General Information about Dry Ice

What Is Dry Ice?

Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide that will sublimate directly from a solid to a gaseous state at room temperature without going through a liquid state. Dry ice has a temperature of -78.5°C (-109.3°F), extremely low temperatures make it an efficient coolant.

How to Produce Dry Ice?

Dry ice is made from liquid carbon dioxide, which is expanded and cooled to form CO₂ snow, and they are compressed under high pressure into blocks, pellets or flakes of dry ice.

Does Dry Ice Melt?

Dry ice does not ‘melt’, but sublimates directly into a gas. This process is called sublimation.

How Long Can Dry Ice Be Stored?

How long dry ice can be stored depends on the storage conditions. In a well-insulated container , dry ice can be stored for 24-48 hours. In an ordinary environment, dry ice will sublimate quickly.

How Is Dry Ice Stored?

Dry ice should be stored in insulated containers such as foam boxes or special dry ice holding tanks. Avoid completely sealed containers to prevent pressure build-up.

Is Dry Ice Harmful to Humans?

Dry ice itself is non-toxic, but direct contact with the skin can cause frostbite. In addition, the use of dry ice in confined spaces can lead to high CO₂ levels, which can affect breathing.

Can Dry Ice Be Placed in the Refrigerator or Freezer?

Dry ice is not recommended for use in household refrigerators or freezers. The extremely low temperatures of dry ice may cause the refrigerator temperature control system to malfunction.

What Are the Applications of Dry Ice?

Dry ice can be used for equipment cleaning, transporting and storing medicines at low temperatures, food preservation, stage smoke effects and other uses.