Surface cleaning means preparing metal and equipment for painting, anti-corrosion coating, repair, welding and non-destructive testing, as well as removing operational contamination from equipment in service. The service life of a protective coating depends directly on the quality of surface preparation.
Contamination and why it is dangerous
The range of contamination is wide: rust and atmospheric corrosion products, mill scale and weld scale, old paint and powder coatings, oils and greases, carbon deposits and process residues, industrial dust on electrical equipment, graffiti.
In practice this leads to:
- peeling of the new coating and corrosion developing underneath;
- a shorter service life of paint and anti-corrosion coatings;
- defects being missed during flaw detection and weld inspection;
- overheating and insulation breakdown of electrical equipment where contamination is conductive.
The required degree of oxide removal and degreasing is specified according to GOST 9.402 or the coating manufacturer’s requirements.
Cleaning methods
- Chemical flushing — dissolving deposits with chemicals circulated through the internal cavities of the equipment, followed by neutralisation and passivation of the metal; used where tools cannot reach.
- Hydrodynamic cleaning — breaking up deposits with a high-pressure water jet using high-pressure units, channel-cleaning hoses and special nozzles; for tubes, channels and vessels accessible to the nozzle.
- Mechanical cleaning — removal of dense and fully blocking deposits with manual and power tools; as a rule, requires disassembly or opening of the equipment.
- Dry ice blasting (cryoblasting) — gentle cleaning of accessible surfaces with solid carbon dioxide pellets, without chemicals, water or abrasives.
- Laser cleaning — non-contact removal of rust, mill scale, carbon deposits and coatings from accessible metal surfaces.
The applicability of a method to specific equipment is determined after inspection and agreed with the customer; methods are often combined. The methods used for each type of equipment are listed in its description on this page.
How the work is carried out
- Inspection. Examination of the surface, identification of contamination and of the required degree of preparation.
- Method selection. The cleaning method and mode are agreed with the customer, taking into account the material and the subsequent coating.
- Preparation. Protection of adjacent equipment, setting up the work area and, if necessary, scaffolding and lifts.
- Cleaning. Cleaning by the selected method with control of the result.
- Acceptance. Checking the degree of surface preparation together with the customer.
We work on a one-off basis or under a scheduled maintenance contract, with periodic inspections and preventive cleaning.
What we need for a quote
- what is to be cleaned and the surface material;
- area, height and access to the surface;
- type of contamination or coating;
- preparation requirements (for which coating);
- photos and videos — if available;
- preferred timing.
Frequently asked questions
How does dry ice blasting differ from abrasive blasting?
Dry ice pellets sublimate on impact: no abrasive or water remains after the work, and the equipment does not need to be washed and dried.
Which method will not damage the surface?
Dry ice blasting and laser cleaning are suitable for delicate surfaces and equipment.
Can you clean at height?
Yes, dry ice and laser cleaning can be used on structures of various heights. We assess access conditions when preparing the quote.