CO2 Snow Overview This process uses soft "snow flakes" of frozen carbon dioxide (CO2) gas to clean surfaces. This is not the same process as CO2 pellet blasting, which is a more aggressive process used to remove paint from surfaces. CO2 snow is very effective at removing particles. It has been used for removing small particles from optical components, gyroscopes, thin film mirrors, and other delicate surfaces. Some sources have reported success in removing thin fluid layers, flux, and fingerprints. It will not remove rust, paint, greases, or heavy oil layers. The process is best suited for line-of-sight cleaning. Safety considerations include ventilation and protection of people from extended contact with the cold snow. Safety glasses also should be worn. The CO2 returns to gas phase quickly, leaving behind only the removed debris for disposal. The process does not generate new CO2, a greenhouse warming gas. Instead, it uses CO2 that is derived from other chemical processes. State Information | Glossary | Conversion Checklist | Comments Home | Process Advisor | Alternatives | Links | Search All SAGE material, Copyright© 1992, Research Triangle Institute Last Update: 18 March 1995 sage@rti.org http://clean.rti.org/alt.cfm?id=sn&cat=ov