Control cabinet cleaning with dry ice – faster and more efficient

Why dry ice for control cabinet cleaning?

Cleaning control cabinets and other sensitive electronic components poses particular challenges. Dust, dirt and aerosols can affect the functionality and service life of these components. Traditional cleaning methods that use water or chemicals are unsuitable due to moisture and potential damage. Dry ice cleaning offers an innovative solution that is both effective and gentle.

Challenges when cleaning electronic components

Electronic components such as control cabinets, controls, printed circuit boards and circuit boards are inevitably exposed to dust and dirt in production environments. These deposits can impair the function of the electronics, cause short circuits and shorten the lifespan of the devices. Regular cleaning is therefore essential to ensure proper function and safety. However, traditional methods such as cleaning with water or chemical cleaners are often unsuitable as they can leave behind moisture that causes further damage.

How dry ice blasting works

Dry ice cleaning is a modern process based on the use of dry ice pellets. The pellets are blasted at high speed onto the surface to be cleaned, where the dry ice sublimates and removes dirt particles.

Dry cleaning method

During dry ice blasting, dry ice pellets are accelerated with compressed air and blasted onto the contaminated surface. The pellets hit the surface at high speed and immediately sublimate, meaning they transform directly from solid CO₂ into gaseous CO₂. The process leaves no residue behind other than the dirt that has been removed. The cold of the dry ice pellets (−79 °C) causes the dirt to freeze and crack. This makes it easier to remove.

Effective fire protection

Another advantage of dry ice blasting is effective fire protection. Because dry ice does not produce sparks or heat, the risk of fire or explosion is minimized. This is particularly important in environments where flammable materials or hazardous substances are present. In addition, thorough cleaning of the dry ice blasting prevents the formation of embers that could pose a fire hazard.

Chemical-free cleaning

Dry ice blasting is a completely chemical-free cleaning process. No detergents or solvents are required, making the method environmentally friendly and safe for use in various industries. This is particularly beneficial for the food, pharmaceutical and electronics industries, where the use of chemicals is subject to strict regulations. Dry ice blasting devices are therefore ideal for cleaning control cabinets

Legal basis

The cleaning and maintenance of control cabinets and other electrical systems is subject to strict legal regulations. These regulations serve to ensure the safety and proper operation of the systems.

Betriebssicherheitsverordnung (BetrSichV)

According to the Industrial Safety Ordinance (BetrSichV), companies are obliged to regularly maintain and check their electrical systems. This also includes cleaning the systems to ensure their proper functioning and safety. The BetrSichV stipulates that electrical systems must be checked for proper condition at certain intervals.

BGV A3 §5: Entrepreneur’s inspection obligations

According to BGV A3 §5, the entrepreneur is responsible for ensuring that electrical systems and equipment are regularly checked for proper condition.

In practice, this means that thorough cleaning is often required to maintain the safe and proper condition of the facilities. Dry ice blasting is an ideal solution here as it enables effective cleaning without the use of water or chemicals.

Application advantages

Dry ice blasting is a versatile and practical method for cleaning electronic components that has proven itself in numerous areas of application.

Non-electrically conductive – cleaning during operation

Thanks to the non-electrical conductivity of dry ice, control cabinets and other electrical systems can be cleaned while they are in operation. This has the advantage that the machines do not have to be switched off. This minimizes downtime and increases productivity.

Improving operational safety

Regular cleaning with dry ice blasting helps to improve operational safety. Removing dust, dirt and other debris prevents short circuits and other electrical problems. This extends the service life of the systems and reduces maintenance costs.

Residue-free cleaning

Dry ice blasting is a particularly effective method for cleaning electronic components because it leaves no residue. By cleaning with dry ice, no additional cleaning effort is required. In addition, no chemical residues are left in the environment.

Regulatory Compliance

Regular cleaning and maintenance of the control cabinets in accordance with legal regulations ensures that the systems can be operated safely and properly. Dry ice blasting meets the requirements of the Industrial Safety Ordinance and other legal regulations by offering an effective and environmentally friendly cleaning method.

Safety instructions for dry ice cleaning

Dry ice cleaning is a safe and effective procedure, but requires certain safety measures to avoid accidents and damage. However, as with all blasting and compressed air devices, there are some safety instructions that must be followed when using dry ice blasting devices.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Wearing the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential when working with dry ice blasting equipment. The following items of equipment should always be worn:

• Protective gloves: To protect against cold burns caused by contact with dry ice.
  
• Eye protection: Safety glasses or face shields to protect eyes from flying particles.
  
• Hearing protection: Ear muffs or plugs to protect hearing from the noise of the blasting machine.
  
• Protective clothing: Long-sleeved clothing and pants to protect skin from direct contact with dry ice.
  

Handling dry ice

Dry ice has extremely low temperatures (-79°C) and can cause cold burns if handled improperly. Therefore, please note the following information:

• Avoid direct skin contact: Never touch dry ice with bare hands. Always use suitable protective gloves.
  
• Ensure ventilation: Because dry ice is made of CO2, which is converted into gas upon sublimation, the work area must be well ventilated to avoid CO2 buildup.

Operation of the dry ice blasting device

Safety measures when operating the dry ice blasting device are crucial to avoid accidents and damage:

• Check the device before use: Check the dry ice blasting device for visible damage or wear before each use.
  
• Follow operating instructions: Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe operation of the device.
  
• Secure the work area: Make sure the work area is clear of bystanders and mark the area if necessary.

Conclusion

Dry ice blasting is an innovative and effective method for cleaning control cabinets and other electronic components. It offers numerous advantages, including dry and chemical-free cleaning, effective fire protection, speed and efficiency, and the ability to carry out cleaning in operational condition. It also meets legal requirements and contributes to improving operational safety.

Summary of benefits

The key benefits of dry ice blasting include:

• Dry cleaning process without leaving any residue
• Effective fire protection
• Chemical-free and environmentally friendly cleaning
• Speed ​​and efficiency
• Possibility of cleaning during operation
• Improving operational safety
• Regulatory Compliance

Contact information and advice

Dry ice blasting is ideal for efficient and safe cleaning of your sensitive electronic components Dry Ice Energy the optimal solution. Contact us for further information or individual advice.