Getting the foam insulation off a stage 2 capsule designed to reach space requires precision, confidence and experience.
Surface Damage
Faster Than Manual
Secondary Waste
Compliant
Stoke Space faced a challenge when attempting to remove foam insulation from their Stage 2 capsule. The material was tightly adhered to sensitive aerospace components that could not risk damage. Traditional removal methods such as scraping, chemical solvents, or abrasive blasting posed risks, including surface degradation, contamination, and costly downtime. The precision required for aerospace grade materials meant even minor damage could impact performance and safety. Additionally avoiding secondary cleanup was critical in maintaining confidence, making the insulation removal process both technically demanding and high-stakes.
By using CryoMode’s dry ice blasting, the foam insulation was removed efficiently without damaging the delicate surfaces of the Stage 2 capsule. The process eliminated the need for harsh chemicals or manual scraping, reducing risk and preserving the integrity of critical components. As a result, Stoke Space achieved a faster turnaround with minimal cleanup, keeping their timeline on track and high confidence in their reusable capsule. This was the first time using dry ice blasting for removal but the results were more than satisfactory. With a method that poses nearly zero risk to the surface material and gets the job done the first time, Stoke Space felt like they had found the missing link.
CryoMode technicians collaborated with Stoke’s engineers to record baseline Megger (insulation resistance) readings. Prior to deployment, non-target ventilation areas and sensitive sensors were carefully masked to prevent contamination or damage.
Using finely tuned, low-pressure CO₂ pellet blasting, technicians targeted the insulation on the stage II capsule. The thermal shock broke the bond without introducing a single drop of moisture or abrasive friction to the surface.
Because the dry ice sublimates into gas, the only remaining material was the dislodged dirt and dry carbon dust, which was easily vacuumed or wiped clean — leaving zero secondary chemical sludge and returning the surface to like new conditions.
With the capsule completely dry and residue-free, Stoke’s team performed immediate post-clean inspection. The process proved to be almost flawless and impressed the team at Stoke.
- Stoke Space Lead Engineer
We clean aircraft, rockets, and engines without chemicals or abrasion.
Decades of grease, oil, and debris buildup beneath Tillamook’s conveyor system were eliminated without water runoff or disruption to operations. Dry ice blasting restored hard-to-reach areas that manual scraping could never fully clean.
Production Lost
Audit Ready
Residue Removal in Tested Zones
Chemicals Introduced
Tillamook’s distribution facility relied on a 25-year-old conveyor system moving massive volumes of cheese through cold storage and shipping. Over time, heavy grease, oil, and debris accumulated beneath the rollers—forming thick buildup that fell several feet to the floor and created unsanitary conditions.
Manual scraping was the only method attempted, but it was inefficient, incomplete, and impractical at scale. With health inspections and compliance risks increasing, Tillamook needed a solution that could fully remove contamination without introducing water, chemicals, or operational disruption.
Dry ice blasting removed years of grease buildup from conveyor systems and surrounding surfaces without damaging equipment or introducing contaminants. The process proved highly effective during the live demonstration, exceeding expectations and restoring previously unreachable areas to a clean, compliant state.
With measurable production rates established during the demo, Tillamook gained a clear path forward for full-scale cleaning—backed by real data, minimal downtime, and a solution that aligns with strict food safety standards.
All conveyor zones were evaluated during an on-site visit to understand buildup severity, access constraints, and cleaning priorities. High-impact areas beneath rollers and along grease accumulation paths were identified and measured to define scope and execution strategy.
Dry ice blasting was performed directly within the facility without dismantling the conveyor system. Grease, oil, and embedded debris were removed from tight, hard-to-reach areas using a dry, non-abrasive process that avoided water runoff and maintained operational integrity.
Live demonstration results provided measurable cleaning rates, confirming effective removal across tested sections. Visual validation and performance data ensured the process could scale across the full facility with predictable outcomes.
Work was scheduled during non-operational windows, allowing cleaning to be completed without impacting production. Even with complex setup requirements, the process delivered significant cleaning progress within a single day of active blasting.
