Dry Ice Blasting At Beckley's Water Department

The Beckley WV Water Department is responsible for providing clean, reliable water to homes and businesses throughout the area. Over time, their treatment equipment, pump rooms, and surrounding surfaces naturally build up layers of:

• Mineral deposits
• Algae and biofilm
• Rust and corrosion
• Grease, oil, and grime
• Old coatings and contaminants

Traditionally, cleaning this equipment might involve harsh chemicals, pressure washing, or manual scrubbing. But those methods can be messy, time-consuming, and potentially harmful to sensitive equipment and the surrounding environment.

Haztech Surface Solutions was brought in to provide a safer, cleaner, and more efficient alternative: dry ice blasting.

Why Dry Ice Blasting Was the Perfect Fit

Dry ice blasting is a non-abrasive, non-conductive cleaning method that uses solid CO₂ pellets accelerated at high speeds to remove contaminants from surfaces. For a facility like the Beckley WV Water Department, this method offered several key advantages:

1. No Secondary Waste

Unlike sandblasting or pressure washing, dry ice pellets sublimate on impact—they go from solid to gas instantly. That means there’s no slurry, no used media to shovel up, and no extra waste to dispose of. The only thing left behind is the material that was removed.

For the Water Department, this was huge. Less mess meant:

• Less downtime
• Easier cleanup
• Lower disposal costs

2. Safe for Sensitive Equipment

Many of the components at the facility—pumps, motors, electrical panels, control boxes, and valves—are sensitive and expensive. Using high-pressure water or harsh chemicals could cause damage or introduce moisture into areas where it doesn’t belong.

Dry ice blasting is:

• Non-conductive – safe around electrical systems when properly isolated
• Non-abrasive – gentle on metal surfaces, coatings, and machinery
• Moisture-free – no water introduced into critical components

This made it ideal for cleaning pump housings, motor casings, and around electrical gear without risking damage.

3. Eco-Friendly and Operator-Friendly

Because dry ice is made from recycled CO₂, it does not produce additional greenhouse gases during use. There are no harsh chemicals, solvents, or detergents involved—just solid carbon dioxide and controlled compressed air.

That meant:

• A safer work environment for both Haztech technicians and Water Department staff
• Reduced environmental impact
• No chemical residue left on surfaces

Areas Haztech Treated at the Beckley WV Water Department

For this project, Haztech Surface Solutions focused on several key areas of the facility:

Pump Rooms and Mechanical Areas

Over years of operation, pump rooms accumulate:

• Rust on metal surfaces
• Mineral buildup on piping and valves
• Oil and grease around rotating equipment

Haztech used dry ice blasting to:

• Remove surface rust and contaminant layers
• Clean around flanges, bolt heads, and pipe supports
• Restore a cleaner, brighter appearance to pumps and structural steel

This not only improved the look of the space but also made future inspections easier and more accurate.

Tanks, Basins, and Structural Surfaces

Certain exposed surfaces around treatment tanks and basins had patches of:

• Algae and biofilm
• Efflorescence and staining
• Peeling coatings

Dry ice blasting allowed Haztech to clean these areas without introducing more water into an already moisture-rich environment, and without using chemicals that might pose a risk near potable water systems.

Support Structures and Surrounding Surfaces

Walkways, handrails, support beams, and equipment stands were also treated where buildup was affecting appearance and cleanliness. This helped:

• Improve overall facility presentation
• Reduce slip and trip hazards from grime and residue
• Extend the life of painted and coated surfaces

Minimizing Downtime: Working Around Operations

The Beckley WV Water Department operates on tight schedules and cannot simply shut down for extended periods of maintenance. Haztech coordinated closely with facility staff to plan work in phases and around critical operations.

Key steps included:

• Scheduling cleaning during low-demand periods
• Isolating equipment and areas safely before blasting
• Using proper containment and ventilation to control CO₂ and debris
• Keeping clear communication with Water Department personnel

The result was a smooth project with minimal disruption to water service and daily operations.

Results: Cleaner Equipment, Better Inspections, and Long-Term Benefits

By the end of the project, the Beckley WV Water Department enjoyed a noticeable transformation:

Cleaner, More Reliable Equipment

Removing layers of grime, rust, and buildup helps equipment run cooler, more efficiently, and with less wear. When moving parts and housings are clean, it’s easier to:

• Spot leaks early
• See cracks, corrosion, or fatigue
• Plan preventative maintenance

This can translate into fewer unexpected breakdowns and longer equipment life.

Safer and More Professional Work Environment

A clean facility is a safer facility. Dry ice blasting helped:

• Reduce slip hazards
• Clear away contaminants that might affect air quality
• Create a more organized, professional-looking environment for staff and visitors

For a public utility like a water department, appearance also matters. A clean plant reflects care, pride, and professionalism.

Reduced Environmental and Disposal Impact

Because there were no chemical cleaners and no used blasting media to dispose of, the Water Department avoided extra waste streams and disposal fees. The process aligned well with environmental goals and regulatory expectations.

What This Project Says About Haztech Surface Solutions

This dry ice blasting project at the Beckley WV Water Department showcases what Haztech Surface Solutions does best:

• Tailored solutions for critical infrastructure and industrial facilities
• Safe, efficient cleaning methods that protect equipment and operations
• Experienced technicians who understand how to work in active, sensitive environments

Whether it’s a water treatment plant, manufacturing facility, power station, or municipal building, Haztech brings the same focus: clean surfaces, minimal downtime, and long-term value.

Considering Dry Ice Blasting for Your Facility?

If your equipment or facility surfaces are coated in grime, rust, or residue—and traditional cleaning methods just create more mess—dry ice blasting might be the answer.

Haztech Surface Solutions can help you:

• Evaluate whether dry ice is right for your application
• Plan a cleaning project around your schedule and operations
• Restore equipment and surfaces without harsh chemicals or excessive downtime

For facilities in and around Beckley, WV, including municipal departments, industrial sites, and commercial properties, this recent project at the Beckley WV Water Department is proof that you can clean smarter, not harder.

Call Us Today!