CO2 snow-jet cleaning

Dry, chemical-free cleaning for particle and oil free surfaces

The advanced, patented C02 snow-jet nozzle technology from acp systems AG cleans component surfaces using a dry, environmentally friendly, residue free process. This supersonic dual component quattroClean® techno­logy provides optimized, precise and repeatable cleaning results with the minimum consumption of C02.

With the direct and continuous supply of liquid C02, the process qualif1es perfectly for integration into adaptable automated production systems, available either directly from acp systems AG, or supplied to our system integration partners as a modular system.

Cleaning Process Two-component concentric nozzle

acp systems AG’s advanced and patented dual media nozzle technology is unique and has signiflcant advantages over alternative systems.

The quattroClean® cleaning process comprises four stages: impulse transmission, rapid cooling, sublimation and solvent rinsing.

Applications C02 snow-jet cleaning can offer up to a 40% cost reduction over conventional cleaning processes in some industry sectors.

Automotive: CMOS imager

Electronics: PCB – removal of solder and flux residues

Medical Technology: Degreasing of precision metal components

Electronics: PCB laser structuring – removal of soot

quattroClean® – Our main products

JetWorker® Portable CO2 snow-jet cleaning system, also for rental, and onsite trials

JetStation® Manual or semi-automated enclosed systems for lower volume, specialised or R&D applications

JetModule® Process modules for system integration

JetCell® Flexible, automated production for CO2 snow-jet cleaning; inline, stand-alone and application specif1c configurations

Benefits

  • The process is dry and gentle and will not damage the surface structure
  • Perfect for cleaning of sensitive and hydroscopic or porous surfaces
  • No wastewater or chemicals to dispose of
  • The C02 snow-jet process uses C02 that has been re-captured from existing industrial emissions, thereby ensuring no additional impact on the environment.
  • What is CO2 snow-jet cleaning?

    CO2 snow-jet cleaning is a dry, residue-free cleaning process in which dry ice snow is accelerated onto the surface to be cleaned by compressed air. Different mechanisms work, which contribute differently to the cleaning effect depending on the type of contamination and the material to be cleaned. The dry ice snow with a grain size of 1-100µm is formed only at the nozzle tip and has no wearing contact with nozzle components.

  • How does CO2 snow jet cleaning work?

    The following mechanisms act on the surface of the component to be cleaned:

    • Embrittlement of soiling due to rapid cooling, thermal expansion
    • Abrasion due to transmitted compressive and shearing forces
    • Solution of adsorption bonds (solvent)
    • Flushing (volume increase of approximately 500 times by sublimation), i.e. impurities flow away – including blind holes and other component geometries that are difficult to clean.
    • Highly monitorable cleaning process, optimized to individual components. Each cleaned component can be assigned its own cleaning value.
  • What are the environmental impacts of the CO2 cleaning process?
    • Cleaning with CO2 snow does not produce any waste water or residual materials that need to be disposed of.
    • The CO2 used is 100% climate-neutral, recaptured as a waste product, e.g. in the chemical industry.
  • Which nozzles could be used?
    • Single nozzle for precise, repeatable cleaning.
    • For larger areas, several nozzles are combined to form arrays to provide a uniform, homogeneous cleaning beam.
  • Can the nozzle wear out?

    Our technology works without impact on the material and is therefore wear-free.

  • Can the nozzle drip? Are the components extremely cold or damp?

    Our nozzle does not drip – the expansion of CO2, and formation of CO2 snow takes place outside the nozzle, so it does not cool down.

    CO2 snow jet cleaning is a cold process; however, cooling of the component can be adjusted to a favorable ratio of the combined cold (CO2 snow) and warmer (compressed air) mediums. In addition, the compressed air can be heated with our systems to further optimize that ratio.

  • What could CO2 snow cleaning be used for?

    In principle, the process is suitable for all materials as the CO2 snow jet cleaning is not abrasive.

    • Cleaning prior to painting and coating processes – in automotive, from the small push button to the bumper
    • Cleaning before and after assembly, including joining processes, e.g. final cleaning of sensitive mechatronic assemblies in ready-to-install condition.
    • Cleaning of various component geometries, e.g.:
      • Cleaning through and blind holes.
      • Cleaning of large surfaces.
      • Products with complex geometries and surface structures as the process is distance to target tolerant.
      • Selective cleaning.

    If you are not sure whether our process is suitable for your products, please contact us – we can certainly help you.

  • Which materials could be processed with CO2 snow blasting?

    In principle, the process is suitable for all materials, as CO2 snow jet cleaning is not abrasive. It is a dry and gentle cleaning, process, therefore, it is ideally suited for cleaning sensitive and hygroscopic or open-pored surfaces.

  • Which impurities could be removed?

    Removal of particulate contamination, e.g. for compliance with technical cleanliness requirements

    • Powder traces from laser processing.
    • Chips/ polishing paste after machining.
    • Laser ablation residues (MIDs).

    Deburring

    • Plastic injection moulding
    • Metal parts such as implants

    Filmic soiling e.g. before joining processes such as welding / gluing / soldering / bonding

    • Oils / Formers / Greases / Fingerprints / Cutting Emulsions / Fluxes
  • How should the cleaned surface be treated or dried?

    To activate the cleaned surfaces, you need a downstream process such as flaming or plasma activation.

    You do not have to dry the parts, as the process is dry.

  • How is the CO2 process suited to Automation?

    Our CO2 cleaning systems are designed for integration into automation, to the demands of state-of-the-art adaptive production lines (Industry 4.0)

  • Which supply media are required for CO2 snow blasting?

    Dry (to -20°C pressure dew point) and oil-free compressed air and liquid phase CO2 (carbon dioxide) in technical quality.

  • Where could liquid CO2 be obtained from?

    Liquid CO2 is available from many gas suppliers – if you already purchase gases, talk to your supplier about purchasing liquid CO2. Delivery in gas cylinders and gas cylinder bundles is common; if you have a large demand, your gas supplier will provide you with a bulk tank.

  • Could a planned application be tested in advance?

    There are 3 possibilities to test our process on your products:

    • Trials at our technical center in Germany
      • You visit us in Ditzingen with your components and we carry out tests on your products with you present.
      • Alternatively, you can send us your products and we will carry out the tests here in our technical center and provide you with a short report of the results.
    • On-site tests with our mobile test equipment
      • One of our sales representatives will visit you and carry out tests with a mobile cleaning system on-site, e.g. in your own production plant.
  • Are CO2 snow blasting machines available for rent?

    We can provide you with mobile snow blasting equipment for a fee for testing your own applications – our sales team will be happy to help you with an offer.

  • What needs to be considered when transporting and storing liquid CO2?

    During transport, the penetration of water into the container should be avoided. Only equipment suitable for pressure and temperature should be used. In addition, the specifications and instructions of the gas supplier should be observed.

    The gas cylinders should be stored in a well-ventilated place at a temperature of less than 50°C and secured against falling over.

FAQ

further questions?

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      Tel.: +49(0)741 - 175299 - 0
      Mail: info@acp-systems.de
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