- QA Manager, Tillamook Processing Facility
A large-scale dry ice blasting project designed to clean critical agricultural processing equipment—without introducing moisture, chemicals, or operational risk.
Projected Duration
Faster Than Manual
Chemicals Introduced
Dry Process
Syngenta operates highly controlled agricultural processing environments where contamination, residue buildup, and material carryover can directly impact product quality and compliance. Cleaning these systems presents a unique challenge, as traditional methods often introduce moisture, chemicals, or secondary waste into sensitive production areas.
Given the scale and complexity of the facility, Syngenta required a solution that could safely clean critical equipment over multiple days—while maintaining strict environmental controls and minimizing disruption. The project also required coordination of travel, on-site execution, and detailed planning to ensure efficiency across an extended timeline.
CryoMode is preparing a multi-day dry ice blasting deployment, with technicians working on-site for approximately 4–5 days. The process will focus on removing residue and buildup from key processing equipment using a completely dry, non-toxic method that eliminates the risks associated with water or chemical cleaning.
The project will also include comprehensive documentation and media capture, ensuring that results are fully recorded for future optimization, validation, and potential replication across other facilities.
Scope, logistics, and equipment requirements are being defined in advance, including travel coordination, on-site workflow, and staging for a multi-day execution.
Technicians will operate on location over several days, targeting high-impact equipment and contamination zones using dry ice blasting.
Residue and buildup will be removed without moisture or chemicals, preserving equipment integrity and preventing cross-contamination.
Full media capture and performance tracking will support future case studies and provide a framework for scaling the solution across additional Syngenta sites.
- Facility Director, Syngenta
We clean facilities where water or chemicals aren’t an option without downtime.
Decades of baked-on grease and oil were removed from elevated exhaust systems without chemicals or moisture. Restoring visibility, safety, and cleanable surfaces in one pass.
Production lost
Safety & Compliance Approved
Test Area Restored
Chemicals Introduced
McCain Foods’ potato processing facility relied on large-scale industrial fryers that generated significant grease buildup within overhead exhaust systems. Over time, cracks in the stainless steel vents caused grease to leak, drip, and accumulate across equipment, pipes, and floors—creating widespread contamination and safety hazards.
In high-heat areas, the grease had hardened into thick, plastic-like layers that were extremely difficult to remove. Manual scraping was the only method used, but it was labor-intensive, incomplete, and unable to reach tight or elevated spaces. McCain needed a solution that could fully remove buildup, restore visibility into leak points, and operate safely within a complex, elevated environment.
Dry ice blasting removed heavy grease accumulation from exhaust systems, pipes, and surrounding surfaces—returning stainless steel components to a near-new condition. Even hardened, heat-cured deposits were effectively eliminated without damaging underlying materials or spreading contamination.
The demonstration proved the method’s effectiveness in one of the most challenging environments, providing McCain with a scalable, data-backed solution for a large-scale cleanup. The results exceeded expectations and validated dry ice blasting as the most viable path forward.
An on-site visit identified critical problem areas within the facility’s overhead exhaust system. Elevated access points, grease leak zones, and high-contamination areas were mapped to understand scope, safety constraints, and logistical challenges.
Dry ice blasting was performed within an elevated “attic-like” workspace 60 feet above the production floor. Despite complex logistics—including long air hose runs and manual ice transport—the team successfully removed grease buildup without dismantling equipment or introducing moisture.
Test sections showed complete removal of both fresh and hardened grease, including areas previously unreachable by manual methods. Cleaned surfaces revealed true equipment condition, allowing teams to identify leak sources and validate cleaning effectiveness.
Work was completed during scheduled downtime, with all setup challenges—equipment lifting, access, and material handling—resolved on-site. The successful demo established a clear execution model for scaling the project across the full facility.
- Maintenance Supervisor, McCain Foods Plant
Milk-fat and protein residue were completely removed from critical processing zones—achieving audit-ready cleanliness where traditional methods repeatedly failed.
