How ColdBlast works for Shell and comparable industrial assets
Shell operates worldwide in oil, gas and chemistry. In refining and petrochemical we know the challenges; complex installations, sensitive electrical components, turbines and sensors where water or chemistry is not an option, and strict safety regimes (ATEX, work permits). ColdBlast supplies Cold Jet dry ice blasting in this type of environment, with risk assessment upfront and factory-trained engineers on site.
The challenge in petrochemical and energy
Three factors make cleaning in a petrochemical environment fundamentally different from food or automotive. First; many components (generators, turbines, motors, sensors) are not water-resistant and cannot be cleaned with conventional techniques. Second; downtime is expensive (a stopped refinery can cost hundreds of thousands of euro per hour); techniques that shorten shutdown are economically valuable. Third; safety (ATEX, permits, work-clearance procedures) is strict; techniques that generate no sparks or volatiles are essential.
How ColdBlast solves this
We deploy Cold Jet dry ice blasting for situations where water or chemistry are off the table. The CO₂ particles are inert (non-flammable), generate no sparks and leave no residue. On a generator stator, ColdBlast removes deposits without damaging windings; on a turbine blade we release rust and carbon deposits without affecting the coating.
For petrochemical sites this enables cleaning that was previously only possible through dismantling and sandblasting, or through chemical degreasing. ColdBlast handles the full pathway; risk assessment per asset, machine selection, on-site execution or operator training.
What ColdBlast delivers in this case type
- ✓Cold Jet PLT Ultra (heavy industrial cleaning) or PCS Ultra (precision via Particle Control®)
- ✓Aero 80FP for mobile on-site deployment at large installations
- ✓Operator training including ATEX safety review per zone
- ✓Risk assessment per asset (turbine, generator, transformer, condenser)
- ✓Service contract with preventive maintenance and NEN 3140 inspection
- ✓Original Cold Jet parts on stock for minimal downtime
- ✓Direct escalation to Cold Jet USA for factory-level issues
Cleaning industrial assets in petrochemical, refining or energy? We’d be glad to come for an application audit.
Schedule an industrial conversation →Frequently asked questions
Why does ColdBlast choose dry ice blasting for petrochemical applications?
In petrochemical and refining, electrical components, turbines, generators and sensors often cannot tolerate water or aggressive chemistry. We deploy Cold Jet dry ice blasting to clean these components without moisture or chemistry; no short-circuit risk, no corrosion, no contamination. ColdBlast performs a risk assessment per asset before any cleaning.
Which Cold Jet machine does ColdBlast deploy on industrial assets?
For heavy industrial cleaning in petrochemical environments we typically choose the Cold Jet PLT Ultra (high pressure up to 17.2 bar, automation possible) or the PCS Ultra (Particle Control® for finer cleaning on sensitive assets). For mobile on-site deployment we use the Aero 80FP.
Is dry ice blasting safe in ATEX environments?
Cold Jet dry ice blasting generates no sparks and uses CO₂ (inert); in principle it suits zones where flammable gases or vapors may be present. ColdBlast performs a safety analysis per specific ATEX zone and selects equipment that meets the required classification. Discuss your specific situation with our engineers.
Cleaning without shutdown; how does ColdBlast arrange this?
For certain assets we organize dry ice blasting while the installation remains partially operational (a generator stator can stay electrically charged but mechanically stopped, for example). This depends on the specific asset, the risk analysis and the work procedure. ColdBlast brings more than 25 years of experience and escalates to Cold Jet USA if needed.