Featured is a method and
system for cleaning
abrasive sanding and / or planing media, for example
sandpaper, wide belt sanding belts, planers,
grinding wheels or other
abrasive surfaces while the media is either in-situ in the sanding, planing,
grinding equipment or when removed. Additionally, the cleaning featured method and
system can clean the media while the
abrasive media is being used as well as when the abrasive media is not being used. In the cleaning method
dry ice (CO.sub.2,
solid carbon dioxide) particles are propelled towards the abrasive surface at a
high velocity so the
dry ice particles
impact on the surface of the abrasive media at a
high velocity. Additionally, the
dry ice (CO.sub.2,
solid carbon dioxide) particles are propelled as to
impact the abrasive surface at varying angles and locations as necessary to effectively clean the abrasive surface. Further, the dry ice particles are propelled towards the abrasive media when it is in motion, for example rotating, so the dry ice particles
impact the abrasive media at different locations of the media. The method and
system allow the abrasive media to be cleaned while the abrasive media is being used for its' intended purpose. Thereby reducing equipment
downtime usually associated with cleaning and / or changing the abrasive media due to becoming dirty and / or worn.