Non-Destructive Cleaning of Industrial Turbines via Dry Ice Blasting

Author: Prof. Elliot Sauer March 15, 2026

Dry ice blasting, a revolutionary cryogenic cleaning technique, utilizes solid CO2 pellets accelerated by compressed air to clean industrial machinery without water, chemicals, or secondary waste. This non-abrasive process is exceptionally effective for complex equipment like turbines, generators, and compressors in power generation and food processing plants. The kinetic energy of the pellets dislodges contaminants, while the extreme cold (-78.5°C) induces thermal shock, causing brittle materials like carbon deposits, grease, and polymers to shrink and crack away from the substrate.

For the food industry, dry ice blasting offers a dry, non-toxic, and residue-free cleaning solution, eliminating the risk of bacterial growth associated with water and meeting stringent hygiene standards. In power generation, it allows for in-situ cleaning of turbine blades and heat exchangers without disassembly, significantly reducing downtime. The process is non-conductive, enabling safe cleaning of live electrical components, and leaves no media behind, simplifying cleanup and ensuring zero contamination. By combining mechanical, thermal, and sublimation effects, dry ice blasting delivers superior cleaning results while preserving delicate surface coatings and extending equipment lifespan.

Industrial turbine maintenance

The environmental benefits are substantial. The CO2 used is a recycled by-product of other industrial processes, and the pellets sublimate directly into the atmosphere, leaving no additional waste. This aligns with modern sustainability goals and zero-waste maintenance protocols. ICE Engineering specializes in applying this advanced technology to ensure optimal operational efficiency and regulatory compliance for heavy industry clients.

Comments & Discussion

Maintenance Manager, Power Plant
We used this service on our gas turbines last quarter. Downtime was cut by 60% compared to traditional methods. The non-abrasive nature is a game-changer for blade integrity.
March 18, 2026
Food Safety Consultant
The application in food processing is brilliant. Eliminating water and chemicals removes a major vector for microbial contamination. This should be industry standard.
March 20, 2026
Industrial Engineer
Could you elaborate on the pressure and pellet size parameters for different types of surface coatings? Looking to integrate this into our preventive maintenance schedule.
March 22, 2026

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Dr. Liam Carter

Dr. Liam Carter

Lead Industrial Maintenance Engineer & Cryogenic Cleaning Specialist

With over 15 years of experience in heavy industry maintenance, Dr. Carter specializes in non-destructive cleaning methodologies. His expertise lies in applying cryogenic dry ice blasting to complex machinery in power generation, food processing, and manufacturing sectors. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and is a published author on sustainable, zero-waste industrial maintenance practices. Liam leads the technical team at ICE Engineering, ensuring all projects meet the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance.