What is the difference between walnut shell blasting and dry ice cleaning?
2 Answers
The differences are as follows: 1. Walnut shell blasting: Walnut shell blasting for engine carbon deposits: It can only clean the surface of the engine, not the inside of the engine cylinders, and walnut shells are prone to clogging the intake valves; Walnut shells have a certain abrasive property, which can cause wear to the engine and affect engine performance. 2. Dry ice cleaning: It can perform online cleaning without stopping the engine and does not require technical expertise from the cleaning personnel. It saves cleaning costs because the purchase cost of dry ice is low, the power-consuming air compressor also saves electricity costs, and there is no need for secondary treatment fees. Using dry ice to clean the engine can extend the engine's service life, and the difference between dry ice cleaning and walnut shell blasting is that dry ice is relatively softer.
I used to frequently use walnut shell blasting for engine carbon cleaning in car maintenance. It's a traditional method that utilizes hard walnut shell particles sprayed through a sandblaster to remove surface deposits, somewhat like sanding—it does a decent job removing carbon buildup with simple equipment and low cost, which is why many small workshops use it. However, it has a major drawback: it generates dust that can be harmful if inhaled and leaves behind residue that requires cleanup, making it environmentally unfriendly. In contrast, dry ice blasting is a more modern approach. It sprays solid CO2 particles that instantly sublimate into gas upon contact with deposits, leaving no residue—fast, thorough cleaning, especially suitable for delicate components like electronics, while also reducing health risks. The downside is that dry ice equipment is expensive and requires a compressed air system, making it impractical for individual users. Overall, walnut blasting is cost-effective and easy to adopt but time-consuming for cleanup; dry ice is more efficient and hygienic, recommended for professional settings.