Production Lost
Audit Passed
Zone Compliance
Chemicals Introduced
Darigold’s processing lines handle massive volumes of dairy product, where even minor residue buildup can quickly escalate into compliance risks. Despite established CIP (clean-in-place) protocols, milk-fat and protein deposits accumulated in mechanical seams, filler heads, and pasteurizer housings—areas that liquid cleaning systems couldn’t effectively reach.
These hard-to-access zones were repeatedly flagged during FDA inspections, forcing the facility into costly chemical escalations and extended shutdowns. Darigold needed a solution that could penetrate tight spaces, eliminate buildup at the source, and meet strict food safety standards—without introducing additional moisture or contamination.
Dry ice blasting eliminated all visible milk-fat and protein buildup from previously flagged areas, restoring surfaces to a fully compliant state. Post-clean ATP testing confirmed 100% pass rates across treated zones, validating the effectiveness of the process.
With photographic documentation and test data submitted directly into their audit records, Darigold passed subsequent FDA inspections with zero observations. The success of the project led to CryoMode being integrated into the facility’s ongoing deep-clean rotation.
All processing zones were mapped against prior FDA audit flags to identify high-risk contamination areas. Priority surfaces—including filler heads, pasteurizer seams, and conveyor joints—were sequenced for maximum compliance impact.
Dry ice blasting was applied directly to all flagged food-contact and near-contact surfaces without disassembly. The dry, non-toxic process removed embedded residue while eliminating the need for chemical cleaners in sensitive production zones.
ATP swab testing confirmed bacterial and residue levels were reduced to or below specification across every treated zone. Results were documented and prepared for direct audit submission.
The entire cleaning process was completed within a single overnight shift, allowing production to resume without interruption. Zero production hours were lost while achieving full compliance restoration.
- QA Manager, Darigold Processing Facility
Flour dust and baked-on residue were removed from production equipment without water or chemicals—eliminating contamination risks in a sensitive dry-food environment.
Production Lost
Audit Ready
Dust & Residue Removal
Moisture Introduced
Krusteaz operates in a dry food production environment where airborne flour dust and ingredient buildup pose serious contamination and explosion risks. Over time, fine particulate settled into equipment seams, conveyors, mixers, and structural surfaces—creating layers of buildup that were difficult to fully remove.
Traditional cleaning methods like compressed air or manual wiping only redistributed dust or failed to reach embedded areas. Introducing water or liquid cleaners wasn’t an option due to moisture sensitivity and strict food safety requirements. Krusteaz needed a precise, dry cleaning solution that could remove buildup at the source without spreading contaminants or interrupting operations.
Dry ice blasting effectively removed flour dust, ingredient residue, and buildup from critical production equipment and surrounding areas—without dispersing particles into the air. The process restored surfaces to a clean, controlled state while maintaining a completely dry environment.
The results provided immediate improvement in cleanliness, reduced contamination risk, and supported ongoing compliance with food safety standards. Krusteaz gained a repeatable, non-invasive cleaning method that fits seamlessly into their dry production workflow.
Production areas were evaluated to identify high dust accumulation zones, including mixers, conveyors, and overhead structures. Sensitive areas prone to airborne contamination were prioritized for controlled cleaning.
Dry ice blasting was performed directly on equipment and surfaces without introducing moisture. The process removed embedded dust and residue while minimizing airborne redistribution.
Visual inspection confirmed complete removal of buildup from previously affected areas. Cleaned zones showed a clear contrast, validating effectiveness without requiring secondary cleanup.
Cleaning was completed within scheduled downtime windows, ensuring no disruption to production. The dry process allowed for immediate return to operation with no drying time required.
- QA Manager, Krusteaz (a Continental Mills brand)
Overflowing industrial wax was removed from massive exterior tanks and facility surfaces—without interrupting operations or damaging equipment.
