Dry Ice Blasting Case Studies
Fonterra Dairy Processing Plant
Heavy protein and calcium buildup on processing equipment required cleaning without water or chemicals.
Our team performed dry ice blasting during scheduled maintenance shutdown, cleaning all processing lines in 48 hours.
- Zero production downtime beyond scheduled maintenance
- No chemical residue - passed all food safety audits
- Equipment lifespan extended by estimated 3 years
- Cost savings of $45,000
Contact Energy Power Station
Carbon buildup on turbine blades required cleaning without shutdown of critical power generation equipment.
Dry ice blasting performed during low-demand periods, cleaning turbines while maintaining power output.
- 5% efficiency improvement post-cleaning
- No unplanned outages
- Completed 2 weeks ahead of schedule
Christchurch Heritage Building Restoration
Post-earthquake fire damage left soot on 1920s heritage building facade requiring delicate restoration.
Low-pressure dry ice blasting carefully removed all fire damage without harming original brickwork.
- 100% restoration of original appearance
- Heritage New Zealand approval obtained
- Building reopened 3 months ahead of schedule
Practical Cleaning Results for Industrial and Commercial Jobs
Dry ice blasting is used when standard cleaning methods are not suitable because of moisture, chemical residue, abrasive damage, or excessive downtime.
Our work supports manufacturing plants, food processing facilities, restoration companies, commercial property managers, contractors, industrial facilities, and specialist restoration projects. Each job is assessed based on surface type, contamination level, access, safety requirements, and the outcome required.
The case studies below show common dry ice blasting applications and the types of results clients can expect from a dry, non-abrasive cleaning method.
Caser Study
Case Study 1
Fire Damage Soot Cleaning for a Commercial Property
The Challenge
A commercial property had soot, smoke residue, and surface contamination after a fire. The affected areas included structural surfaces, hard surfaces, and difficult-to-clean sections where water-based cleaning was not ideal.
The client needed a cleaning method that could remove residue without adding moisture, spreading contamination, or damaging the underlying surfaces.
The Solution
Dry ice blasting was used to remove soot and smoke residue from suitable surfaces. The dry process helped reduce secondary waste and avoided the use of harsh chemicals or water.
The work was carried out with careful control around affected surfaces, access points, and restoration requirements.
The Result
- Soot and smoke residue removed from suitable surfaces
- No water added to the affected area
- Reduced clean-up compared with abrasive blasting methods
- Suitable surfaces prepared for further restoration work
- Practical support for the restoration team and property manager
Case Study 2
Industrial Machinery Cleaning for Grease, Oil & Carbon Build-Up
The Challenge
A manufacturing site needed machinery cleaned due to grease, oil, carbon build-up, and production residue. Traditional cleaning would have required more manual labour, chemicals, or extended downtime.
The client needed a cleaning method that could work around machinery surfaces while reducing disruption to operations.
The Solution
Dry ice blasting was used to clean selected machinery and hard-to-reach surfaces. The process removed contamination without using water or abrasive media.
Where suitable, equipment was cleaned in place to help reduce unnecessary dismantling and downtime.
The Result
- Grease, oil, and carbon build-up removed
- Machinery surfaces cleaned without abrasive blasting media
- Reduced secondary waste after cleaning
- Less disruption compared with heavy manual cleaning methods
- Cleaner equipment for maintenance and ongoing operation
Case Study 3
Food Processing Equipment Cleaning
The Challenge
A food processing facility required cleaning for selected equipment and surfaces affected by build-up and production residue. The client needed a dry cleaning method that avoided excess moisture and chemical residue.
The main concern was cleaning effectively while limiting downtime and avoiding unnecessary mess around production equipment.
The Solution
Dry ice blasting was used on suitable equipment and surfaces after reviewing the site requirements, access, equipment type, and contamination level.
Because dry ice sublimates on impact, it did not leave blasting media behind, making it useful for selected food production environments where dry cleaning is preferred.
The Result
- Production build-up removed from selected surfaces
- No water used during the blasting process
- No chemical cleaning residue from the dry ice blasting method
- Reduced secondary waste
- Suitable cleaning support during maintenance or planned shutdown periods
Important note:
Food processing jobs should always be assessed based on hygiene requirements, equipment type, site rules, and contamination level.
Case Study 4
Electrical & Sensitive Equipment Cleaning
The Challenge
A client required cleaning around selected sensitive equipment where water-based or abrasive cleaning methods were not suitable. The equipment had dust, residue, or surface contamination that needed to be removed carefully.
The job required a dry, controlled cleaning method with careful assessment before work began.
The Solution
Dry ice blasting was reviewed as a suitable option for selected surfaces and equipment areas. The dry and non-abrasive process helped avoid moisture-related cleaning concerns.
Before cleaning, the work area, access, contamination level, and equipment sensitivity were assessed to confirm the right approach.
The Result
- Selected sensitive surfaces cleaned using a dry process
- No water used
- No abrasive blasting media left behind
- Reduced clean-up after the job
- Controlled cleaning method for specialist equipment environments
Important note:
Electrical and sensitive equipment cleaning may require site inspection before final pricing or approval.
Case Study 5
Vehicle Underbody & Restoration Cleaning
The Challenge
A restoration project required underbody cleaning to remove grease, dirt, and old build-up from selected vehicle surfaces. The client wanted a method that could clean carefully without aggressive abrasive blasting.
The condition of the surface, access, and required finish needed to be assessed before quoting.
The Solution
Dry ice blasting was used to clean suitable underbodies and restoration areas. The process helped remove build-up while reducing the mess usually associated with traditional blasting media.
The job was reviewed based on access, contamination type, surface condition, and the restoration goal.
The Result
- Dirt, grease, and old build-up removed from selected areas
- Non-abrasive cleaning approach
- No water used during blasting
- Reduced secondary waste
- Cleaner surface for further restoration work
Why Our Case Studies Matter
Dry Ice Blasting Solves Specific Cleaning Problems
Key Benefits Across These Jobs
- No water
- No chemicals
- Non-abrasive cleaning
- Minimal downtime
- No blasting media residue
- Suitable for many sensitive surfaces
- Effective on soot, grease, oil, residue, and carbon build-up
- Suitable for many industrial, commercial, and sensitive cleaning applications
Who These Case Studies Apply To
- Manufacturing plants
- Food processing facilities
- Restoration companies
- Commercial property managers
- Contractors
- Industrial facilities
- Vehicle restoration clients