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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: freds on November 10, 2021, 09:32:51 AM

Title: Dry Ice cleaning/blasting
Post by: freds on November 10, 2021, 09:32:51 AM
I watch a fair amount of YouTube videos on my smart TV and stumbled across videos on Dry Ice Cleaning/Blasting.

Anyway here's the three minute video link:

youtube.com/watch?v=UdpD-y8vsDs (http://youtube.com/watch?v=UdpD-y8vsDs)

A more finicky video that is 24 minutes long and involves a guy that does luxury vehicle detailing.

youtube.com/watch?v=oxeFi-0BuyI&t=952s (http://youtube.com/watch?v=oxeFi-0BuyI&t=952s)

Has anyone done this on their bus?

I have a brushed stainless steel finish on my 1980 Prevost and thinking it could brighten up the finish along with the shootie/greasy engine compartment and rear of the bus.
Title: Re: Dry Ice cleaning/blasting
Post by: windtrader on November 10, 2021, 06:31:46 PM
First I've seen but looks effective as an alternative to typical water pressure cleaning systems. Seems like a good way to remove surface material but just like pressure washing it doesn't polish metal. If the surface underneath is acceptable then this might work out but if you want more shine and polish you need to do that work once the surface is clean.
Title: Re: Dry Ice cleaning/blasting
Post by: Jim Blackwood on November 10, 2021, 06:53:32 PM
I looked into it once. It has the great advantage of reducing cleanup to a minimum since the blasting media just vanishes into thin air, leaving behind only the dirt that was removed. Also due to the cold it will freeze any oils making them easier to blast away from the surface. I think it has a lot to recommend it, provided you can find someone convenient to you who offers the service.

Jim
Title: Re: Dry Ice cleaning/blasting
Post by: chessie4905 on November 11, 2021, 08:54:18 AM
let's see.. doesn't that add to the CO2 in our atmosphere? They say not. Also, soda blasting can be considered.
There are several places that list equipment for doing dry ice blasting and should be easy to obtain if living near a larger city. Wonder if Dippin Dots would work?
Title: Re: Dry Ice cleaning/blasting
Post by: Jim Blackwood on November 11, 2021, 09:57:18 AM
Some equipment uses a condenser to pull the CO2 out of the atmosphere on site. No environmental impact except the power to run it and the waste disposal from the removed debris.

Soda blasting is good for protecting the workpiece but it does leave a residue to clean up, not that much different from walnut hulls that way. And it is an alkali so not exactly environmentally neutral.

Jim
Title: Re: Dry Ice cleaning/blasting
Post by: windtrader on November 11, 2021, 12:30:33 PM
Got a quote from a place nearby. not sure how this compares to hot water pressure washing. but seems reasonable


Dry ice cleaning undercarriage start at $1300 and can go up from there depending on condition. The undercarriage cleaning consists of cleaning the underbelly, wheel wells and the suspension and brake assembly.  Engine bays usually cost $350 but we can add it on for $200 if added with the undercarriage cleaning.
Title: Re: Dry Ice cleaning/blasting
Post by: chessie4905 on November 11, 2021, 03:03:30 PM
probably better for East coast with acid rain.
Title: Re: Dry Ice cleaning/blasting
Post by: Jim Blackwood on November 12, 2021, 07:29:20 AM
Sweetens the soil...

Jim
Title: Re: Dry Ice cleaning/blasting
Post by: Fred Mc on November 12, 2021, 10:22:12 AM
We drive buses that are50-60 years old that are probably one of the more polluting vehicles and we are concerned about the co2 in the air from this? ;D
Title: Re: Dry Ice cleaning/blasting
Post by: freds on November 12, 2021, 10:59:43 AM
Quote from: Fred Mc on November 12, 2021, 10:22:12 AM
We drive buses that are50-60 years old that are probably one of the more polluting vehicles and we are concerned about the co2 in the air from this? ;D

Amen brother Fred!!! Just think of the solvent saving....
Title: Re: Dry Ice cleaning/blasting
Post by: windtrader on November 12, 2021, 12:37:51 PM
what solvent? Hot water pressure washing doesn't use solvents from my experience. I guess you can dowse the engine first then spray it off.
Title: Re: Dry Ice cleaning/blasting
Post by: lvmci on November 12, 2021, 04:51:42 PM
if you amortized the exhaust of a DD over 365 days in a year, there isn't much exhaust pollution,  compared to 18 wheelers driving across the nation every week...