August 2022

3 Things To Know About Air Volume

In this edition of Cold Jet Academy, we will discuss the importance of air volume for your dry ice blasting machine.

Air Flow & Dry Ice Blasting

Dry ice blasting relies on kinetic energy to act as an effective cleaner. As part of this process, dry ice needs to travel at high speeds as it impacts the surface and air is the main accelerant. Our equipment requires adequate amounts of air volume, measured by cubic feet per minute (cfm) or cubic meters per minute (m³/min), and pressure, measured by pounds per square inch (psi) or bar. There are many variables that can reduce both air volume and pressure between the air compressor and the blasting nozzle. Longer distance from the air source is just one example of this. 

High Flow = Optimal Performance
The compressed air path to the dry ice blaster should have the biggest possible diameter without any in-line choke points. The following undersized airway restrictions should also be avoided:

• Valves
• Quick-disconnect Fittings
• Improperly sized and/or neglected filters
• Fitting adapter combinations
  
  

Blasting Nozzle Air Volume Ranges

Each nozzle has its own recommended air consumption. Our lowest air consumption nozzle consumes 12 cfm at 80 psi (0,3m³/min at 5,5 bar) and our highest air consumption nozzle consumes 165 cfm at 80 psi (4,3m³/min at 5,5 bar). If blasting pressure drops more than 10 psi (0,7 bar) when pulling the applicator trigger, this may indicate an insufficient air supply. In these situations, changing to a lower air consumption nozzle is an option to improve blasting performance. Click here to visit our Accessory Finder for your machine. 

Click here to contact our Customer Service team for more information.