WHAT IS IT?
Frequently Asked Questions
Dry Ice Blasting is a cutting edge cleaning method that manages to be incredibly powerful, while remaining gentle on the underlying material. Think of it as a high tech version of sand blasting, but instead of using abrasive grit that can wear down and damage surfaces, it uses a solid CO2 pellet. Because the pellet disappears on impact, it is widely considered the gold standard of preservation cleaning.
No messy grit, no water damage, and no secondary waste to clean up.
HOW IT WORKS?
Dry Ice Blasting works through a 3 stage physical reaction known as 'Thermal Kinetic Sublimation'. When Solid CO2 pellets are accelerated by compressed air and strike a surface, the extreme cold -78.5 degrees Celsius creates a thermal shock that causes the contaminated surface to turn brittle and crack, weakening its bond to the substrate. Upon impact the pellets instantly sublimate (turning from a solid to a gas) and expand to nearly 800x their original volume. This rapid expansion creates micro explosions under the residue effectively lifting away without the need for abrasive friction or water. Because the dry ice simply evaporates into the air, this process is uniquely non abrasive leaving the original surface completely intact and free of secondary waste.
General & Technology
Q: What is dry ice blasting and how does it work?
A: Dry ice blasting is an eco-friendly, non-conductive, non-abrasive cleaning method that uses solid carbon dioxide CO2 pellets fired at supersonic speeds. Upon impact, the -78.5C pellets thermally shock and fracture surface contaminants (grease, road grime, soot, paint, or carbonized buildup). The ice sublimates instantly into a gas, expanding by 800 times and lifting the dirt away without harming the underlying substrate.
Q: Does dry ice blasting leave any secondary mess or water behind?
A: No. Because dry ice turns straight into gas on impact, there is zero water, zero chemicals, and zero blast media (like sand or glass) left behind. The only thing left to sweep or vacuum up is the dry, dislodged contaminant.
Q: Is dry ice blasting abrasive? Will it scratch or damage my property?
A: Dry ice is completely non-abrasive. Unlike sandblasting or metal wire brushes, it safely cleans delicate surfaces—including OEM paint, aluminum engine blocks, zinc plating, electrical looms, rubber bushings, historic stone, and wood grain—without pitting, dulling, or altering surface dimensions.
Service & Mobile Deployment
Q: How does your mobile service work? Do I need to supply power or water?
A: Vortex Ice Labs is 100% mobile and fully autonomous. Our mobile rig brings a high-output diesel air compressor and independent power generation. We do not require any power or water hookups from your site.
Q: Where are you based, and how far do you travel?
A: Our operating base is in Hinckley, Leicestershire. We serve residential, commercial, and industrial clients throughout the Midlands and offer mobile deployments across most of the UK - contact us, for more information
Q: How do you elevate vehicles for underbody and chassis blasting on-site?
A: While access to a fixed two-post or four-post vehicle lift on-site is always welcomed, it is not required. Our mobile unit carries its own heavy-duty portable tilting lift system to safely elevate your vehicle on your driveway or hardstanding.
Sectors & Applications
Q: Will cryogenic blasting expose rust holes or pre-existing damage on my car chassis?
A: Yes. Cryogenic cleaning deliberately strips away failing rust scale, cracked bitumen, dirt, and heavy underseal to reveal bare, sound substrate. If metal has already rusted through, blasting will expose those pre-existing holes. We document all findings immediately in your private Lab Log Client Portal before taking next steps.
Q: Do you offer chemical protective coatings like Bilt Hamber or Lanoguard after blasting?
A: No. Vortex Ice Labs operates strictly as a mobile dry ice blasting and cryogenic decontamination specialist. We focus 100% of our expertise on forensic surface cleaning, preparation, and decontamination, leaving your surface clean and prepped for inspection or your choice of secondary treatment.
Q: How does dry ice blasting work for industrial, food/pharma, or commercial sites?
A: We clean machinery in-situ (in place) without lengthy tear downs. In food production, our -78.5C pellets kill bacteria, mould, and spores on contact to FDA/HACCP standards. In industrial plants, we can clean hot injection molds or active printing press lines directly without waiting hours for machinery to cool down.
Bookings, Pricing & Handover
Q: How do I get an accurate estimate or book a job?
A: You can use our online Estimate Tool to select your service area, enter your site postcode, we will get back to you within 24 hours. You can submit the brief directly to request a formal quote or book a Site Survey / Proof of Concept. Or contact us directly.
Q: What is your deposit and cancellation policy?
A: A deposit is required to secure your scheduled mobile service window. Because dry ice pellets are perishable cryogenic media ordered specifically for your booking, cancellations made more than 48 hours before the job receive a 100% full deposit refund. Cancellations within 48 hours forfeit the deposit to cover non-refundable media and lost route capacity.
Q: How do I track the progress of my project?
A: Every job includes access to "The Lab Log" Client Portal. Our technicians capture high-resolution macro photography before, during, and after the process so you can inspect progress, verify work, and retain visual provenance for your asset.