Snow cleaning, or carbon dioxide cleaning (CO2 cleaning), is used to clean small particles from the surface of products. The process is non-destructive, non-abrasive and residue-free. This means it can be used on delicate surfaces. The size of the particles that can be removed is between 0.5µm and 5µm.
In the process, liquid or gaseous carbon dioxide is blown out of a nozzle, where it condenses into a mixture of solid particles and gas. The cleaning action takes place through a combination of impulse transfer and solvent action. Impulse transfer is a mechanical mechanism for loosening contaminating particles. CO2 can also dissolve minimal hydrocarbon contaminants.
HQ Precision Cleaning has two automated Snow Cleaning setups to meet all customer requirements.