Early feedbacks from the activities on field were totally positive.

A special failure index calculated on those equipments which have been treated and therefore on a good insulation condition, is lower than the ones which have not been under treatment.
After the cleaning, equipments are less subject to operative malfunctions, demonstrating an higher level of reliability on service.

The “cryogenic washing” is a technique which does not carry either water or humidity. These dry ice granules (CO2) after have been playing their own cleaning action, they sublimate to carbon dioxide on gaseous state. When the single pellet, which is at -79°C, hits the surface, it produces a localized thermal shock which provokes the instant detachment of the material to be removed. The only residue of the process is the material which has been removed, while the CO2 sublimates leaving no traces. At the same time as the flow of these dry ice granules is in action, the raised dusts are removed by an aspirator.

With the “cryogenic washing” is possible to reach even the most inaccessible areas, cracks, hidden corners and so on, where usual methods like brushes or abrasives cannot. Dry ice is a so-called “weak cohesion mean”, infact, after the collision with the surface under treatment, these pellets shatter without leaving any damages or scratches; under no circumstances have been experienced any abrasion, wear or decay on treated parts. It is therefore possible to perform the process for an unlimited number of times without deteriorating the equipments.

The explained benefits are even more important and determinant when interventions are performed on equipments in place (as shown in past experiences which have been recorded during the treatments on equipments installed in HV cabs on traditional locomotives) because in this scope it is impossible to use water and/or detergents.