The CO2 Snow Cleaning process removes particles of all sizes, from visible down to 3 - 5 nanometers.  At the same time, hydrocarbon-based contamination and organic residues can be removed. Carbon dioxide snow cleaning is nondestructive, nonabrasive, residue-free, and environmentally friendly - there is no chemical waste. The cleaning process is based upon the controlled expansion of either liquid or gaseous carbon dioxide. This expansion leads to the nucleation of small dry ice particles and a high velocity carrier gas stream. Upon impact with a surface, the dry ice removes particles of all sizes by momentum transfer, and hydrocarbons and organics via a transient solvent or a freeze fracture mechanism. The high-velocity gas blows the contaminants away. Additionally, nozzle design changes can be made for cleaning large telescope mirrors. 

 

      Carbon Dioxide Snow Cleaning can be used for either initial or final cleaning, and for numerous critical and noncritical cleaning applications in the semiconductor, optics, disk drive, basic research, vacuum technologies, surface science, surface analysis, medical, analytical instrument, telescopes, art conservation, manufacturing communities, and others.  Explore the Examples and Application pages.

 

     Carbon Dioxide Snow Cleaning equipment comes in different styles, and most any configuration can address your contamination removal problems.

 

     This web site is intended to educate and inform the reader about Carbon Dioxide Snow Cleaning. Topics include answers to frequently asked questions including thermodynamics of snow formation, cleaning mechanisms, examples, cleaning parameters, and others.  Furthermore, we discuss many applications, with separate pages for AFM, art cleaning, and telescope mirrors.   Pages can be found on equipment, costs, safety and more.

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To our colleagues and customers,

I will be transitioning ownership of Applied Surface Technologies over the coming months due to health considerations. We are thrilled to announce that Mr. L. H. "Hugh" Shockey, a longtime customer, and an expertise in fine arts conservation, will be taking the helm.  He spent years utilizing CO2 snow cleaning for highly specialized and valuable artworks and maintain the high standards you expect from us. 

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During this 4-to-6-month transition, I will handle the "front office" activities and communications while Hugh manages the technical production and shipping. During the transition, Hugh will move into the primary leadership role, and I will handle less.

We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. We are grateful for your business and look forward to serving you under new leadership.

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Wishing you all the best – Robert Sherman

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