Production Lost
Project Duration
Chemicals Introduced
Exterior Wax Removal
Backpack Systems operates large-scale wax coating systems used in frozen food packaging production. Over time, heated wax overflowed from exterior storage tanks, cascading down the sides and surrounding structures—creating thick, hardened buildup similar to candle wax on a massive scale.
This accumulation wasn’t just cosmetic—it posed a serious compliance risk, as inspectors could flag the facility for failing to meet cleanliness and safety standards. With buildup reaching extreme thickness in some areas, including heavy deposits on tank tops and surrounding structures, Backpack Systems needed a solution that could remove the wax efficiently without shutting down operations.
Dry ice blasting successfully removed wax buildup from the tanks, building exterior, and surrounding surfaces—restoring the facility to a clean, compliant state. The process proved highly effective on adhered wax, using freezing and contraction to break the bond and lift material cleanly from metal surfaces.
All work was completed while the facility remained fully operational, eliminating downtime and reducing pressure on production schedules. With a larger crew and multiple machines deployed, the project was completed efficiently and with minimal oversight required from the client.
Exterior tanks and surrounding structures were evaluated to determine wax thickness, access points, and cleaning strategy. Unknowns around buildup depth and origin were accounted for in planning.
Dry ice blasting was applied to remove hardened wax from aluminum-clad tanks and adjacent building surfaces. The process leveraged thermal shock to dislodge material without introducing moisture or chemicals.
In areas with extreme buildup—up to several inches thick—manual tools were used to remove the bulk material before finishing with dry ice blasting for precision cleaning.
All cleaning was performed externally while the facility remained fully operational. Production continued uninterrupted, creating a seamless solution with zero downtime impact.
- Site Manager, BeckPack
We clean manufacturing facilities with zero down time.
Heavy carbon and burnt residue were removed from roasting equipment without water or teardown—restoring product quality and reducing cleaning downtime.
Production Lost
Faster Than Manual
Chemicals Introduced
System Cleaned in Initial Visit
Golden Boy Foods’ roasting equipment experienced ongoing carbon and debris buildup from continuous nut processing. As almonds, peanuts, and cashews were roasted, fine particles accumulated inside the machine—burning, charring, and sticking to internal surfaces over time.
This buildup not only reduced equipment efficiency but also risked impacting product quality by introducing burnt material into the process. Traditional cleaning methods were time-consuming and required significant manual labor, making it difficult to maintain consistent cleanliness without extended downtime.
Dry ice blasting removed carbon buildup from both the conveyor belt and internal roasting chamber without requiring disassembly or introducing moisture. The process restored surfaces quickly and allowed the equipment to return to operation immediately after cleaning.
The results exceeded expectations, leading Golden Boy to implement a recurring quarterly cleaning schedule. By rotating cleaning zones, the facility now maintains a consistently clean system while minimizing downtime and maximizing production efficiency.
The roasting system was evaluated to identify high-impact buildup areas, including the infeed conveyor and internal roasting chamber. Cleaning was prioritized based on product contact zones and carbon accumulation severity.
Dry ice blasting was performed directly inside the roasting equipment without dismantling components. Carbon, burnt residue, and debris were removed from internal surfaces using a dry, non-abrasive process.
Cleaned areas showed a clear contrast, with carbon buildup fully removed from tested sections. The effectiveness of the process validated dry ice blasting as a reliable long-term solution.
Following the successful initial cleaning, Golden Boy adopted a quarterly service schedule. Alternating cleaning zones ensures full system coverage twice per year while maintaining consistent performance.
- Facility Manager, Golden Boy
We clean buildup in your equipment without downtime, improving output.
Dry ice blasting delivers safe, non-abrasive cleaning for sensitive automotive components—restoring surfaces without disassembly or damage.
Chemicals Used
Detailed & Restored
Downtime Required
Non-Abrasive Process
High-performance and specialty automotive shops like Cantrell Motorsports work on precision-engineered vehicles where cleanliness is critical—but traditional cleaning methods can pose risks. Grease, road debris, and buildup accumulate in tight engine bays and undercarriages, yet water, solvents, or abrasive methods can damage sensitive components or create additional cleanup challenges.
