Blast Cleaning Comparison Chart
 

Blasting Cleaning Technique

Waste for Disposal

Abrasive

Toxic

Electrically Conductive Performance Comparison
           
Dry Ice No No No No Excellent
           
Sand Yes Yes No* No OK
           
Glass Beads Yes Yes No* No OK
           
Walnut Shells Yes Yes No* No Limited
           
Steam No No No Yes Poor
           
Solvents Yes No Yes Yes Limited
           

( * ) Each of these blast cleaning materials becomes contaminated upon contact if used to clean hazardous objects. When that happens, these materials are then classified as toxic waste requiring safe disposal.