Cold Jet and ACP Helping to Preserve Auschwitz Artifacts

Precision Dry Ice Blast Cleaning System Allows Conservators at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and State Museum to Effectively Clean Metal and Ceramic Items Safely


WEINSHEIM, GERMANY--(Marketwire - January 10, 2011) - Cold Jet Deutschland GmbH -- In an effort to preserve artifacts from the Auschwitz concentration camps, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and State Museum in Oświęcim, Poland has turned to Cold Jet, LLC and ACP Group, Europe's leading producer of liquid carbon dioxide and dry ice. Conservators at the museum will use Cold Jet's i3MicroClean precision dry ice blast cleaning system and dry ice from ACP to clean metal and ceramic objects, including prisoners' bowls and spoons. The museum will also use dry ice blasting for maintenance of the facilities housing the planned new main exhibition. Recognizing the global significance of this cultural renovation project, Cold Jet and ACP provided the museum the blasting system and the dry ice at special symbolic pricing. The financial contribution from Cold Jet and ACP for this project is therefore well appreciated by the museum.

"The museum is in the middle of a global conservation and preservation project of the Auschwitz-Birkenau camps, which include 155 buildings and thousands of objects from prosthetics and glasses to cookware and art," said Aleksandra Papis for the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and State Museum. "Our modern laboratory and skilled restorers are working to find the best and safest methods for restoring all aspects of the camps. After significant testing of the Cold Jet system, we were satisfied with the ability to clean many of the unusual objects that will be displayed throughout the museum. We found dry ice blasting to be cleaner and less abrasive than other methods, and we will continue to find new ways to use the system for general maintenance and throughout the duration of the cleaning and preservation project."

"The preservation of the Auschwitz artifacts is important from historical and social perspectives as the museum works to provide its more than one million annual visitors with a clear understanding of the atrocities that took place in the camps, as well as an honorable way to memorialize the victims," said Dietmar Juchmes, General Manager of Cold Jet Germany. "It is important for Cold Jet to be involved in this project to demonstrate our commitment to social causes by using our modern technology to preserve the past. Our dry ice blasting systems have been used to restore everything from soot-covered books damaged in fires and raised wreckage to established landmarks. Each presents a unique challenge that has been tackled by one of our dry ice blasting systems."

The i3MicroClean is a precision system that is used around the world to clean everything from delicate surfaces to complex mold cavities. The system uses reclaimed CO2 in the form of solid dry ice particles accelerated through a hose and high-velocity nozzle to remove coats of resin from metal objects and dirt from ceramic objects without damaging the metal or ceramic. The dry ice particles vaporize upon impact with the surface, cleaning without any by-product and eliminating the added cost and environmental impact of secondary waste treatment and disposal.

Jan Vansant, General Manager of ACP added, "We are honored to be working with the Museum and Cold Jet on this important social project, which demonstrates our companies' commitment to social ethics and conscientious sustainability. The use of dry ice blasting as part of this restoration project enhances the museum's ability to quickly and safely clean its vast inventory of important cultural and historical artifacts. We are pleased with the results of the dry ice blasting performed on the artifacts and look forward to assisting the museum going forward."

Images of the Auschwitz cleaning and restoration project are available at http://www.coldjet.com/en/news-and-events/newsitem.php?nid=95.

A German version of the release is available at http://www.coldjet.com/de/news-and-events/newsitem.php?nid=96.

A Polish version of the release is available at http://www.coldjet.com/pl/news-and-events/newsitem.php?nid=97

The ACP Group/CarboHeim
ACP is a Belgian private family owned enterprise and one of Europe's CO2 leaders with production sites all over Europe. ACP has specialized in liquid, solid and gasified CO2 and is at present situated in Eastern as well as in Western Europe. ACP enjoys an excellent reputation with the largest players in the food and beverage industry amongst many others.

About Cold Jet
Since 1986, Cold Jet has developed innovative, environmentally responsible cleaning solutions that help companies reduce maintenance costs, enhance product quality, prolong equipment life, and improve productivity and worker safety. Cold Jet's extensive line of dry ice blasting systems are used around the world in a variety of industries, making productive use of recycled carbon dioxide while eliminating the need for chemicals and water in the cleaning process. In addition to its dry ice-based cleaning systems, the company's dry ice production equipment is used by every major gas company worldwide to produce the highest density dry ice available. Cold Jet is a private company with global headquarters in Loveland, Ohio and international operations in Europe, Asia, Middle East, Canada and Mexico. For more information, visit www.coldjet.com or call 1-800-337-9423.

Contact Information:

Media Contact:
Kevin Wilson

513-898-1008