# Efficient and Sustainable Cleaning: A Comparative Analysis of Cryogenic Technology
## 3 Results
### Data Collection
Examining the tank capacities of different models reveals significant variations. For example, the Karcher(r) IB 15/120 features a robust capacity of 40 kg, which positions it as a suitable option for prolonged tasks without constant interruptions to refill pellets. In contrast, the Polartech(r) PT MINIli model, with an 8 kg tank, stands out for its portability and agility, making it ideal for small applications that demand flexibility and frequent travel, with a total weight of approximately 30 kg. However, neither the pressure nor the amount of ice projected can be adjusted [50]. The tank capacity impacts the cleaning duration, mobility, and total weight of the equipment. Air pressure and volumetric flow rate are crucial aspects in the evaluation of the operational efficiency of cryo-cleaning equipment. In terms of air pressure, most equipment is in the standard range of 10-12 bar, providing adequate pressure for a wide variety of applications. However, Cryonomic(r)'s COB 62 model operates at a lower pressure of 7 bar, which may be sufficient for specific applications requiring a more delicate pressure. On the other hand, equipment such as Karcher(r)'s IB 15/20, Cold Jet(r)'s AERO2 PLT 60, and Intelblast(r)'s IBL 3000 exceed this standard range, reaching pressures of up to 16-17 bar. This higher pressure can be beneficial for tasks requiring greater cleaning force, although compatibility with the surfaces to be treated should always be considered to avoid damage. As for the volumetric flow rate, which determines the amount of air that can flow through the equipment per unit of time, most of the equipment is within a range of 0.5-9 m\({}^{3}\)/min. This range is sufficient to meet the needs of various cleaning operations, ensuring effective coverage and consistent performance. However, certain models, such as the Karcher(r) IB 15/20 and the Intelblast(r) IBL 2500 and 3000 models, offer volumetric flow rates of 12, 15, and 25 m\({}^{3}\)/min, respectively. These higher values could translate into greater operational efficiency and a reduction in the time needed to complete cleaning tasks, especially in situations where fast and efficient cleaning of large surfaces or volumes is required. Analysis of the sound pressure of the equipment reveals a range of 60 to 130 dB/A. Models such as the Karcher(r) IB 15/120 and the Intelblast(r) IBL Mini show sound pressure levels of 125 dB/A and 75-120 dB/A, respectively. In contrast, the Cryosnow(r) SJ-5 and Polartech(r) PT MINIli models exhibit lower levels of 70-90 dB/A and 60-120 dB/A, respectively. This disparity is crucial when considering the occupational safety environment. The power supply of most dry ice blasting equipment operates at voltages from 220 to 230 V AC (50-60 Hz). Examples include Karcher(r) IB 15/120, Polartech(r) PT-PROi, and Cryoblaster(r) ATX Nano. This variability in power supply may be relevant to industries willing to adopt this type of cleaning. When considering the technical performance of liquid CO\({}_{2}\) cryo-cleaning equipment, such as Cryosnow(r), Polartech(r), and Karcher(r) (see Table 3), the uniqueness of Karcher(r) stands out. This model is categorised as unifunctional and is distinguished by its unique ability to convert liquid CO\({}_{2}\) into pellets during the cleaning process, as documented in Table 1. It is noted that most models significantly reduce the total tower weight and raw material consumption per hour compared to dry ice blasting. The smaller units are compact and lightweight, while some larger models, such as the Cryoclean(r) SJ-25 and Polartech(r) PT-PROs, sacrifice portability for higher air flow and blasting capacity. In terms of liquid CO\({}_{2}\) consumption, Cryosnow(r) and Polartech(r) ranged between 0.25 and 1.5 kg/min, while Karcher(r) has a slightly lower consumption of 0.3-1 kg/min. Notably, more compact variants of Cryosnow(r) further optimise consumption, ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 kg/min, and are characterised by their smaller size and lighter weight, ranging from 7 to 15 kg without accessories.