What is dry ice ?

Unlike classic ice, dry ice is not made of water, but of carbon dioxide (CO2). As soon as the dry ice becomes warmer than -78.4 degrees, it starts to sublimate. Sublimation means that the dry ice evaporates and dissolves directly into CO2 gas without melting first. The thereby resulting carbon dioxide gas is odorless and colorless and leaves no residue. Since it has a higher density than air, it accumulates on the ground, so when using dry ice, care should be taken to ensure a sufficient air supply.

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Other characteristics of dry ice are:

  • Non-conductive

  • Non-combustible

  • Antibacterial

  • Non-toxic


Production of dry ice pellets

In the production of dry ice, liquid carbon dioxide (CO?) is first placed under atmospheric pressure. It is then released again, which means that the pressure is suddenly reduced again. The liquid expands rapidly and carbon dioxide partially evaporates. This physical process withdraws heat from the remaining CO? and thus cools the remaining gas. What remains is dry ice snow with a temperature of -78.4 °C. This ice snow can then be pressed into blocks or pellets, depending on the application.

 

Application areas of dry ice

Due to its special characteristics, dry ice is used in a wide range of applications, including the following industries:

  • Industry and commerce:

    In industry, the dry ice blasting process can be used to gently clean the surfaces of machines, tools and control elements. Dry ice blasting equipment can also be used to remove dirt, oil and grease from walls and vehicles. Furthermore, dry ice can be used for deburring plastic and rubber parts.

  • Food industry and gastronomy:

    In addition, the solid carbon dioxide is used to maintain the cold chain of foods such as fish, meat, poultry, dough and fruit and vegetables. The low temperatures maintain the freshness during and after sublimation, the existing CO? gas also acts as a preservative. Gastronomy customers use it to cool food, buffets, drinks and ice sculptures.

  • Medicine and pharmaceutical industry:

    Research and the medical industry would face a major problem without dry ice, as samples often have to be cooled down as quickly as possible. In addition, dry ice pellets are an excellent solution for maintaining the critical low temperatures required for the storage and transport of pharmaceuticals and organ donations.

  • Logistics and air freight:

    The fixed CO? is often used when transporting cold products where refrigeration equipment may not be desired or available and can be a cost-effective solution in cold chain logistics. It is also a space-saving option for transporting food for domestic and long distance deliveries.

  • Events:

    The pellets create a fogging effect when hot water is poured on them. This artificial fog is often used in stage technology, film and television productions or other events. As in the food industry, the dry ice nuggets can also be used to cool drinks and food at parties.

     

Purchase dry ice or produce it yourself ?

You can purchase dry ice for your needs. We produce and deliver every business day. You can choose between a grain size of 3 mm or 16 mm. The dry ice pellets with a diameter of 3 mm are especially suitable for dry ice blasting, while the coarse-grained pellets are used for transport cooling. We send your dry ice delivery by parcel service in isolated 25 liter ice boxes, so that it arrives at your place the next day. The shipment is carried out throughout Germany.

For the in-house production of dry ice you need a pelletizer and a liquid carbon tank. The advantage is that you have fresh dry ice spontaneously and at any time. The purchase is recommended if you have a frequent need for dry ice.

 

Dry ice directly from the specialist

Do you have further questions about dry ice, the right grain size or other products from our range? We are available for you at any time and will be happy to advise you personally at +49 7141.13381-10 or contact us via our contact form.

Airfreight

Dry Ice is a space and cost-efficient means of refrigerating perishables and food during long transports and flights.

Food Delivery

Dry Ice is an excellent solution for transporting meat, fruit and vegetables for both domestic and long-distance deliveries. The low temperature maintains freshness, and even after sublimation the present CO2 gas acts as an effective preserve.

Pharmaceutical industry and laboratory

Dry Ice is an excellent solution for maintaining the critical cryogenic temperatures needed in the storage and transportation of drugs and biological samples.

Logistics

Dry Ice is used extensively in the transportation of cold products, where refrigeration equipment may not be desirable or available, and can represent a very cost effective solution for cold-chain logistics.