic, the marketing is intelligent, the advertising appropriate, and commitments are made and kept. Vendors, buyers, landlords, and tenants alike receive the same high level of customer service.

5 Quick Tips for Finding a Service Oriented Agent

1) Ask to see references – It’s not that much different from a job interview. Think of the agent as the job seeker, and encourage them to prove their customer service qualifications. The right agent will be only too happy to provide as many references as you’d care to see.

2) Analyse their business growth – Assuming their references are in order, ask after their business growth. References provide you with qualitative evidence of customer focus. You should supplement this with something quantitative. If the agent is still growing rapidly in today’s environment, then they must be doing something right.

3) Analyse their market share – Like growth, market share can be an indicator of customer focus. Ask what their share of the target market is.

4) Observe their behaviour – Do they return phone calls? Do they commit to action? Do they meet their commitments? Are the punctual? Do they keep you informed? Do they remember important details you provide them?

5) Gauge access to staff – When you first called, did you get to speak to someone who could help you? If not – if they took your name and number and told you they’d get someone to call you back, this might be indicative of their customer service approach.