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Mold Cleanup with Cryogenics Treatment
A Builders' Dream
by Alan L. Wozniak, Pure Air Control Services
Environmental Cryogenics Technology (ECT) mold treatment program developed by Pure Air Control Services and their scientists is used to effectively clean hard surfaces and treat mold contaminated wood structures as well as drywall and other building materials. Tests provided by Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDLab) indicated a 95% reduction in microbial load with a combination treatment of cryogenics and bound anticmicrobail application. ECT is a process that can be used on-line without damaging building materials or requiring massive cleanup. Unlike conventional toxic chemicals, high-pressure water blasting and abrasive grit blasting, ECT uses dry ice particles in a high velocity airflow, under containment, to remove contaminates from surfaces without the added costs and inconvenience of secondary waste treatment and disposal.
What Is Environmental Cryogenics Technology ECT?
ECT method is the solid form of Carbon Dioxide (CO2), which is a colorless, tasteless, odorless gas found naturally in our atmosphere. Though it is present in relatively small quantities (about 0.03% by volume), it is one of the most important gases we know of.
CO2 is a natural media that serves many life-sustaining purposes. It is a key element in the carbon cycle; it is the only source of carbon for the carbohydrates produced by agriculture; it stimulates plant growth; and it helps to moderate the temperature of the earth overall. Animal respiration is believed to add 28 million tons of Carbon Dioxide per day into the atmosphere. By contrast, the U.S. CO2 industry can supply only 25,000 tons per day and 95% of this amount is from by-product sources, or less than 0.04% of the other sources combined.
With a low temperature of -109E F (-78E C), solid CO2 (dry ice) has an inherent thermal energy ready to be tapped. At atmospheric pressure, dry ice sublimates directly to vapor without going through a liquid phase. This unique property means that the blast media simply disappears, leaving only the original contaminant to be disposed of. In addition, blast cleaning in water sensitive areas is now practicable.
The grade of carbon dioxide used in dry ice blasting is the same as that used in the food and beverage industry and has been specifically approved by the FDA, the EPA and the USDA. Carbon dioxide is a non-poisonous, liquefied gas that is both inexpensive and easily stored at work sites. Of equal importance is its non-conductive and non-flammable nature.
CO2 is a natural by-product of several industrial manufacturing processes such as fermentation and petrol-chemical refining. The CO2 given off by the above production processes is captured and stored without losses until needed. When the CO2 is returned to the atmosphere during the blasting process, no new CO2 is produced. Instead, only the original CO2 by-product is released.
Benefits of Environmental Cryogenics (ECT):
Cost Reduction:
The natural sublimation of dry ice particles eliminates the cost of collecting the cleaning media for disposal. Containment and collection costs associated with water/grit blasting procedures are also eliminated.
Because ECT provide on-line maintenance capabilities for production equipment (online cleaning), time consuming and expensive retooling procedures are kept to a minimum. Dedicated cleaning cycles are no longer required as preventive maintenance schedules can be adopted, which allow for equipment cleaning during production periods. As a result, throughout is increased without the addition of labor or production equipment.
Extension of Equipment's Useful Life:
Unlike sand, walnut shells, plastic beads and other abrasive grit media, ECT is non-abrasive. Cleaning with dry ice will not wear wood, texture surfaces, open tolerances, or damage or machinery.
A Dry Process:
Unlike steam or water blasting, ECT will not damage electrical wiring, controls, or switches. Also, any possible rust formation after cleaning is far less likely with ECT than with steam or water blasting. Also, when used in the Food Industry, dry ice blasting reduces the potential for bacteria growth inherent to conventional water blasting.
Environmental Safety:
ECT treatment program is a non-toxic element which meets EPA, FDA, and USDA* industry guidelines. By replacing toxic chemical processes with ECT, employee exposure and corporate liability stemming from the use of dangerous chemical cleaning agents can be materially reduced or eliminated completely. Since CO2 gas is heavier than air (CO2 gas displaces oxygen), care must be taken if blasting in enclosed areas or down in a pit.
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The Building Sciences division at Pure Air Control Services can assist you in developing a safe and effective method for cleaning and/or removing mold contaminated surfaces in buildings, hospitals, schools and homes. Contact the professionals today and learn more about this revolutionary technology and how it can assist you is creating positive results for you and your employees.
For more information call:
Alan Wozniak, CIAQP
Pure Air Control Services
800-422-7873 EXT. 802
info@pureaircontrols.com
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