Maintaining a clean, restoration-ready surface without compromising the integrity of high-value vehicles requires a more controlled, non-invasive approach.
Dry ice blasting is applied to delicate automotive components without risk of abrasion or moisture damage.
Components can be cleaned in place, reducing labor time and simplifying the restoration process.
Contaminants are removed without introducing secondary waste, eliminating the need for additional cleanup.
Cleaned surfaces are restored to a like-new condition, ideal for inspection, restoration, or resale.
- Owner, Cantrell Motorsports
We clean classic vehicles back to showroom finish and apply rust prevention undercoats.
Years of ink buildup were removed from precision printing equipment without chemicals or moisture—restoring performance and protecting sensitive components.
Production Lost
Project Completion
Chemicals Introduced
Ink Residue Removed
PrintWest’s high-volume printing presses accumulate ink, dust, and residue over years of continuous operation. This buildup collects on internal components, plates, and machine surfaces—impacting performance and making routine maintenance more difficult.
Traditional cleaning methods involving liquids or chemicals introduced risk to sensitive mechanical and electronic components, including corrosion, damage, and hard-to-reach pooling. With a major maintenance cycle underway, PrintWest needed a safer, more precise cleaning method that could fully remove buildup without introducing additional risk.
Dry ice blasting removed ink and residue from both disassembled components and the printing press itself—restoring surfaces without damaging critical parts. The process was completed in a single day, aligning perfectly with the machine’s maintenance schedule.
The success of the project led to strong client satisfaction and ongoing relationship development, including direct referrals to other printing facilities. The results demonstrated a reliable, repeatable solution for maintaining complex printing systems.
Initial engagement came through a trusted network connection, establishing credibility and opening the door for future collaboration.
As the printing press was taken apart for maintenance, individual components were cleaned externally before moving to full system cleaning.
Ink buildup was removed from internal machine surfaces and components using a dry, non-abrasive process that protected electronics and precision parts.
Following successful results, PrintWest provided referrals and outreach to multiple other facilities—expanding opportunities for future projects.
- Owner, PrintWest
We clean industrial grade printing equipment without chemicals or abrasion.
Layers of paint, debris, and aging materials were removed from a Vietnam-era Huey helicopter—helping restore a historic aircraft without weeks of manual labor.
Days Project
Labor Saved
Surface Stripped
Chemicals Introduced
The Heritage Flight Museum in Burlington, Washington undertook the restoration of a Bell UH-1 “Huey” helicopter—a historic aircraft with decades of wear, repairs, and layered coatings. Over its lifetime, the helicopter had accumulated multiple layers of paint, bondo, and patchwork materials, many of which were applied inconsistently across different surfaces.
Complicating the process further, the underlying materials varied—ranging from aluminum and steel to fiberglass and thin composite sections. Sanding would have required weeks of labor and risked damaging delicate areas, making it difficult to safely and efficiently prepare for repainting.
Dry ice blasting removed paint, dirt, moss, and debris from the entire exterior of the helicopter—dramatically accelerating the restoration process. While some variability in materials required careful adjustments, the team successfully brought the aircraft to a condition ready for final prep and repainting.
The project ultimately saved an estimated three weeks of manual labor and allowed the museum’s volunteers to focus on finishing work. Today, the restored helicopter is displayed at the museum, preserving an important piece of history for future generations.
The helicopter was assessed to identify coating layers, material types, and restoration goals. Unknown variables beneath the surface were accounted for in planning and execution.
Dry ice blasting was applied across the entire exterior—from the nose to the tail and rotor blades—adapting to different materials and conditions throughout the process.
As material differences were revealed, the team adjusted technique and settings in real time to balance effective paint removal with surface preservation.
The aircraft was brought to a condition suitable for light sanding and repainting, significantly reducing the workload for the museum’s restoration team.
- Curator, Heritage Flight Museum
We clean historical artifacts without chemicals or abrasion.
