A NEW cryogenic system for industrial cleaning, using "dry ice" or solidified carbon dioxide, has been developed by Distillers MG, which is part of the German Messer Griesheim industrial gas group. The "cold jet" cleaning system, as it is known, uses small pellets of dry ice, which are blown in a stream of compressed air at the surface to be cleaned.

The bond of the coating with the object's surface is weakened by thermal shock. The coating is then removed by the compressed air flow and the slight attrition effect of the dry ice pellets. The pellets disintegrate on impact and change straight into carbon dioxide gas, leaving no residue. Compared to traditional cleaning methods, this system has costs less in waste disposal, is quicker and leaves hygienically clean surfaces.