The harsh conditions in the Oli Sands in Fort McMurray can have a detrimental impact on fin fans which are essential for the functioning of turbines, engines, and other systems. Fin fans work by forcing air over a set of coils, which cools the air before elimination.
They require regular cleaning to ensure optimal cooling and lower production costs. The cleaning method needs to be non-abrasive and not cause any corrosion or force dirt, dust, and unwanted particles further into the system.
Dry ice blasting, a non-abrasive and eco-friendly cleaning method, is ideal for fin fans. Compared to other industrial cleaning methods, dry ice blasting eliminates years of dust and debris without damaging the delicate fins. Along with no damage caused to the system, there is also no residue, moisture, or waste left over. This prevents mould, mildew, and corrosion and eliminates the cost to vacuum residual water from the ground. Dry ice blasting can also be used year-round because, unlike cleaning methods that use water and chemicals, it will not freeze during the colder months.
Dry Ice Blasting Improves Fin Fan Efficiency
With dry ice blasting, you can improve the efficiency of fin fan coolers by up to 35% by cleaning out the built-up dust and debris and allowing air to pass through the fins.
Dry ice blasting cleans out debris and dust with no secondary waste, compared to water and foam applications that must be cleaned from the area once the job is completed.
As soon as dry ice pellets come into contact with the surface of the fin fan, the impact causes them to sublimate back into gas. This gas expands, which causes the outer coating – i.e., the dirt, dust, or grime – to loosen and break free.
How Does Dry Ice Blasting Work?
This cleaning method uses dry ice pellets, a by-product of other industrial processes made from reclaimed Liquid Carbon Dioxide (C02). Once the pellets are blasted to the contaminated surface, the resulting micro-thermal shock severs the bond between the coating of grime and the substrate. As the dry ice pellets vaporize, the force of the rapidly expanding vapour helps lift dirt from the area, leaving a clean surface. All that remains is to dispose of the substance/debris that was removed – since the dry ice pellets vaporize, there is no residual waste from the cleaning process itself.
Dry ice blasting is safe for equipment, people, and the environment. This makes it the ideal solution to be used in busy areas and workspaces.
Serving Fort McMurray
As a local company serving the greater Fort McMurray area, Western Dry Ice Blasting is a strong advocate of environmentally safe cleaning methods.
Contact us today for more information on how dry ice blasting can increase the efficiency of your fin fans.
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