Cleaning energized equipment using dry ice pellets

Abstract

As a result of a two-year study, Puget Power and Alpheus corporation, have demonstrated safe and effective cleaning of energized equipment using dry ice pellets. Dry ice (CO/sub 2/) pellets are a natural fire extinguisher and exhibit a dielectric strength approximately equal to that of air (30 kV/cm). The pellets disappear instantly on contact, so there is no secondary waste stream to create environmental costs and concerns. Special equipment has been developed and tested, and field trials have been successful on padmounted switchgear and substations.<>